Chateaudouble combines a distinctly medieval village setting with a striking location above the Nartuby gorges. This combination is particularly significant when choosing a destination: the village’s history and landscape are not arbitrary themes placed side by side, but together shape its character. The name also points to this connection. It is linked to two medieval castles, each located on a bank of the Nartuby.
Local history and the gorge landscape
Chateaudouble lies above the Nartuby gorges and overlooks the landscape below. The Natura 2000 site encompasses the Nartuby Valley and the Gorges de Châteaudouble, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Those who want to explore culture and landscape together will find two different perspectives on the village here: its historic castles point to its medieval past, while the valley and gorges form its natural setting. The name and location do not tell the same story; instead, they bring historical heritage together with a specific landscape.
Churches and protected details
The Église de l’Annonciation was built in 1594 and extended in 1678. It houses three 17th-century altarpieces. Individual elements of the church also reflect different periods of construction and furnishing: the 17th-century wooden side entrance door is classified as a protected element, and the 16th-century baptismal fonts are protected as well. This makes it possible to explore the building’s history not only through its construction dates, but also through specific features.
A different architectural feature stands out at the Chapelle Saint-Pierre: its apse has a basket-handle-arch floor plan. This offers a clear point of comparison with the Église de l’Annonciation, whose notable details relate to its construction phases and protected furnishings. Together, the two churches illustrate different approaches to Chateaudouble’s architectural history without requiring them to share the same features.
Towers, art and views
The Tour Sarrazine, also known as the Tour Neuve, stands above the Belvédère. The Terrain d’Arts de Za features a permanent open-air exhibition. From the Tour de guet, you can enjoy views of rocks and wild landscapes. Each place offers a different focus: the Tour Sarrazine is defined by its position above the Belvédère, the Terrain d’Arts by its permanent outdoor exhibition, and the Tour de guet by its views of the landscape. You can weigh up architecture, outdoor art and scenic views as separate interests when planning your trip.
A walk to Rebouillon
A separate excursion takes you on foot from Chateaudouble to Rebouillon. The Chemin des Avals begins at the Moulin des Avals and provides the described connection between the two places. Rebouillon has a small château with two square pavilions. Its architecture is clearly different from Chateaudouble’s ecclesiastical buildings and adds another specific destination to the area’s history.
Rebouillon is also associated with a long tradition of onion production that lives on in local memory. This offers a different way to explore history than the castles, churches or viewpoints: here, the focus is on a traditional agricultural product. When planning your trip, you can distinguish this theme from the walk to Rebouillon and from the historic buildings in the main village, rather than combining everything into a single sightseeing visit.
The gorges as a destination in their own right
The Route des gorges – Circuit 08 also offers panoramic views of the gorges from Chateaudouble. Compared with the views from the Tour de guet, the focus here is on the gorge landscape as a whole, while the tower’s views foreground rocks and wild landscapes. This lets you choose between a landscape panorama, individual viewpoints and the village’s architectural heritage. Which of these aspects matters most to you can help guide your search for suitable accommodation in Chateaudouble.
Discover more destinations: Pourcieux, Saint-Antonin-Du-Var, Callian, Toulon, Lorgues, Aups, Les Bormettes, Mazaugues.
For the regional travel overview: Var.
