Château des Templiers, Provence Travel Guide

The Château des Templiers, dominating Gréoux-les-Bains, is a historic site with a complex past. Despite its name, its direct link to the Knights Templar is debated among historians. Built in the 13th century, likely by Arnaud de Trian, the castle initially belonged to the Counts of Provence before being ceded to the Hospitallers of Saint-Jean-de-Jérusalem.The castle's architecture features a rectangular courtyard, a round tower, and a square keep. Modified in the 16th century to enhance comfort, it showcases a blend of medieval and later architectural styles. Over the centuries, the castle has passed through various owners, including Raymond de Roquefeuil, who pillaged it in 1377.Today, the Château des Templiers is a listed historical monument that hosts free exhibitions in its renovated guard room from mid-March to late November. While the courtyard is currently closed for restoration, the castle remains a prominent landmark, offering insights into the region's history and architecture. The castle is the third largest in the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region, after the Palais des Papes in Avignon and the Palais Episcopal in Salon de Provence.