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La Tour Pentagonale: A Medieval Sentinel of Castellane
Explore Castellane's medieval past at La Tour Pentagonale, a historic tower offering stunning views of the village and Verdon valley.
La Tour Pentagonale, dating back to 1359, is a prominent feature of Castellane's medieval ramparts. This well-preserved, five-story tower offers a glimpse into the town's fortified past and provides stunning views of the village, the Roc, and the Verdon valley. Although the interior is closed to the public, the tower's imposing presence and historical significance make it a worthwhile attraction.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to La Tour Pentagonale
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
31 Rue du Mitan, Castellane, 04120, FR
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Getting There
Walking
La Tour Pentagonale is located in the heart of Castellane and is easily accessible on foot from most points in the town. From Place Marcel Sauvaire, the main square, walk north along Rue du Mitan. The tower will be visible on your left after a short walk. There is no admission fee to view the exterior of the tower.
Public Transport
If arriving by bus at Place Marcel Sauvaire, the tower is a short walk away. From the bus stop, walk north along Rue du Mitan. The tower will be visible on your left. Bus tickets typically cost around €3 for a single journey within the region.
Taxi
Taxis are available in Castellane, and a short ride to La Tour Pentagonale from anywhere in the town center will be relatively inexpensive. Expect to pay around €8.00 as a base fee, plus €2.22 per kilometer. A short trip within the town should not exceed €15.
Local tips
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Visit the Jardins de la Tour at the base of the tower for the best panoramic views of Castellane and the surrounding area.
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Explore the old town of Castellane, with its narrow lanes and fortified vestiges, to fully appreciate the medieval atmosphere.
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Combine your visit to the tower with a hike to Notre-Dame du Roc chapel for more stunning views and a sense of Castellane's history.
Discover more about La Tour Pentagonale
La Tour Pentagonale, a historical monument since 1921, stands as the most imposing and best-preserved tower of Castellane's old fortification system. Constructed in 1359 as part of a defensive wall with fourteen towers, it has guarded the town since the Middle Ages. The tower's pentagonal design, though irregular, rises five stories high, reaching almost 20 meters and built on the highest point of the ramparts.
While the tower's interior is not accessible to visitors, its exterior provides a fascinating look at medieval construction. The masonry consists of small, somewhat irregular courses of squared limestone rubble, with corner chains primarily made of tufa stone. Notably, the fourth floor features large, rusticated ashlar chains and remnants of a machicolation. Traces of two archers can still be observed in the tower's structure.
At the foot of La Tour Pentagonale lies the Jardins de la Tour, offering a picturesque setting with panoramic views of Castellane, the iconic Roc, and the Verdon valley. The tower is a key landmark in Castellane, a village known for its rich history and strategic location at the gateway to the Verdon Gorges.
A brief summary to La Tour Pentagonale
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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