The Village of Entrevaux

At the heart of the old town stands the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

Built between the 17th and 18th centuries, it is remarkable for its imposing size, especially for a small mountain town.

The cathedral was incorporated into the town’s fortifications in 1692: its bell tower was crenellated and served as a defensive tower.

Its architecture blends Provençal and Italian influences, reflecting Entrevaux’s unique geographical position between Provence and Piedmont. Its elegant campanile rises above the rooftops of the village and remains one of the town’s most distinctive landmarks.

Inside, the cathedral reveals a rich Baroque interior featuring magnificent altarpieces, religious sculptures, a remarkable high altar, several decorated side chapels, and exceptionally well-preserved period furnishings.

The light filtering through the stained-glass windows highlights the gilded decorations and architectural details, creating 

a peaceful atmosphere conducive to reflection and contemplation.

The square surrounding the cathedral is also a pleasant place to take a break. Surrounded by historic houses and small café terraces, it forms the vibrant heart of the village.

However, what truly makes Entrevaux famous is its citadel, which dominates the village from the top of its rocky outcrop. Successively fortified by Richelieu and later by Vauban during the reign of Louis XIV, it once served as a strategic stronghold protecting the frontier of the Kingdom of France against the County of Savoy.

The Citadel of Entrevaux

The climb to the citadel is one of the highlights of any visit. An impressive paved path winds along the mountainside, passing through several fortified gates and defensive structures before reaching the summit, which rises 156 metres above the village. Along the way, visitors are rewarded with magnificent views of the village, the Var Valley, and the surrounding mountains.

A little historical anecdote: this access route did not always exist. The current path was built on the orders of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban beginning in 1693, as part of the strengthening of Entrevaux’s fortifications.

Before that time, access to the citadel was far more rudimentary, and considerably more difficult. Soldiers had to follow a narrow mountain trail before entering the fortress... by means of a simple ladder! 

While highly effective from a defensive standpoint, this arrangement made any attack extremely challenging. One can easily imagine the difficulty of transporting supplies, weapons, and equipment up to the citadel in this manner.

The construction of the new path greatly improved communication between the village and the fortress while maintaining a high level of protection. More than three centuries later, this spectacular fortified pathway remains one of the finest examples of Vauban’s military engineering and contributes greatly to the unique charm of Entrevaux.

Once at the summit, the panorama is exceptional. The ramparts, former barracks, drawbridges, and defensive walls bear witness to the military engineering genius of the time. From the fortress terraces, the view extends across the entire valley, and it is easy to understand why Entrevaux was long considered an almost impregnable stronghold.

Informations: 

•     30-minute walk. 
•     Admission: €3 (automatic ticket gate at the beginning of the path) 
•     Open all year round. 
•     Not recommended for people with walking difficulties

After visiting the citadel and the medieval streets of Entrevaux, two establishments stand out as excellent places to enjoy a gourmet break in the heart of the fortified village.