Discover Charleval

Charleval combines a distinctive local history with hiking trails and leisure activities. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay here, the different trail lengths and activities can help you plan your days: alongside shorter hikes, there is a route with a stated walking time of five and a half hours, as well as disc golf, a seasonal swimming pool and a weekly market.

Local History and the Canal de Craponne

Charleval was founded in 1761 at the initiative of César de Cadenet. At the time of its founding, the Château served as the ruler’s hunting lodge. The streets developed in front of it along the alignment laid out by de Cadenet. The original town plan also took the landscape into account: its geometry was adapted to the sloping terrain.

The Canal de Craponne runs through Charleval. Its history is linked to an irrigation agreement dating from 1568. The canal and the town plan thus point to different aspects of the town’s development: the use of water and the adaptation of the street layout to the terrain.

Hikes with Different Time Requirements

The “Sentier de découverte” (Discovery Trail) passes through Mediterranean woodland to the restored ruins of a former shepherd’s hut. The hike is about 8 kilometres long and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. The route also includes two short rocky sections; check local trail conditions before setting out. The stated duration makes it easier to plan your day, while keeping the rocky passages in mind.

The “Charleval: Du côté de la Durance” hike begins in the village and passes through the heights of Sainte-Croix and over the Canal de Marseille. Along the way, views open out over the Durance Valley, the Alpilles and the Luberon. With a stated walking time of 5 hours and 30 minutes, this route takes longer than the “Sentier de découverte.” If you are choosing between the two, both the walking time and the landscapes described are points to compare. You should also check local trail conditions here.

Another hiking option, “Les Limites de la Forêt Communale de Charleval,” is considered fairly strenuous. The route passes historic estates and offers views. A topographic hiking guide to the Chaîne des Côtes and a discovery booklet for family cycling tours are also available to help with planning. When hiking, take local trail conditions and applicable fire restrictions into account.

Weekly Market, Disc Golf and Swimming Pool

A weekly market takes place every Saturday morning on Cours de la République. It adds a regular event in town to your hikes and can be planned as a separate activity.

At the Base de Loisirs des Bois, there is a free-to-access 18-hole disc golf course. It is described as the first disc golf course in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Check how equipment is provided before you arrive.

The Piscine municipale des Bois is located at the edge of the forest, next to a pine grove. It is open all summer; check its opening status before your visit. As a seasonal activity, the swimming pool differs from year-round planning options such as information about local history and hiking routes. Activities in Charleval range from longer hikes to a visit to the market or the seasonal swimming facility.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Vauvenargues, Fuveau, Cadolive, La Bouilladisse, Saint-Étienne-du-Grès, La Barben, Alleins, Chateaurenard.

Back to the main travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.