Châteaudouble: Medieval Village and the Nartuby Gorges

Châteaudouble appeals to travelers interested in medieval village settings, religious buildings, and a striking landscape of gorges. The village lies above the Nartuby Gorges and dominates the surrounding landscape. Its name also refers to local historical tradition: Châteaudouble is associated with two medieval castles, each located on one bank of the Nartuby. The village’s history and the landscape along the river are both highlights of a stay here.

Above the Nartuby Gorges

The Natura 2000 site covers the Nartuby Valley and the Gorges de Châteaudouble, an area of outstanding natural beauty. From Châteaudouble, the Route des Gorges – Circuit 08 offers panoramic views over the gorges. This puts the natural environment and the village setting side by side as distinct points of interest: one is the broader landscape of the valley and gorges, the other the village’s medieval character.

Religious architectural history

The Église de l’Annonciation was built in 1594 and enlarged in 1678; it contains three 17th-century altarpieces. Altarpieces are decorative structures behind altars, and are a specific detail of the church’s furnishings. The building and its furnishings therefore reflect several periods rather than just one.

Individual protected features also date from different periods: the wooden side entrance door is from the 17th century, while the baptismal fonts date from the 16th century. The Chapelle Saint-Pierre has another architectural feature: its apse has a basket-handle-arch ground plan. The dates of individual furnishings and the shape of the apse illustrate different aspects of religious architecture.

Towers and outdoor art

The Tour Sarrazine, also known as the Tour Neuve, stands above the Belvédère. At the Tour de guet, the focus is on views of rocks and wild landscapes. The descriptions thus emphasize different features: the Tour Sarrazine’s position above the Belvédère, and the Tour de guet’s views of the rocky surroundings.

The Terrain d’Arts de Za features a permanent open-air exhibition. Alongside churches, towers, and protected features, an outdoor exhibition is another of Châteaudouble’s cultural attractions.

Rebouillon: walking route, castle, and onion-growing tradition

Rebouillon can be reached via a specific route: from Châteaudouble, it is accessible on foot along the Chemin des Avals, which begins at the Moulin des Avals. Rebouillon is home to a small castle with two square pavilions. The route and the building offer different connections to the area’s history.

Rebouillon was long known for its onion production, a tradition that lives on in local memory. The castle and pavilions represent the area’s built heritage, while onion production reflects the history of local agriculture. Together, these details show that Rebouillon has its own historical themes, as well as its connection to Châteaudouble.

Discover more destinations: Rayol-Canadel-Sur-Mer, Belgentier, Saint-Mandrier-Sur-Mer, Fox-Amphoux, Cotignac, Claviers, Bandol, La Farlede

For the wider travel guide: Var.