Caseneuve: Château History and Luberon Landscapes

Caseneuve is located in the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon. The old village clustered around its château, views over the Calavon Valley and its location opposite the northern slope of the Grand Luberon give this destination a focus on landscapes and heritage. When looking for a hotel in Caseneuve, consider whether you would like to include the historic village, a cycling route through the village or a nearby hiking leg in your trip.

Château and Historic Village

The old village of Caseneuve was built around an 11th-century château and is surrounded by fortified walls. The château’s construction history has several points of reference: the stone structure was probably built around the year 1000, likely following an earlier wooden fortification. Archaeologists date its present appearance to the 12th century. The present-day fortress is 32 metres high and was built between the 10th and 12th centuries.

Caseneuve has lanes paved with stone slabs. The Oratoire de Caseneuve is located at the village entrance. Its construction used the portal of the former Notre Dame des Aumades chapel; the oratory is considered the largest in Provence. Saint Etienne Church is believed to date to the beginnings of Christianity. These buildings and lanes offer visitors to the old village several points of historical interest, from fortifications and religious architecture to its paved streetscape.

Cycling and Hiking

The Les Ocres à vélo cycling route passes through Caseneuve. From Saint-Martin-de-Castillon, it climbs along the D35 before reaching the village. Nearby, the first stage of the Tour des ocres du Luberon leads to the panoramic ridges of the Colorado provençal between Caseneuve and Rustrel. The routes therefore differ in their connection to the village: one passes through Caseneuve, while the other leads to the ridges in the area between Caseneuve and Rustrel. As paths and roads can change, check the current route before setting out.

Other Activities and Local Highlights

Les Ecuries du Luberon in Caseneuve offers pony rides and horseback rides for children aged three and over, teenagers and adults. The activities also include beginner, leisure and advanced courses, as well as Equi-Coaching on foot or in the saddle. If you would like to plan one of these activities, check in advance for current dates and options.

The Amicale de St Jean organises events about the wildlife, flora and cultural heritage of the Ferme de St Jean. If you would like to take part, enquire in advance about specific dates and participation options. Another local destination is Domaine Alloïs, founded in 2008 on family land in Caseneuve. The winery operates entirely organically and biodynamically; these practices may also change over time. It offers wine tastings; check before travelling whether a visit is possible.

Discover more destinations: Lafare, Cadenet, La Roque-Sur-Pernes, Saint-Léger-Du-Ventoux, Beaumettes, La Bastide-Des-Jourdans, Saint-Trinit, Beaumont-Du-Ventoux

For the main travel guide: Vaucluse.