The superb Templar castle in Gréoux-les-Bains

Whatever the road, when arriving in Gréoux-les-Bains, the visitor cannot miss the building which dominates Gréoux-les-Bains. This castle is the third largest in the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region, just behind the Palace of the Popes in Avignon and the Episcopal Palace in Salon de Provence. Unfortunately, the castle of Gréoux-les-Bains bears the marks of time. It is currently undergoing restoration. The courtyard of the castle is closed to the public for the moment. On the other hand, the guard room, the exhibition room, is open to the public.

Everything suggests that it was in the 12th century that the first stones were laid to build the castle known as the "Templars". This medieval fortress, which became a lordly residence, has seen a number of owners over the years. In the 14th century, it belonged to the Count of Provence, Charles II, and was then sold to the Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem and then to Arnaud de Trian. From the end of the 14th century until the revolution, several lay lords succeeded one another in the castle. Abandoned, it was acquired as a national asset by Arnoux Guibert and classified as a historical monument in 1840.

Legend of the Templars

The name "Templar castle" is based on oral tradition, but it is probably not based on a legend! Although the archives of Provence do not allow us to deny or confirm this theory, other clues leave room for doubt. Indeed, history reveals that in 1307, Charles II, Count of Provence, transmitted to the Hospitallers of Saint John a large number of lands formerly in possession of the Templars, including the village of Gréoux-les-Bains. A mystery...