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Français |
Magazine |
Departments |
Villages |
Map |
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Hotels |
Bed & Br. |
Rentals |
Camping |
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Châteaurenard Population : 13,131 |
Between
Saint Rémy de Provence (11
km to the south)
and Avignon (10 km to the
north) on the D571
|
Châteaurenard
was formerly a strategic defensive site, providing protection
against attacks by enemies and watching over the
The main economic activity in Châteaurenard is its Marché d’Intérêt National (MIN - or National Market), held on a site which extends over 800 m2. Around 300,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables are handled here every year (making this the largest market of its kind in Europe in terms of weight). The market is supplied by 150 municipalities in the surrounding area. It is open for business every day from 6.30 am to 7.30 am but it’s not worth getting up early and going there with your little basket - the melons, tomatoes, cauliflowers, lettuces, apples and other fruit and vegetables are sold here by the palette and the lorry load! Finally, don’t leave Châteaurenard without trying the local specialities: frigoleïo (grapes covered in marzipan and infused with a herbal liqueur) and galet de la Crau (a small crunchy cake with marzipan) which you can buy from bakeries. |
What to see:
Church of St Denis
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Situated
in the north of the department, at the foot of a little hill
between La Montagnette to the west and La Petite Cran to the
east, Châteaurenard is a little town which lies peacefully at
the heart of a fertile valley. Châteaurenard boasts all the
attractions of a rural town: surrounded by vast, colourful orchards,
between the Alpilles and Durance, but just a stone’s throw from
Avignon and the main tourist attractions of the region. 
Durance valley.
Some remnants of the town’s feudal past have been preserved,
with two towers of the old château still surviving today. Constructed
in 1170 by Reynardus, the local lord of the manor, the château
gave its name to the village: originally called Castel Reynard,
it then became Castel Renard and later Châteaurenard. The château
underwent several changes and transformations over the centuries.
For instance, in 1420 a second floor was added, which explains
the mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. 
Some famous people have stayed at the
château: Louis XIV, Queen Jeanne and Catherine de Medici are
among the most well known, as well as Pope Benoit XIII (the
last pope of Avignon). Sadly, the château was destroyed by the
villagers during the French Revolution - only the two towers
visible today were spared. From the castle esplanade and the
Griffin Tower visitors can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view
of la Montagnette, Avignon, le Ventoux and the Alpilles. 
Today
the château houses a museum of local history, with four themed
rooms: the Middle Ages, stone engravings and sculptures, the
17th century and the 18th century. During the summer months
you can also visit the Châteaurenard Museum of Agricultural
Implements. 
