Top 4 Castles around Ollioules
Best castles around Ollioules offers a glimpse into the region's rich past, set within a charming medieval village in the Var department of France. The area features historical structures that provide panoramic views of the Ollioulais countryside, stretching from the gorges to the sea. These sites offer an immersive historical experience, allowing visitors to explore centuries-old ruins and imagine life within their walls.
Best castles around Ollioules
- The most popular castles is Fort de Balaguier, a historical site that…
Last updated: July 4, 2026
Évenos Castle Ruins
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Fort de Balaguier
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Fort Saint-Louis
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Royal Tower
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Tourris Castle and chapel
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These iconic buildings have been completely renovated, with a particular focus on preserving their original beauty.
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Popular around Ollioules
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The Chapel of Saint John the Baptist and the Château de Tourris were built in the 16th century by Jean-Baptiste de Nas de Tourris. These iconic buildings have been completely renovated, with a particular focus on preserving their original beauty. The site is private, owned by the Gillet family and the Tourris estate. Please respect the site.
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The fort is located on the coast, between the port of Mourillon and Anse des Vignettes. It was built under the orders of Vauban and helped prevent the invasion of Provence and Toulon at the very beginning of the 18th century.
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Balaguier Fort is one of the three main defensive buildings in Toulon harbor, built in the 17th century. The monument is now decorated with a botanical garden and houses a naval museum whose exhibitions are mainly focused on the underwater world.
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From July 1 to September 30 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Entrance €2, guided tour at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
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There are pretty viewpoints and the old-fashioned little streets have a lot of charm in the old village, however it's more of a sporty walk than a hike. To get there, you unfortunately have to do most of the circuit on the road, which is quite dangerous because it is not marked out for pedestrians. It's a shame but because of its geographical location it is not possible to do otherwise. NB: It is rated easy, but a good cardio is necessary if you leave the center of the new evenos because it climbs!
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The Greeks built a tower on the site, which was later extended by the Romans to an oppidum. In the 10th century, a feudal castle was built here, including a fortified church. The castle is currently (08/2019) surrounded by a scaffolding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Ollioules offer the best historical insights?
For deep historical insights, consider visiting the Évenos Castle Ruins, which trace their history back to a Greek tower and Roman oppidum, with a feudal castle built in the 10th century. The Feudal Castle of Ollioules, built between the 12th and 15th centuries, also offers an immersive historical experience with explanatory panels guiding visitors through its ruins.
Are there any castles with notable panoramic views in the Ollioules area?
Yes, the ruins of the Feudal Castle of Ollioules, perched on a hill, provide splendid panoramic views of the Ollioulais countryside, stretching from the gorges to the sea. The Évenos Castle Ruins are also known for their pretty viewpoints.
What are some family-friendly castle options near Ollioules?
The Fort de Balaguier is considered family-friendly and features a naval museum and botanical garden, offering diverse attractions. The Royal Tower is also categorized as family-friendly and offers guided tours.
Are there any castles or historical sites with free access in Ollioules?
Yes, access to the Feudal Castle of Ollioules, its medieval Ventimiglia garden, and parking are all free, making it an accessible historical site for visitors.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Ollioules?
The region around Ollioules offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including touring, road, and gravel biking. For example, there are moderate to difficult cycling routes like 'Six-Fours-les-Plages: loop between sea and mountains' or 'Abîme de Maramoye – Château d'Évenos loop from Évenos'. You can explore these routes and more on the Cycling around Ollioules guide, the Road Cycling Routes around Ollioules guide, or the Gravel biking around Ollioules guide.
Are there any castles near Ollioules that are privately owned but occasionally open to the public?
The Château ou Bastide de Montauban, a 17th-century country house, is privately owned. However, it occasionally opens its doors to the public, particularly during Heritage Days, offering a rare opportunity to admire its historical architecture.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Ollioules?
While specific opening hours vary, the region's mild climate generally makes spring and autumn ideal for visiting, avoiding the peak summer heat. Some sites like the Royal Tower have extended hours from July to September.
Can I find any unique gardens or natural features associated with the castles?
Yes, just below the ruins of the Feudal Castle of Ollioules, a medieval walled garden known as the Ventimiglia garden has been restored and adorned with aromatic and medicinal plants. Additionally, Fort de Balaguier features a botanical garden.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and historical sites in Ollioules?
Visitors appreciate the immersive historical experience, the breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside and sea, and the opportunity to explore centuries-old ruins. The blend of history, nature, and accessible sites like the free Feudal Castle and its garden are highly valued.
Are there any castles with military or defensive historical significance in the area?
Absolutely. The Fort de Balaguier is one of the three main 17th-century defensive buildings in Toulon harbor. Similarly, Fort Saint-Louis, built under Vauban's orders, played a crucial role in preventing invasions of Provence and Toulon in the early 18th century.
Are there any castles that are currently in ruins but still worth visiting?
The Évenos Castle Ruins are a significant site, offering a glimpse into a long history from Greek and Roman times to a 10th-century feudal castle. The Feudal Castle of Ollioules, though in ruins, provides a splendid panoramic view and an immersive historical experience with explanatory panels.
Are there any castles that are part of a private estate?
Yes, Tourris Castle and chapel are part of a private estate owned by the Gillet family. Visitors are asked to respect the site.
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