Visit Simiane-la-Rotonde, Provence
Simiane-la-Rotonde is a village to the north-east of Apt and west of Forcalquier in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of Provence (south-east France). Simiane is on a major lavender growing plateau and there are numerous lavender fields in the vicinity.
The village is in an enviable location, clustered around a small hill on a high plain (more than 600m altitude), with the Luberon to the south-west and close to Mont Ventoux. Simiane-la-Rotunda is itself a picturesque village, with an attractive medieval heart to explore.
Exploring Simiane-la-Rotonde
Exploring the village itself you will pass through narrow paved streets passed tall stone houses that typically date from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The village developed and became prosperous around the 17th century because of the local glass industry, and there are also various grander houses and small architectural details such as ornate doorways and a campanile that you will see as you explore the streets of Simiane-la-Rotonde as a result of this wealth.
The highlight, that also gives the village its name, is the medieval castle with its 'rotunda' at the top of the village. The castle is called the Chateau des Agoult stands at the highest point on the hill and dates from the 12th century.
The main part remaining is the tower - from the outside the castles rotunda has an unusual multi-faceted design, while inside the rotunda is a splendid large hall with a domed roof in stonework, with a series of arches below and ornately carves capital stones. Truly an impressive achievement for the 12th century.
Other parts of the castle can also still be seen, including the main lodge building and the defensive walls, and exhibitions including one about the history of the village.
Other notable highlights within Simiane-la-Rotonde include the 16th century belltower from the Church of Saint Jean (the church itself is no longer in existence); the small Church of Saint-Pierre (as with the rotunda, the simple exterior hides a more impressive interior); the 16th century covered market halls.
Attractions nearby
On a hill just outside the village you can see the Chapel of Notre Dame de Pitié while a few kilometres away you can see the 17th century Valsaintes Abbey and its attractive rose and flower gardens set across terraces on the hillside.
To the south of Simiane-la-Rotonde visit 'Colorado Provencale', a scenic attrcation with brightly coloured rock formations caused by the rosion of sandstone over millions of years.
See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (the region and department for Simiane-la-Rotonde) for more travel ideas...
Suggested places to visit near Simiane-la-Rotonde, France
Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.
Oppedette 6km
Mane 17km
Sault 17km
More suggestions: Forcalquier 18km; Apt 18km; Roussillon 23km; Montbrun-les-Bains 24km; Manosque 24km; Cucuron 25km; Lurs 26km; Bonnieux 27km; Ansouis 28km; Lacoste 28km; Lourmarin 29km;
Simiane-la-Rotonde tourist information: sights and attractions nearby
Colorado Provencal - site of natural beauty (9km) : Jardins du château de Sauvan - remarkable garden (17km) : Jardins du prieuré de Salagon - remarkable garden (17km) : Gorges de la Nesque - site of natural beauty (20km) : Jardin à la française du Pavillon de Galon - remarkable garden (25km) : Jardin de la Louve - remarkable garden (27km) : Prieuré Notre Dame (Ganagobie) - religious monument (28km) : Abbaye de Sénanque (Gordes) - religious monument (30km) :
See more places and a map at places near Simiane-la-Rotonde
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