Rich with surprising history, which you will discover as you bop around lanes and squares, this little town has many a secret to unveil to visitors. The Provençal charm of Saint Paul Trois Châteaux will leave you filled with wonder, because of the white stone shaped by centuries, and boasting magnificent Provençal architectural works. These living memories from bygone times never cease to inspire us, such as the cathedral’s romanesque style, or the façades of private mansions.
The Historical Centre
The historical centre of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux is full of surprises and architectural masterpieces of various styles, including the Cathedral Notre Dame, in the Provençal romanesque style. Now a listed monument, it was built in the 12th and 13th centuries.
A trail indicated by 30 signs or so leads you through the town centre of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux so that you can see its entire heritage.
As it is just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral, do not hesitate to take a little break at the Tricastin Archaeology Museum and see Europe’s largest mosaic – 108m² wide – as well as an Ark of the Covenant dating from the 15th century, unique in Europe.
The Chapel of Saint Juste
Built in 1812, the Chapel of Saint Juste is located high on a hill overlooking the town. Accessible via a hiking path, the panoramic view of the Rhône valley as well as an orientation table are two must-sees at Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux.
The produce of our Terroir
Tricastin is the French region with the largest production of Tuber Melanosporum, or Black Truffle! This prestigious ‘Black Diamond’ is now rarer and constitutes a refined delicacy for high-end restaurants. If you wish to know more about truffles, why not pay a visit to Maison de la Truffe et du Tricastin – the ideal place to learn more about this very sought-for delicacy.
Saint Paul Trois Châteaux’s truffle market is the unmissable event for the purchase and tasting of Melanosporum, and the opportunity for a conversation with truffle growers. The truffle market takes place every Sunday morning from mid-December to mid-March on Place de l’Esplan.
The stone
The stone is an integral part of the landscape of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux as most monuments and buildings in the historic centre, including the Cathedral, are built out of the local stone originating from Saint-Restitut’s stone quarries. This tremendously charming stone town is unique in its own style.
