Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban combines routes through the countryside with a remarkable local history. The town is in Haute Provence, on the right bank of the Durance in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. Possible highlights of a stay include protected natural sites, hikes, historic buildings and activities at Saint-Auban airfield. When planning, it helps to keep these different interests in mind: routes, sightseeing and flight offers each have their own conditions.
Landscape and routes
The Allée cavalière connects the Ferme de Font Robert with the Château. Since 1951, it has been classified as part of the protected natural sites and natural monuments. Another way to explore the area is the Tour du lac de l’Escale: this easy, 9.6-kilometre family loop is also a discovery trail. It starts and ends at the Ferme de Font Robert and passes through Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, Volonne and L’Escale. Its length, loop format and the towns it passes through provide a concrete framework for planning; no walking time is specified.
Château, chapels and local history
The Château de Château-Arnoux was built between 1510 and 1515 by Pierre de Glandeves, then the local lord. Among its distinctive features is a spiral staircase with 84 steps, each carved from a single stone. The staircase has been classified as a historic monument since 1969. You can visit it by request during town hall opening hours.
The chapels also tell different stories about the town’s history. The Chapelle Saint-Jean was built in 1668 by four brothers from the Ricard family and has been an important pilgrimage site since its construction. Two hiking trails lead to the Chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste: one starts at the Blachon cemetery in Château-Arnoux, the other on the path to the Saint-Jean reservoirs. The two trails can be combined into a loop. For the Chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Bernar Venet created steel furnishings, including an altar, benches, a cross and stained-glass windows.
The Notre Dame de la Consolation church dates from 1634. Its bell tower was built in 1666 and rebuilt in 1829. Another trace of the area’s history leads to local crafts: in 1783, Château-Arnoux had at least eight pottery workshops; jugs were among their specialities. These dates and buildings bring together different periods, from 18th-century craftsmanship to the older churches and the Renaissance château.
Airfield and activities
At Saint-Auban airfield, the Aéroclub de Haute-Provence runs a flight school for beginners and people with flying experience. The offer also includes introductory, sightseeing and discovery flights. As the information comes from a 2024–2025 guide, confirm current offers and their availability before booking.
Since 2015, the FFPLUM-affiliated association Les Ailes Jarlandines has offered ULM sightseeing flights, introductory flights, pilot training and the opportunity to obtain a ULM licence for three-axis aircraft and/or paramotors there. Here, too, it is advisable to check the current availability of flights and training in advance. The Centre National de Vol à Voile offers a year-round fitness trail around the airfield, with views of gliders and the Pénitents; check trail conditions before setting out. Walkers and families can also take a loop around the airfield grounds and view the protected site. Check the visitor arrangements before you arrive. For model flying, the Air Model Club de Château-Arnoux offers people aged 11 and over the opportunity to get started; dual-control models are used to learn to fly. Check the club’s current access arrangements before visiting.
Planning your journey and stay
You can travel by train from cities including Marseille, Lyon and Paris via Saint-Auban station. Check the timetable for your travel dates. Also take the specific visiting conditions into account: the château staircase requires a request, and flight offers should be confirmed as current.
Discover more destinations: Aiglun, Forcalquier, Le Vernet, Valensole, Barrême, Mane, Saint-Vincent-sur-Jabron, Faucon-De-Barcelonnette.
Return to the main travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
