The Château and how to reach it

The Château de Boulbon stands on a rocky promontory in the Montagnette and overlooks the Rhône Valley. A footpath through the lanes of the old village leads to the Château. The building is described as both a strategic fortress and a seigneurial residence. The two descriptions emphasize different aspects: its defensive function on the one hand and its role as a lordly residence on the other. The Château is open to the public for self-guided visits. As opening dates vary by season, check them before your trip.

Free parking is available at Place Gilles Léontin. From there, it is about a ten-minute walk to the entrance. Allow for this walk when planning your arrival; the time given refers to the route from the car park to the Château.

Chapel, mill and traces of history

The Chapelle Saint-Julien de Boulbon offers a different visiting experience. The 12th-century Romanesque chapel is north of the village in the garrigue, on the road to Frigolet. It has been classified as a historic monument (Monument historique) since 1 October 1941. Its interior is closed. A visit can be requested by email or via the website form. Check whether a visit is possible before travelling, as access arrangements may change.

Moulin Bonnet was built in 1776 and fully restored in 2002. The dates mark two stages: its construction in the 18th century and its later restoration in the 21st century. Moulin Bonnet offers a remarkable view of Boulbon and the alluvial plain. The climb there is described as a hike in the Massif de la Montagnette. Access to the Montagnette may be regulated during periods of fire risk.

Porte Loriol is another trace of history: it is a surviving remnant of Boulbon’s former fortifications. Thus, alongside the Château, described as a fortress, remnants of the former fortifications provide another point of interest.

Hiking route and planning your visit

One described hiking route from Abbaye de Saint-Michel de Frigolet leads back to Boulbon through Vallon de Saint-Michel. On the way towards Boulbon, the signposting gives the directions “Boulbon 1 h” and “Boulbon 50 min”; the two time estimates differ by ten minutes. Before setting off, check the signposting and route conditions, as these may affect your plans.

There is also a fixed annual date for another occasion to visit: the Procession des bouteilles takes place every year on 1 June at Chapelle Saint-Marcellin. Check the arrangements for the relevant year locally. When planning, you can take two different dates into account: the Château’s seasonal opening dates and the procession’s recurring date.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Saint-Andiol, Saliers, Carro, Trets, Jouques, Aubagne, Rognac, Peypin.

For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.