Charleval can be explored through two specific questions: How does the town’s founding shape the place, and what kind of activity suits your stay? The village was founded in 1761 at the initiative of César de Cadenet. There is also a canal running through the village, a weekly market on Saturday mornings, and several walks with different stated durations and routes.
Local History Between the Château and the Canal
When Charleval was founded, its château served as the ruler’s hunting lodge. The streets developed in front of the château along the alignment set out by César de Cadenet. The original town plan also takes account of the sloping terrain: its geometry follows the hillside. The founding, street layout and terrain thus describe different aspects of the early settlement.
Another historical connection is the Canal de Craponne, which runs through Charleval. It was made possible by an irrigation agreement dating from 1568. The canal connects local history with the area’s water infrastructure; the history of the village therefore goes back further than its founding in 1761. Visitors interested in historical context will find a second specific point of interest here, in addition to the château.
Walks with Different Stated Durations
The “Sentier de découverte” leads through Mediterranean woodland to the restored ruins of a former shepherd’s hut. The walk is about 8 kilometres long and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. It includes two short rocky sections. Factor these into your plans and check trail conditions locally.
The walk “Charleval: Du côté de la Durance” starts in the village, passes through the hills of Sainte-Croix and crosses the Canal de Marseille. Along the way, it offers views of the Durance Valley, the Alpilles and the Luberon. Its stated walking time is 5 hours and 30 minutes. This makes it considerably longer than the “Sentier de découverte”: the stated walking times help you judge how much time to allow for a walk when planning your trip. Check trail conditions locally here, too.
Another option, “Les Limites de la Forêt Communale de Charleval,” passes historic estates and offers views. The walk is quite strenuous. Before setting out, check trail conditions and any fire restrictions in force.
Market, Disc Golf and Seasonal Swimming
A weekly market is held every Saturday morning on the Cours de la RĂ©publique. The set day gives you a specific time to plan around if you are in Charleval on a Saturday.
The 18-hole disc golf course at the Base de Loisirs des Bois is open to the public free of charge and is considered the first disc golf course in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Check how equipment is arranged before you travel. That way, you can plan your visit without assuming that a particular equipment option is available.
The Piscine municipale des Bois is located at the edge of the forest, next to a pine grove. It is open throughout the summer; check that it is open before your visit. Swimming is therefore a seasonal highlight, unlike the walks with their stated walking times.
Local Information for Walking and Cycling
A topographic walking guide to the Chaîne des Côtes and a guidebook for family cycling trips are available for Charleval. The two resources focus on different activities: one provides guidance for walking, while the other is a guidebook for family bike rides. This helps you distinguish between the walks described here and cycling as a separate activity, without assuming that the same planning resource covers both.
If you are looking for a hotel in Charleval, first decide whether local history, a walk with a longer stated duration or a seasonal activity should be the focus of your trip. This lets you tailor your search to the activities you actually plan to do.
Discover more destinations: Mimet, Lançon-de-Provence, Rognes, Saint-Estève-Janson, Sausset-Les-Pins, Gréasque, Entressen, Rognonas.
Back to the regional travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
