Roman ashlar masonry, a medieval rampart and Renaissance forms give Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux several cultural and historical points of interest. There are also collections on the history of the Tricastin and regional products. For a stay, you can therefore focus on the town’s history, architecture or regional specialities; the named walking tours and attractions offer different perspectives.
Roman Wall and Medieval Rampart
A Roman wall built of ashlar blocks survives in the Saint-Jean district. It is six metres high and is the only surviving Roman wall of this type in Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux. The medieval rampart offers a different point of reference: it has been documented since the 12th century and is very well preserved to this day. Several defensive gates also survive and have retained their defensive character.
The two fortifications offer different points of comparison: the Roman wall is distinguished by its height and ashlar blocks, while the medieval rampart is notable for its surviving defensive gates. Alongside Roman construction, the history of the town’s medieval fortifications also takes centre stage.
Architectural History from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance
The former cathedral was converted into a church and designated a Monument historique in 1841. Its architecture features elements of ancient building traditions; it is considered one of the finest examples of Provençal Romanesque art.
The Hôtel de Narbone-Pellet dates mainly from the 15th and 16th centuries. It features elements of Late Gothic, early Renaissance and what is known as the Second Renaissance. The current bishop’s palace, by contrast, was built in the 17th century on the site of a medieval building that had been destroyed during the Wars of Religion. These buildings thus represent different periods and historical contexts.
Archaeology and Regional Specialities
The Musée d’Archéologie Tricastine presents the history of the Tricastin from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Its collection includes a monumental stone Jewish Holy Ark from the 15th century, as well as Gallo-Roman funerary stelae from the 1st century. The two collection pieces highlight different periods: the Ark is an object from the 15th century, while the stelae date from the Gallo-Roman period.
The Maison de la Truffe et du Tricastin showcases black truffles from the Tricastin and wines from the AOP Grignan-les-Adhémar. Regional products thus complement the themes of architecture and archaeology. If you would like to consider regional specialities alongside historic buildings when choosing your destination, this offers another local point of interest.
Town Walks and the Voie Verte
The “De silhouettes en silhouettes” walking tour leads through the picturesque lanes of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux. It takes in the town walls, fountains, washhouses, listed buildings and part of the Promenade des Jardins, also known as the Coulée Verte. The historical walking tours use information panels installed on site to explain the town’s history.
An archaeological and historical town walk also passes through the town. The “Promenade through the ancient city of Augusta Tricastinorum” is another walking tour linked to the ancient city. You can choose between a tour that takes in a variety of buildings and places, and options with an explicitly archaeological or historical focus.
The Voie Verte offers another way to spend time in the town: it is an urban route for walking, jogging, cycling and rollerblading. It thus complements the cultural and historical attractions with opportunities for exercise. This provides clear guidance for planning your trip: Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux combines Roman and medieval heritage, architectural history, archaeology, and regional truffles and wine.
Discover more destinations: Buis-Les-Baronnies, Allan, Bénivay-Ollon, Condorcet, Saint-Agnan, Tulette, Menglon, La Touche.
For the overview of the wider area: Drôme.
