Embark on an unforgettable journey along the French Riviera and explore the medieval treasures that dot a west-to-east itinerary. In this top 10 list of the most beautiful fortresses, you'll discover exceptional sites such as the Citadel of Saint-Tropez, a true 17th-century stronghold with its hexagonal keep, the Château de La Napoule with its enchanting gardens, and the Grimaldi Castle in Antibes, which now houses a museum dedicated to Picasso.

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1. Citadel of Saint-Tropez

Built in the 17th century to protect the Provençal coast, the Citadel of Saint-TropezClassified as a Historical Monument in 1995, it is one of the most emblematic and most visited sites in the Var region as a whole and in Saint TropezIts impressive military architecture, designed by the engineer Raymond de BonnefonsIt comprises a hexagonal keep (1602-1608), a curtain wall, bastions, and a moat system. It was the main defensive rampart between Antibes and Toulon, attesting to its strategic importance. Since 2013, the keep has housed the Maritime History Museum whose layout is spread over three levels. The ground floor explores the local maritime economy (fishing, coastal shipping, shipyards) while the first floor celebrates legendary figures of Saint-Tropez such as the Bailli de Suffren, Hippolyte Bouchard, and General Allard, as well as the great transoceanic voyages. The rooftop terrace, with its breathtaking panoramic view of the bay, houses spaces dedicated to yachting and motorboating. Temporary exhibitions regularly enrich the museum, such as the one devoted to... Philippe Starck's boat "Le Virtuel".

Address 1, montée de la citadelle – 83990 Saint-Tropez

Practical information

2. Château de la Napoule (Mandelieu-la-Napoule)

Built in 1387 on the seafront by the Counts of Villeneuve, the Château de La Napoule à Mandelieu-la-Napoule (Alpes-Maritimes) embodies seven centuries of turbulent history, marked by invasions and conflicts. This medieval fortress experienced a renaissance in 1917 thanks to an American couple Henry and Mary ClewsHenry Clews, a sculptor and painter, rebuilt the castle, incorporating the original remains, including the two iconic towers. There, he created his fantastical world, symbolized by the motto "Once upon a time" engraved on the gate. The castle now houses his museum, which displays his works imbued with humor and whimsy.

Marie Clews, for her part, designed gardens as early as 1919 that were awarded the "Remarkable Gardens" label by the Ministry of Culture in 2005. Organized around a majestic French-style avenue, they comprise a main garden, the La Mancha garden, terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, and a mysterious secret garden. Punctuated by whimsical follies (bridge, pergola, garden tower), pools, a fountain, and a well, these spaces, as well as the main building, are specifically protected as historical monuments.

Address Henry Clews Boulevard, The Napoule, 06210 Mandelieu-La Napoule

3. Grimaldi Castle / Picasso Museum (Antibes)

Perched on the acropolis of ancient Antipolis, the Grimaldi Castle The castle of Antibes (Alpes-Maritimes) embodies two thousand years of history. Founded on Roman remains from the 1st century (including walls 3 to 5 meters high), its 25-meter-high square Romanesque tower (late 11th century) bears witness to the medieval castrum with its elevated defensive access and reused Roman stones. Occupied by the Grimaldi family from 1385, the current castle was rebuilt in the 15th century, modified in the 17th, and then became royal property under Henry IV in 1608. Serving successively as the governor's residence, the town hall, and a barracks, it was saved from ruin in 1925 by the city and Romuald Dor de la Souchère.

The artistic history begins in 1946: Picasso set up his studio there for two months, immediately creating 23 paintings and 44 drawings (The Joy of Life). He left these works on deposit, inaugurating a dedicated room in 1947. In 1966, the château located at Antibes. and classified as a Historical Monument is transformed into Picasso Museum, Enriched by 78 ceramics (1948), the Jacqueline Picasso donation (1990), and other acquisitions, the collection now comprises 245 Picasso works displayed alongside creations by Miró, Léger, and Richier. Renovated by Pierre-Antoine Gatier (2006-2008), this sanctuary of modern art, bathed in Mediterranean light, perpetuates Dor de la Souchère's vision and the master's generous legacy.

Address : Place Mariejol, 06600 Antibes, France

4. Fort Carré (Antibes)

Still in Antibes, there is another monument that is well worth a visit: Fort CarréErected around 1550 on the orders of Henry II, the building was a defensive pillar of the Kingdom of France, serving to protect the border with the County of Nice and to secure the last French port before Savoy. Operational from 1585, it suffered its first attack in 1592 during the Savoyard siege. Vauban modernized its defenses at the end of the 17th century, which helped to consolidate its strategic role until the 19th century.

The attachment of Nice Its transfer to France in 1860 led to its decommissioning from military use. After 1945, the army established a high-level sports training center there, managed by the Joinville School. Transferred to the Ministry of Sports in 1967, it was listed as a historical monument in 1905. Volunteers from the Club du Vieux Manoir restored it between 1979 and 1985.

Purchased by Antibes Juan-les-Pins in 1997, it opened to the public in 1998 as museum and heritage site. Today, visitors explore its iconic star-shaped architecture through guided tours (45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes) or educational workshops. The fort is surrounded by a Park 4 hectares which shelters preserved Mediterranean biodiversity. The area is owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral while being integrated into Natura 2000.

Address : Av. du 11 Novembre, 06600 Antibes

5. Grimaldi Castle-Museum (Cagnes-sur-Mer)

A medieval fortress built at the beginning of the 14th century, the Grimaldi Castle The Château de Cagnes-sur-Mer (Alpes-Maritimes) was owned by the Grimaldi branch of Antibes from 1309 until the French Revolution. A listed historical monument, this Côte d'Azur château was transformed into a municipal museum in 1946. Today, it is distinguished by the eclecticism of its collections. It houses the Olive Museum which highlights the traditions linked to this Mediterranean emblem as well as a modern art and ethnography collectionIts centerpiece is the Suzy Solidor donation, a unique collection of portraits of the singer painted by the greatest masters of the 20th century such as Foujita, Picabia, Van Dongen or Tamara de Lempicka.

Address : Place du Château, Haut-de-Cagnes, 06800 Cagnes-sur-Mer

6. Château de Villeneuve-Loubet

Emerging from the earth in the 13th century under the impetus of Romée de VilleneuveThe Château de Villeneuve-Loubet (Alpes-Maritimes) is a medieval fortress that has retained its character as a private residence. Owned by the de Panisse-Passis family continuously since 1742, it is listed as a historical monument, along with its park. Its architecture is distinguished by an imposing, slightly leaning, 37-meter-high pentagonal keep and an outer wall flanked by five round towers. The four main buildings are arranged around a trapezoidal inner courtyard. Although the château is located at Villeneuve-Loubet a private residence, its park, its ramparts and its courtyard are open to visitors through the local Tourist Office.

Address : Av. de Bellevue, 06270 Villeneuve-Loubet

7. Castle Hill (Nice)

Perched in the heart of the city ​​of Nice, Castle Hill is an iconic site where the medieval citadel (12th century) once stood, destroyed in 1706 on the orders of Louis XIV. Transformed into a lush public park in the 19th century, it now offers a haven of peace and exceptional panoramas 360° on the Bay of Angels, the Old-NiceThe hill, the port, and the Promenade des Anglais are all accessible free of charge via shaded paths, a paid elevator, or the little tourist train. It features artificial waterfalls, archaeological remains (Sainte-Marie Cathedral, a 17th-century cemetery), and Mediterranean gardens. A favorite walking spot for locals and visitors alike, it combines military history, lush greenery, and spectacular views.

Address : Montée Monfort, 06300 Nice

8. Èze Castle

Perched at an altitude of 429 m on a rocky spur overlooking the Mediterranean, the Èze castle It is now in ruins but continues to bear witness to a thousand-year history beginning in the Iron Age (220 BC). Built in the 12th century by the Èze family, this strategic fortress was guarded by castellans appointed by the Counts of Provence or Dukes of Savoy. Destroyed on the orders of Louis XIV in 1706 To prevent its use by the enemy during the War of the Spanish Succession, the site was transformed during the Belle Époque into a exotic garden Awarded (Remarkable Garden Label, Special Regional Prize).

Built on the remains of the medieval citadel, the garden located at Eze offers one of the the most spectacular panoramas of the Riviera (View extending to the Esterel mountains and Saint-Tropez). It combines:

• A botanical collection of succulent and xerophytic plants (southern part);
• Mediterranean areas with caves and waterfall (northern part);
• Artistic trails inviting the discovery of the remains.

Address : 20 Rue du Château, 06360 Èze

9. Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Castle

Built at the end of the 10th century by Conrad I, Count of Ventimiglia, to counter Saracen incursions, this medieval fortress of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is perched at 300 m and overlooks the bay of Monaco. Its keep is considered the oldest in France and its walls of 2 to 4 m thick reveal a complete defensive arsenal: machicolations, arrow slits, gun ports and crenellations.

Immersive experience :

• Digital journey "Following in the footsteps of Augustin Grimaldi" (smartphone): narrated videos, 3D reconstructions and puzzles to explore the history of the lordships of Ventimiglia, Genoa and Monaco.
• Exceptional panorama : view of Monaco, Cap Martin and Mont Agel.

Things to discover nearby :

• The medieval alleyways, small squares and vaulted passages of the village.
• THESainte-Marguerite Church (classified as a Historical Monument) and its cobbled forecourt.
• THEthousand-year-old olive tree.

Address : Place William Ingram, Village, 06190 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

10. Prince's Palace of Monaco

Perched like an eagle's nest at 60 meters above the MediterraneanThe Prince's Palace proudly overlooks the famous Rock of MonacoBuilt in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, it became the residence of the Grimaldi family in 1297, who have lived there for over seven centuries. This is a unique longevity among the sovereign families of Europe. The Grand Apartments are open to visitors from April to October. for a glimpse behind the scenes of the princes.

Treasures to discover :

• Hercules Gallery and its 16th-century mythological frescoes.
• Ice Gallery and Salon Louis XV, showcases of Baroque art.
• Throne Room and Palatine Chapel, places of sacred power.
•  The apotheosis: thedouble helix marble staircase, a masterpiece leading to the main courtyard.

The daily spectacle: the changing of the guard

Head to 11:55 sharpPalace Square!
Since 1817, Prince's Carabiniers They ensure the safety of the princely family. Their unchanging ritual:

• Long-lasting winter: black | Summer: sparkling white.
• 7 minutes of meticulously choreographed military drills.
• Un solemn ballet which attracts visitors from all over the world.
  Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early for the best seats!

Address Palace Square, 98000 Principality of Monaco

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