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Origin and history

The citadel of Entrevaux is built on a rocky spur overlooking the village and the river Var, in a steep meander. Its unique access, an 800-metre pedestrian path with 9 ramps and a 156-metre elevation, reflects its strategic defensive role. The site, originally occupied by the ancient city of Glanate, became in the Middle Ages a refuge for the population in search of security, under the influence of the barons of Glandevès, a Provencal family linked to the county of Provence.

Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Entrevaux, a border town between Savoie and Provence, played a key military role. In 1536, after its capture by the troops of Charles Quint, the city freed itself thanks to the action of its barber, who assassinated the Spanish governor, triggering a revolt. As a reward, the dolphin and then the king declared Entrevaux "Royal City", exempting from taxes. Richelieu strengthened its ramparts in 1624, and Vauban modernized the fortress between 1683 and 1702, adding strongholds and fortifications.

The citadel victoriously resisted in 1704 the troops of the Duke of Savoy during the Spanish War of Succession. Until 1860, it marked the border with the valley of Var, which was considered inexpugable. His last military use was the reception of German prisoners during the First World War. Ranked Historic Monument in 1921, 1927 and 1937, it now embodies the region's strategic and architectural heritage.

The access bridge, built between 1655 and 1658 by the Nice masons Étienne Pino and Jean-Baptiste Chiarra, replaces a structure carried by a flood in 1651. With a 17.50-metre arch and a 4-metre apron, it initially incorporated a drawbridge as the only defence. Vauban later added fortified structures at both ends from 1690. The stones, extracted near the chapel Saint-Clair, illustrate a meticulous masonry for the harpsichords and more rustic for the rest of the structure.

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