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Origin and history

Buoux Fort, located in the Luberon massif in Vaucluse, is a site occupied since prehistoric times. The first traces of housing date back to this time, with an oppidum that later served as the basis for the construction of the military fort in the 13th century. The latter, strategic, was a place of defence and community life for centuries, integrating various architectural elements such as ramparts, a church, and rock houses.

In the 17th century, the fort was conquered twice by the Protestants, which led to its destruction by order of Louis XIV. After this episode, the ruins became a stone quarry for local residents. Despite this partial destruction, the site preserves traces of its medieval past, such as a 16th century church, a main tower, and silos dug in the rock, probably used for food storage.

Buoux Fort was classified as historic monuments on December 16, 1986, recognizing its heritage importance. The site also includes rock shelters and balm, a natural fracture of 800 m2 that has served as a shelter since Neolithic, as evidenced by the flint found on site. These elements illustrate the continued occupation of the site through the ages, from prehistoric times to modern times.

The architecture of the fort reflects its evolution over the centuries, with 16th century ramparts, a guard corps, a cistern, and medieval houses. An inscription engraved above the church door, "You who pass through here, pass through me because I am the door of life," recalls the spiritual and symbolic role of the place. The steep cliffs and natural defences of the site made it an almost unspoilt place, reinforced by elements such as a watch tower and a drawbridge.

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