Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Entrevaux citadel is built on a rocky spur overlooking the village and the river Var, accessible only by a 800-metre pedestrian path with a 156-metre elevation. This strategic site, easy to defend, was chosen by the inhabitants of the ancient city of Glanate, founded a few years before the Christian era, to escape the insecurities of the Middle Ages. The family of barons of Glandevès, a powerful Provencal lineage, linked its destiny to that of Provence County, making Entrevaux a must-see place.

In 1536, during the wars between Charles Quint and François I, Entrevaux was briefly occupied by 50,000 Spanish soldiers. Released a month later thanks to a revolt triggered by his barber – who killed the Spanish governor during a shave – the city was later declared "royal city" by the dolphin, exempted from taxes as a reward for his resistance. This status marked its military and political climax.

In the 17th century, the citadel was modernized by Richelieu (1624), then by Vauban between 1683 and 1702, which strengthened its strongholds and fortifications. In 1704, she victoriously resisted the Duke of Savoy's troops during the Spanish Succession War, confirming her reputation as an inexpugable place. Its frontier role ended in 1860 with the attachment of Nice County to France. During World War I, she served as a prison for German officers, marking her last military use.

Ranked a historic monument between 1921 and 1937, the citadel today bears witness to five centuries of Provencal military history, mixing defensive architecture, local legends and geopolitical issues between Savoie, Provence and France.

External links