Description

The castle of Simiane (also castle of the Agoult family) is a partly ruined fortress in the upper area of Simiane-la-Rotonde village. The castle was rebuilt several times and today only a few defensive walls, the manor house and the rotunda are preserved. This wide tower houses a large room that is one of the most outstanding examples of Romanesque architecture in Provence.

The Rotunda of Simiane is unique. The only thing that is certain is that it is a tower of a castle complex. Its function has been interpreted in various ways, some of which refer to the rough exterior. The building is too wide for a lantern of the dead and it is located too centrally in the castle complex. There are no defensive facilities for a defense tower. Today it is thought to be the castle chapel, located above a crypt where Raimbaud d'Agoult is buried.

The tower of the rotunda was built at the end of the 12th century, the other parts around it are newer. From the 16th century the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair. Around 1850 the ruins went into public hands. This was also the time when old buildings were eagerly cataloged and the uniqueness was quickly recognized. The main facade was restored in 1875. The last major repair took place in the 1980s.

Access by public transport

Unfortunately, line 926 between Apt, Simiane-la-Rotonde and Banon only runs once a week. There are two stops, the upper one is right by the rotunda. More information is available under Zou! (only french).

Access by car

Simiane-la-Rotonde is located in the barren limestone area on one of the roads that connects Apt to Banon. But you can also arrive from Sault or Céreste. The rotunda is at the highest point in the village, you face it when coming from the north.

Parking site

There is plenty of free parking space along the road near the upper part of town. You can also park in the lower part of the village. You can't drive into the narrow streets of the town center.

Access by short walk

When you stand at the hairpin bend in the upper part of the town, you are also in front of the rotunda, which looks bulky from here. Go downhill to the right and then keep left to get to the main entrance. The site is open from May to August every day from 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., in September every day and in October on weekends from 10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission for an adult is EUR5,50 in 2022. A combined ticket with the Abbey of Valsaintes (10 minutes by car from Simiane) at EUR10,- is offered.

In and around Simiane

The village is also worth seeing! The steep and narrow streets lead to old buildings such as the church tower of St. Jean (but no more church) or the old covered terrace of the bistro La Palette. The village and a small sporty round in hills are described here: Hike around Simiane-la-Rotonde.