The Château de Château-Arnoux is one of the architectural jewels of the Haute-Provence Geopark. Its listed staircase is remarkable for its statuary, unique in the south of France.
Built between 1510 and 1515, the building’s massive base, latticed archways and cannonieres are still medieval. By contrast, its glazed roof, mullioned and scalloped windows and staircase statuary are Renaissance-inspired. In addition to the original four towers (2 round and 2 square), a fifth hexagonal tower was added to project from the façade to house the staircase. The staircase, with its 84 single-stone steps, is adorned with sculptures depicting mythological and historical figures. Inside, the Grande-Salle, where the town council now meets, is remarkable for its French-style ceiling and gypseries.
The park, listed as a “natural site and monument”, has been converted into an arboretum. Oaks as old as the château and rare species planted in the 18th century give the park its unique character.
