Top 10 Architectural Buildings in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France

With a view over Provence to the Mediterranean, the Château des Baux is one of the most beautiful sites in France. It is also a unique place marked by a turbulent past of more than ten centuries: from the Counts of Les Baux (who claimed to be descended from King Balthazar) to the Château’s destruction in 1483 by Richelieu after the wars of religion.This medieval stronghold contains both a castle and a village.

Psychiatric centre which treated Van Gogh after he cut off his ear.

The Alpes Trophy, the only remaining example of such triumphal architecture, was erected in the 1st century BC to honour Augustus Caesar’s victories against the tribes of the Alpes. This structure has been restored thanks to an American patron and it towers above the old Via Julia Augusta and the whole of the French Riviera from Esterel to the Italian coast. The monument features an exhibition of engravings, plaster cars, models, a video display and panoramic view. Open: > 19th May to 20th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 21st September to 18th May: from 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Closed: > Mondays. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 5,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

The village of Saorge overhangs the gorges of the Roya. The church of the Franciscan convent, which was founded in 1633, was built in the Baroque style. The refectory features painted decorations from the 17th century and the cloister is decorated with 18th century frescœs showing the life of Saint Franis of Assisi. The monastery houses a fascinating collection of nine sundials from the 17th, 18th, and 19th century. The church features one of the oldest Stations of the Cross paintings in the Alpes-Maritimes region. Open: > 2nd May to 30th September: from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. > 1st October to 31st October and 1st February to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed: > From 1st November to 31st January. > 1st May. Admission fees: Adults : 5,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

Dominating the valleys of the Guil and the Durance, which was based on designs by Vauban, was constantly perfected from the 18th to 19th century. Mont-Dauphin is perhaps France’s finest example of military architecture in the classical style. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open: > 1st June to 30th September: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st October to 31st May: from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed: > Mondays from 1st October to 31st May. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 7,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups