Ménerbes

Ménerbes

A classic old town, perched on a rock bluff.

Ménerbes

Some may already know this town as author Peter Mayle wrote his book, A Year in Provence, from this town. At one end is the Citadelle, a miniature fortress of the 16th century, and at the other end the cemetery and the chateau du Castellet, where the expressionist painter Nicolas de Stael lived.

Like many towns in this area, religion took a toll. The town lasted as attack of 12,000 Catholic troops for a 14 month period. Most of the attack of course was on the Chateau du Castellet, at the western end of Ménerbes. In the end, the battle ended as the villagers ran out of water -- there were too many fires to put out. Today the streets are pleasant, the town has beautiful colours and there are restaurants and cafes to enjoy.