St Paul Trois Chateaux

Lovely medieval town famed for its black truffles

featured in Towns & Villages Updated 12 June 2025

St Paul Trois Chateaux is located to the north of Provence in the Drome region. It's renowned for the production of black truffles whose quality is strictly controlled.

History & Culture in [locality]

The ancient capital of the region (Tricastin, named after the original Gallic inhabitants), St Paul sadly has no châteaux - the name is more likely to have been derived from the old name for the city, St Paul en Tricastin. In Latin, tricastri translates as three castles and it seems this also lead to the towns coat of arms which features three towers and a crown.

The village is home to one of France's national monuments, the Cathedral Notre Dame et Saint Paul - a Romanesque structure from the 12th century. It's widely considered to be one of the most complete examples of Provençal Romanesque architecture, characterised by its simplicity, large volumes and perfectly paired building stones. The interior is noted for the carvings on the top floor of the nave.

The town lends itself to exploring, and a nice view can be obtained from the top of the hill. The tourist office offers multilingual audio guides of the main historical sites in St Paul, so you can learn about the Gallo-Roman remains, the medieval town with its Jewish quarter, and buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. For more detailed information about St Paul's history, visit the Musée d'Archeologie.

See our History

Sights & Attractions in [locality]

There is a good selection of shops for general shopping and for souvenirs.

To the west of St Paul Trois Châteaux you may want to visit the Caves of Saint Marcel d'Ardeche with its network of underground rivers and cathedral ceilings.

Musee Departemental de l'Arles Antiques

Immerse yourself in the history of Provence by visiting this collection of archaeological remains.
Château de Grignan, Grignan

This lovely medieval castle has its origins as far back as the 11th century when the original fortress was built. It was transformed into a luxurious residence during the Renaissance before being somewhat deconstructed in the Revolution.
Musee du Vin Brotte, Chateauneuf du Pape

Created in 1972 by Jeanne Brotte, this wine museum is unique in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. First a modest museum displaying an impressing collection of old tools it has been renovated in 2002 and 2014 now presenting you with a museography called “In the footstep of the winegrower”.
Musee des Arts & des Metiers du Vin

This wine museum situated just outside of Ansouis is a must for all wine lovers, and a fascinating for all amateurs.
Fondation Vasarely

Located in Aix-en-Provence

Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely established this foundation in 1966 with the aim of promoting 'art for all' where art blends beautifully with architecture in the 'city of tomorrow'.
La Scourtinerie, Nyons

Originally founded in 1882, this family run business making traditional Scourtins survives to this day.

Events in [locality]

The weekly market is held on Tuesday mornings, and a farmers market is held on the first and third Sunday of every month.

Every Sunday from December to March, black truffles are on sale in La Place de l’Esplan.

There is a Maison de la Truffe in the town which is open throughout the year.

Other local produce includes olives and olive oil, wine, a special goats cheese called Picodon, summer fruits such peaches and apricots and lavender (there is a Lavender distillery open to the public in Nyons).

Things to do in [locality]

For those looking to be a bit more active, there is a trail called the Chemin des Arts Tricastin which is a footpath that takes you through the towns of La Garde Adhemar, St Paul, St Restitut and Clansayes, that takes you past Romanesque chapels and contemporary art installations. There are many other day and half-day hiking routes in and around St Paul - ask at the tourist office for details.

There are four marked cycling circuits from the town each of around 20km, an ideal way to explore the countryside. St Paul is also a regular host to the Tour de France.

There are a couple of forest adventure parks in the vicinity - La Fôret des Jeux boasts over 40 games for both adults and children, and Acro Pole Aventure to the north-east offers Via Ferrata, nature trails and outdoor adventures.

Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons

Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer

Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus

With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons

In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime

This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux

This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.

Hotels in [locality]

Le Clos des Lavandes B&B

In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.

26 July 20257 Nights
Price: €1,059
La Maison sur la Sorgue Hotel, Isle dur la Sorgue

Located in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

La Maison sur la Sorgue is a small boutique hotel in the heart of the village of the same name, renowned for it's antiques stores and markets. The lovely and generously sized rooms are decorated in a chic Provencal tone and feature antique furniture and modern touches. Wifi is available in the public areas and breakfast is served on the terrace by the pool. There isn't a restaurant, but there are plenty to choose from in the pretty town.

26 July 20257 Nights
Price: €4,165
Chateau de Berne Hotel

Set deep in the lush Var region of Provence, this country house hotel is set within a 550 hectare vineyard. So if food and wine are high on your agenda, then you may well want to consider a stay in the this charming Provencal hotel.

26 July 20257 Nights
Price: €31,920
Le Chateau des Alpilles Hotel, St Remy

Located in Saint-Remy-de-Provence

This charming chateau provides a wide range of accommodation from rooms and suites to mini apartments. Renowned for its beauty and excellent service, this is a very popular destination in Provence.
Hotel de Tourrel, Saint Remy de Provence

Located in Saint-Remy-de-Provence

This 17th century palais in charming Saint Remy de Provence is a historic-meets-contemporary sanctuary for lovers of all things gourmet.

26 July 20257 Nights
Price: €5,460
B Design & Spa Hotel, Maussane les Alpilles

Located in Les Baux-de-Provence

A family run spa retreat in the heart of Provence offering visitors the chance to savor the best in French cuisine.

26 July 20257 Nights
Price: €3,813