Allemagne-en-Provence: The tiny village with the odd name
If you can read French, you would have done a double-take at seeing the name: Allemagne-en-Provence. It literally translates into “Germany-in-Provence”.
And even stranger, tourists visiting the area will not miss the imposing Château that dominates the landscape, in an area of Provence where you don’t expect to see many castles.
The Name
In French, next-door Germany is referred to as Allemagne, and the people there as “Allemands”, after one of the tribes in the area around 200AD. Given the centuries of subsequent conflict, it would seem strange to have a town named “Allemagne-en-Provence”, in the middle of the South of France.
The people of Allemagne-en-Provence, who call themselves, Armagnois or Allemagniens (not Allemands) will tell you that the town is actually named after the Gaelic Goddess of fertility, Alemona, and not the Germans at all.
And for this reason, the people of the town refused to change their name, even after the great wars of the 20th century.
The Château
Most châteaux in Provence are built on hilltops, like Carcassone and Lourmarin. With sweeping views of the countryside, these hilltop fortresses allowed its occupants to see invading armies arrive with plenty of advance notice. Being on a hill also meant that it was harder for foreign calvaries to penetrate inside the fortress.
The Château at Allemagne-en-Provence is on flat land. It is nonetheless sufficiently imposing enough to make foreign armies think twice. A castle has stood on the site since 1000AD, and was gradually expanded by the Barons of Allemagne.
Today it is a monument historique classé which is open to tour groups, as well as rentals for special occasions like weddings and other events. The castle also weekly rentals of gîtes (guesthouses) on the premises, for a price. If you do visit, don’t miss a trip to the dungeons!
The Town
A charmingly small town of approximately 600 people, Allemagne-en-Provence has a lovely little village center. There are several shops selling local artisan products like soaps, olive oils, patés, wines, and more. You can read more about local foods and drinks to try in Provence here.
There is also a small Catholic church called Eglise Saint Mark, and the town’s only hotel, Hôtel le Moulin.
The Area
The town is located in the Verdon Natural Park, one of the “most beautiful villages in France”, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The area is very popular for hikers around the famous Gorges du Verdon and Gorges de Colostre.
The spa town of Gréoux-les-Bains is also only a few miles away, as are the famous lavender fields of Valensole.