A small fortified medieval village built on a rocky ridge, Le Crestet is dominated by the imposing ruins of one of the oldest castles of the Comtat, built in 860.
The village nestles around its Saint-Sauveur church in Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles. One can also admire beautiful Renaissance houses restored by lovers of old stones.
To visit the village, park at the foot of the village or on the castle square from where you can admire a magnificent panorama of the Mont Ventoux and the Baronnies.
Steep calades, vaulted passageways and stone arches allow you to discover the fortifications, the beautiful fountain (1843), the wash-house and the old well which still bear witness to the daily life of yesteryear.
In a corner of the castle square, a giant well is dug in the rock, 1.60 m wide and 62 m deep if we believe the tradition. For centuries, the most diverse objects have been thrown down there...
The Castle...
In 1985, the famous French architect Roger Anger, author of the UNESCO-recognized project for the international city of Auroville in India, undertook the renovation of this historic castle.
Formerly the residence of the bishops of Vaison-la-Romaine, the castle served as a refuge during conflicts with the Counts of Toulouse. It is even said that an underground tunnel connects it to Vaison.
Today a private residence, the castle can be rented for a rather important sum.
The Stahly Foundation
On the heights of the village, the Stahly Foundation is located in modern reinforced concrete buildings. Built by François and Claude Stahly in 1966 and classified as historical monuments, they include their place of residence, their workshop and an exhibition room. Surrounded by trees, the site is an area of artistic expression, a showcase for granite and wood sculptures and Mexican artworks.
The Contemporary Art Center welcomes artists-in-residence who explore the theme of art and nature in their work.
The Malézieux Spring
If you take the Chemin de La Verrière to discover the Notre-Dame de Prébayon chapel, where a monastery was built in the 7th century, you will "fall" on a miraculous spring, a thin trickle of water flowing near the altar. This spring is called Malézieux because it cures eye diseases. Every Easter Monday a pilgrimage has been organized there for more than a thousand years.
Le Crestet Town Hall
The Condamins,
84110 Crestet
Phone : 04.90.36.06.72
