The village’s narrow, untouched streets are lined with beautiful medieval houses, leading you to the castle ruins, a Romanesque church, and a historic bell tower.
To make the most of your visit, follow the marked walking route:
Start with Circuit No. 2 through the Upper Town (Ville Haute), where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the castle and village, as well as the charming alleyways and the Romanesque church.
Then descend the 100+ steps to Circuit No. 1 in the Lower Town (Ville Basse). From the steps, you’ll get lovely views of the houses across the river.
In the Lower Town, take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, visit a small 12th-century chapel with a well-preserved Romanesque entrance, and see a traditional riverside mill.
Even though Angles-sur-l’Anglin is a small village, you’ll find a good selection of restaurants and cafés, making it easy to stop for a coffee break or a leisurely lunch after exploring the area.
Castle
The castle ruins sit dramatically on a rocky outcrop overlooking both the village and the river. Originally constructed in the 11th century, the fortress underwent major changes in the 12th and 15th centuries. Its location was chosen for its strategic importance, positioned at the crossroads of three historic French regions: Berry, Touraine, and Poitou.
Nearby Attractions
Although the castle at Angles-sur-l’Anglin is now in ruins and closed to visitors for safety reasons, it remains a striking and memorable landmark. Enough of the structure still stands to clearly identify key features such as the donjon, the prison tower, the chapel tower, and two medieval chapels.
Following the French Revolution, the castle was designated a public quarry, which understandably contributed to its deterioration.
France This Way notes that the best view of the castle is from across the mirror-like river, just beyond the arched stone bridge—a perfect photo opportunity.
Roc-aux-Sorciers
A short distance from the village, you’ll find the Roc-aux-Sorciers (“Witches’ Rock”), a remarkable site featuring prehistoric carvings that date back around 14,000 years. These three-dimensional animal engravings are considered among the most significant of their kind in Europe, often referred to as the “Lascaux of sculpture.”
Discovered in 1950, the original site was kept closed to preserve the fragile artwork. Today, a faithful replica allows visitors to admire this extraordinary example of early human creativity.
La Roche-Posay
Just 12 kilometers from Angles-sur-l’Anglin, the spa town of La Roche-Posay is well worth a visit. Located on the River Creuse, it features historic architecture including a medieval donjon, fortified gates, and half-timbered houses. The town is also known for its thermal springs and wellness treatments.
Discovering Ansouis Provence
Located in the Luberon region of Provence, Ansouis is a small hillside village east of Lourmarin and north of Pertuis and Aix-en-Provence. Like Angles-sur-l’Anglin, it’s officially listed among France’s most beautiful villages.
Exploring Ansouis
Ansouis is a quintessential Provençal village, with quiet medieval streets, stone houses—some dating back to the 15th century—and lush gardens tucked between the lanes. The village gently descends the hillside, with a castle perched above, offering a peaceful and scenic atmosphere.
France This Way describes Ansouis as one of the less visited but most charming villages in the Luberon. Its tranquil streets are a welcome contrast to the busier nearby destinations like Lourmarin and Gordes.
There’s a large, free car park conveniently located near the historic center—unlike many villages in the region where parking is both distant and paid.
As you enter the village, you’ll come across traditional features like a washhouse, a decorative fountain, ornate doorways, and stone carvings. While there are few shops or cafés, you’ll find a small store and one café near the entrance.
Church & Museum
Climbing through the village, you’ll pass a decorative campanile atop a clocktower, leading to the 13th-century Church of Saint-Martin. The church is accessed via a grand semi-circular staircase, and inside you’ll find historic furnishings and faded wall paintings, including a painted curtain between the nave and altar that adds to the church’s rustic charm.
On the edge of the village, the Extraordinary Museum of Georges Mazoyer offers an eclectic collection ranging from marine sculptures to stained glass art.
Château d’Ansouis
The Château d’Ansouis, standing proudly above the village, is its most prominent historic site. Originally built in the 10th century, the castle has undergone many changes—especially in the 17th century, when its defensive role diminished. Today, visitors can admire both medieval and Renaissance elements, including 17th-century interiors with tapestries and furnishings.
The formal Provencal gardens and terraces surrounding the château are beautifully maintained, and the views over the countryside from the terrace are truly breathtaking.
Nearby Highlights
Ansouis is one of the lesser-known gems of the Luberon, yet it’s close to some of the region’s most famous villages, including Menerbes, Gordes, and Lourmarin. The nearby town of Pertuis offers more to explore, and the Luberon guide is a great resource for discovering the many attractions of this stunning region.
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