Lavender & medieval charm in Simiane la Rotonde, Provence

I always love returning to France’s idyllic Provence region. On a family holiday two years ago, we enjoyed exploring the Haute Provence region, and stumbled upon the medieval town of Simiane la Rotonde.

The location is perfect – surrounded by fields of lavender. Sadly, during our August visit, the blooms had long ago been harvested … even if the intoxicating perfume lingered on. From the endless lavender fields, the medieval hilltown beckons in the distance.

The town’s name comes from the 12th century rotonda of its Agoult-Simiane medieval castle. The castle is in ruins, but its worth a visit, and we enjoyed climbing up its remaining towers and ramparts, and exploring its aromatic gardens.

The town, now quiet, was once a lively market town, and there are some imposing 16th century palaces to admire on your wanders.

The town is not far from another medieval gem, Forcalquier, book-lovers’ Banon, and the Oppedette Gorge. You can see my earlier posts.

Don’t miss out on wandering the twisting, cobblestoned streets of pretty Simiane la Rotonde when you’re next in France’s Haute Provence.