Just south of Avignon, Barbentane sits on the slopes above the Rhône, at the edge of the Montagnette hills. It’s a quiet village with a long history linked to the nearby Papal city, where members of the Avignon court once built their summer residences.

The historic center preserves several interesting landmarks, including the Maison des Chevaliers, a Renaissance building with an elegant arcaded façade, and the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce church, dating from the 13th to 15th centuries. Above the village, the Tour Anglica, the remains of a 14th-century castle, overlooks the meeting point of the Rhône and Durance rivers.

Just outside the old town stands the Château de Barbentane, an Italian-inspired residence built in the 17th century, still owned by the same family. Nearby, the Moulin de Mogador recalls the village’s agricultural past as an oil and flour mill.

Barbentane is not a major tourist destination, but that’s exactly its appeal. It offers a quieter alternative to Avignon, with fewer crowds and a more local atmosphere.

👉 Local Tip: Walk up to the Tour Anglica for wide views over the Rhône valley, especially late in the day. Pair Barbentane with a visit to Avignon or a drive through the Montagnette for a relaxed half-day route.