Fort de Buoux, Medieval fort in Luberon Mountains, France
Fort de Buoux sits on a limestone cliff at around 750 meters elevation with defensive walls and building layers spanning several periods. The structure includes residential areas, fortification remains, and spaces carved into the rock.
The fort started as a Celtic and Ligurian settlement and later saw use under Roman rule. Medieval builders transformed it into a fortress that served as refuge for Waldensian groups until the 17th century.
The fort reveals how people lived here through carved storage spaces and water systems built directly into the stone. These features show the practical ways inhabitants adapted to life on the cliff.
Sturdy shoes are necessary for the roughly 15-minute uphill walk from the parking area to the fort. The path is steep and rocky but manageable if you take your time climbing.
A mysterious staircase carved directly into the rock face links different levels of the fortress and showcases medieval construction expertise. This carved pathway was a practical solution for navigating the steep terrain.
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