Aulan

Aulan is a small village in southeastern Provence built on a rocky rise and surrounded by green hills. The settlement features narrow stone streets, old houses, and is dominated by a medieval castle perched on a steep cliff overlooking the Toulourenc River gorge.

The castle was built in the Middle Ages by the Barons of Mévouillon and has dominated the landscape for centuries. In the 1600s, it became the property of the Suarez d'Aulan family, who played a significant role in the local community and later sheltered resistance forces during World War II.

The name Aulan comes from the Suarez d'Aulan family, who have owned the castle since the 1600s. The village embodies traditional Provençal life, with narrow lanes and stone buildings where locals and visitors move at a gentle pace through time-honored surroundings.

The castle opens to visitors during warmer months, with guided tours available to explore the interior and learn about its history. The terrain is hilly with narrow lanes, so wear comfortable walking shoes and plan to move at an unhurried pace to enjoy the surroundings.

A remarkable Baroque altar from 1740 adorns the small Romanesque church at the foot of the village, crafted by skilled artisan Roux from the Bernus workshop. The intricate carved woodwork with gold details reveals the exceptional craftsmanship of local artisans from centuries past.