Charleval, Administrative commune in Bouches-du-Rhône, France
Charleval is a Provençal village positioned between the Durance River and Luberon mountains that features an orderly street layout with geometric precision. The settlement was organized with straight thoroughfares forming rectangular blocks, giving the community a distinctive structural arrangement.
The village was established in 1741 as a newly planned settlement in the region. This founding marked a deliberate effort to create an organized community in Provence.
The chapel and nearby Silvacane Abbey display typical Provençal stone architecture with rustic charm that shapes the character of the place. These buildings reflect the traditional building style that locals and visitors see throughout the village.
The village offers visitors recreational facilities including a swimming pool surrounded by pine trees, tennis courts, and marked hiking paths through the surrounding countryside. These amenities are easy to locate and work well for spending time outdoors.
The village stands out from many other Provençal settlements because of its unusual street network with right-angle patterns instead of winding lanes. This mathematical grid-like design was deliberately chosen at the time of its founding and remains visible today.
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