Château de l'Empéri, Medieval castle and military museum in Salon-de-Provence, France
The Château de l'Empéri is a medieval castle perched on a rocky outcrop above Salon-de-Provence in southern France, classified as a historical monument and home to both an art museum and a military museum. The site consists of several courtyards, terraces and buildings from different periods, arranged around a central main courtyard.
The castle served as the main residence of the Archbishops of Arles from the 10th century until the French Revolution, when it was turned into military barracks and a detention facility. Napoleon Bonaparte briefly stayed there in 1815, on his way back to Paris after returning from the island of Elba.
The Château de l'Empéri holds one of the largest collections of military objects in France, with uniforms, weapons and equipment ranging from the First Empire to the First World War. Visitors can follow the story of the French army through concrete objects displayed inside the old halls of the castle.
The castle sits on a hill at the heart of Salon-de-Provence and is reached on foot through the narrow streets of the old town. The climb involves steps and sloped paths, so sturdy shoes are a good idea.
The castle garden grows medicinal plants that Nostradamus, who lived in Salon-de-Provence, used in his remedies. The beds are laid out with reference to his writings and bordered by wooden stakes that point directly to his works.
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