Châteaurenard

Châteaurenard is a town in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, around ten kilometres from Avignon, set within the fertile agricultural plain of the Comtat and the lower Durance valley. The town is known for its national wholesale fruit and vegetable market, one of the largest in France, reflecting the area's long-standing tradition of market gardening and fruit growing. The historic centre retains the remains of a feudal castle, including two surviving towers, one known as the Griffon tower, which offers views over the town and surrounding countryside. A chapel, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, stands on a hill overlooking the town, with clear-day views towards Mont Ventoux and the Alpilles range. The Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers, continues to support the fruit and vegetable farming that remains central to the local economy. Given its proximity to Avignon, with its historic ramparts, and to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Châteaurenard makes a convenient base for exploring Provence, combining heritage, agricultural tradition and classic regional landscapes.