Château de l'Empéri

Salon-de-Provence, France, France

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Château de l'Empéri is one of the oldest and largest medieval castles in Provence, standing on a rocky hill above Salon-de-Provence.

Originally built in the 9th century, it served as the residence of the archbishops of Arles and was also associated with the Holy Roman Emperors, from whom it derives its name. Over the centuries, the castle was expanded and embellished, becoming an important political and military center in the region. Several notable historical figures, including French kings such as Francis I and Louis XIV, are known to have stayed there.

Today, Château de l'Empéri is a protected historic monument and one of Salon-de-Provence’s most iconic landmarks. It houses a renowned military history museum with collections spanning from the ancien régime to the Napoleonic era and beyond, while also offering impressive views over the surrounding Provençal landscape.