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This
powerful fortress in Bouches-du-Rhone (ancient Provence)
was begun in the 12th century by Charles I of Anjou,
brother of Saint Louis, the French regent. In the late 14th
century the construction was continued by Louis II with
the impregnible inner ward flanked by four towers, two
round, one square and the fourth polygonal. Construction
was completed by the beloved King René with superb
gardens and festivals on a grand scale. The castle was
unsuccessfully seiged in 1427, 1586 and 1652, though some
damage occurred. The worst degradation was being turned
into a prison after the French Revolution, when Provence
ceased to be independent, until 1926. Unfortunately none
of the grand trappings of 'Roi René' remain in the
castle.
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