Vauvenargues is a commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, 14 km east of Aix-en-Provence.
Bordering the Var to the east, its 54 km² territory oscillates from 346 to 1016 meters above sea level, dominated to the south by the peaks of the Sainte-Victoire mountain and to the north by the Ubacs mountain.
Nestled in the valley and on the first slopes, the locality has retained a green character, covered with forests (67% of its area) and herbaceous environments.
Lordship dependent on the archbishops of Aix and the counts of Provence in the Middle Ages, Vauvenargues passed to the Clapiers family in the 16th century, then was erected as a marquisate. The most famous of its lords is Luc de Clapiers (1715-1747), writer and moralist, friend of Mirabeau and Voltaire, whose aphorisms are always appreciated.
Another personality associated with the village, the painter Pablo Picasso. He bought the castle of the Marquis de Vauvenargues in 1958 and wanted to be buried there, in the park. His descendants still own the place.
Appreciated for the character of the old village, the town, which has a thousand inhabitants, is now also appreciated for its potential for hikers. From Vauvenargues, they can climb on foot or mountain bike to the summits in a preserved setting, and others indulge in paragliding. This territory classified as a "Grand Site de France" is certainly worth a detour during a stay in Provence!
The village has retained a traditional but very charming aspect, rich in old renovated dwellings punctuating narrow streets, with a square and its fountain in its heart…
Nearby, the seigniorial castle dates for its oldest parts from the 14th and 16th centuries (round towers and enclosure), the dwelling, certainly redesigned, still comprising a medieval arms room and, in certain rooms, 18th century decorations contemporary with the moralist Vauvenargues. Seeming to watch over the valley, the building that had become the seat of a marquisate that Louis XV had offered to Les Clapiers passed, after the Revolution, to the Isoard family, close to the Bonapartes, and was acquired by Picasso in 1958. He wanted to be buried in the park with his wife Jacqueline. The descendants of the artist still occupy the premises. The property, listed in the Inventory, is only occasionally open to the public. The domain can however be observed from the outside. Information on +33 4 42 38 11 91.
In the village itself, the parish church of Saint-Etienne (it was originally dedicated to Saint-Sidoine, first bishop of Aix-en-Provence) dates from the 16th century for its side chapels, its nave having preserved Romanesque elements from the 10th or even the 5th century. From its forecourt, a belvedere overlooks the castle and the Sainte-Victoire massif. Inside, in addition to ex-votos, the building houses two paintings belonging to the Provençal school (17th century). An association is mobilizing for the preservation and enhancement of these artistic treasures. Information for a visit on +33 4 42 66 01 88.
Finally, protected as historical monuments, the Notre-Dame-de-Victoire chapel and the main facade of the eponymous priory, on the foothills of the mountain, date from the second half of the 17th century. The site can punctuate a hike…
However, before venturing on the famous mountain, which culminates at 1011 meters, it is advisable to stop at the Maison du Grand Site Sainte-Victoire, in the heart of the village. In addition to exhibitions dedicated to the natural riches of the massif, there is a shop presenting in particular local products and above all all the necessary information in terms of hikes and places not to be missed (former spaces dedicated to pastoralism, heritage elements...). Whether you choose walking, climbing, mountain biking or paragliding, this is the House to contact. Open from April to September. Contact on +33 4 42 26 67 37.
Please note that certain routes may be prohibited in summer due to the risk of fire.
Moreover, in addition to the unparalleled potential offered by the Mountain, other sectors of the town, to the north, can also be the subject of hikes, not to mention large loops which, for example, make it possible to reach Aix to the west. Maps and information from the tourist office on 0442 161 161.
The Mountain and its preserved environment also lend themselves to the practice of astronomy. At an altitude of 600 meters, the Sinne observatory (also called Vauvenargues) has a cupola and a Schmidt-Cassegrain type telescope, 355 mm in diameter, as well as other instruments for visual observation. Initiation and observation meetings dedicated to all audiences are regularly scheduled in the evening. All information on +33 4 42 66 00 96.
To the north-east of the village, in a completely different area, the Grand-Sambuc racing circuit has been set up and fitted out. Recently renovated, approved by the French Federation of Automobile Sport, it hosts associations of enthusiasts and thematic events (Road Safety courses and initiation to eco-driving, press tests, filming) but also the general public in search of thrills (first time on the track on a single-seater, for example). Contact +33 4 42 66 01 66.
