Tour 2 : The paths of History : Castles, Chapels, Shrines

Leaving Aix from Place Bellegarde, follow the old Alps Road. After the Platanes district, take the A51 motorway via Exit 12 and then follow signs to Venelles.

Venelles

Founded in the 4th century BC by the Salyens of the Celto-Ligurian civilisation, Venelles became a prestigious town in the 19th century. Numerous stately homes and large mansions still testify to this golden age of the Aix region. For those interested in historical buildings, Venelles has a whole array of interesting shrines to visit. Don’t miss the church of Venelles le Haut; the important collection of works by the great 19th-century sculptor Félix Chabaud; the source of the Touloubre; the Mill; the spectacular view from the viewpoint indicator on the roof of the Voûte Chabaud building.

Leave Venelles via the D13 towards Saint-Canadet, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade.

Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade

Situated on the Eastern side of the Quiho, the chapel can be accessed from the centre of the village. It is reported to have been built on the site of a small fort, below the rock of the oppidum that was the base for the medieval chateau. The lintel at the entrance gives the date 20 June 1577. Legend says that a saint who came to this place at the same time as Saint Bâche came to Jouques gave her name to the hill, or that relics were brought there from Nice, which is why the cathedral bears the name of Saint-Réparade.

Take the D561 towards Pertuis. At the roundabout turn left onto the D556 following signs for Pertuis.

Pertuis

From the Place Mirabeau, named after the famous name in French political thinker who was baptised in Saint Nicolas Church, walk towards the Town Hall along Rue Voltaire, and towards Cours de la République, via Rue Danton. Pertuis was a fortified town, and retains a few vestiges of its medieval past; ramparts, lookout towers, gates, a keep, mantling.... The Keep, which was built in the 12th century, now houses the Tourist Office, here you can pick a map for exploring the historic town centre where there numerous information panels.

Return via the D556 towards Aix and then take the fork to Meyrargues.

Meyrargues

Bordered on one side by a wooded hillside of about 900 hectares, Meyrargues owns the last vestiges of the Roman aqueduct (listed as a historical monument in 1922) which supplied the city of Aix with water from the Traconnade springs in Jouques.
Other points of interest:
• Stone column (1740) supporting the statue of Notre-Dame de Lourdes (1877)
• Tree of Liberty (war memorial, 1921)
• Church of St-André (1737) in Greek style, restored in 1822
• Garden gate (1670)
• Chapels of Mère-de-Dieu and St-Sébastien
• Petite Bastide, the birthplace of the poet and writer Joseph d’Arbaud (1874-1950)

Stay on the D556 to Peyrolles.

Peyrolles

• The Chapel of St-Sépulcre from the 12th century (listed): its original form in the shape of a Greek cross reveals a Byzantine influence. Inside are wall frescoes and sailors’ graffiti.
• 6 shrines: St-Marc, St-Joseph, Ste-Anne, Ste-Madeleine, Mère-de-Dieu et du Plan. The latter is a listed monument and is the oldest shrine in Provence: it was built in 1481, the year King René died and Provence was annexed to France.
The Mère-de-Dieu shrine, built into the walls of a house, has Latin inscriptions carved on its pillar. The shrine of St-Joseph, dating from 1670, has a semicircular vault in the shape of a shell.

Continue towards Jouques via the D561.

Jouques

A walk along the public footpaths will reveal a wealth of human history, full of interest. Rich religious heritage. Walk through the historic centre as far as Notre-Dame de la Roque, passing the former chapel of St-Jean, which is now the local history museum containing a remarkable collection of ex-votos from Notre-Dame de Consolation. Walk from the church of St-Pierre to the chapel of Notre-Dame de Consolation.
Route past shrines, hill terraces and «borie» huts. Walk to Le Concors, from Le Taulisson, to the chapel of St-Consorce. Benedictine Abbey of Notre-Dame de Fidélité, open to the public for services only.
Take the D11 towards Vauvenargues.16th century church. Then the D10 towards St-Marc-Jaumegarde to see the Chapel of St-Marc, 11th century. 12th century Romanesque church.

Return to Aix. Bimont dam.

See:
All tours - Tour 1 - Tour 2 - Tour 3 - Tour 4