La Trévaresse, abbey and vineyards
Off the beaten tracks - Wine and gastronomy
The hills of La Trévaresse are an ideal destination for getting to know Bouches-du-Rhône, from its sacred heritage to its sacred vineyards. After tasting honey produced at Rucher Salonais, head to La Roque d’Anthéron where you can visit Silvacane Abbey and Sainte-Anne de Goiron Chapel. Stop for lunch at Mas de Jossyl and then walk it off around Beaulieu and Rognes châteaux. Château de Calavon is along the wine route and is well worth a detour before you visit picturesque Lambesc and end the day at the sumptuous Château de Beaupré.
La Roque d'Anthéron: a visit to Silvacane Abbey
Abbaye de Silvacane RD 561 Avenue Silvacane 13640 La Roque d'Anthéron
The tour continues with a visit to one of Provence's three Cistercian abbeys, Silvacane, which dates from the 12th century. With its Roman architecture and clean, harmonious lines, the church can easily rival the splendid Montmajour. It often hosts contemporary art exhibitions and concerts, so check the programme before you visit!
La Roque d'Anthéron: Sainte-Anne de Goiron Chapel
Chapelle Sainte Anne de Goiron Route de Sainte Anne 13640 La Roque d'Anthéron
La Roque d'Anthéron is also home to another pilgrimage destination, the rather well hidden Sainte-Anne de Goiron Chapel built by hermits in the 11th century. Peasants would go to the church to pray for water to feed their crops. It was restored in the 14th century but its Romanesque architecture has been carefully preserved. Must sees: its triangular bell tower and ancient tombs dug directly into the stone.
Lunch in La Roque d'Antheron: Mas de Jossyl
Le Mas de Jossyl BP 37 Avenue Du Parc 13640 La Roque d'Anthéron
Mas de Jossyl is an ideal spot for lunch (awarded 1 Logis 'casserole'). This recent establishment offers excellent regional fare and bakes its own bread. The dishes displayed on the board are tempting and excellent value for money. Dine out on the covered terrace in fine weather. Don't hang about!
Rognes: potter around stone buildings and gardens
After beginning your afternoon with a visit to the Château, spend an hour two exploring Rognes on foot. The small village has a surprising range of scenery. Admire the colourful vineyards and the different types of stone used in the local architecture. Also learn about its sacred heritage such as St. Denis Chapel and the magnificent properties built there. Not to miss: Maison du Lion d'Or which is said to have been constructed by the Knights Templar.
Lambesc: Château de Calavon on the wine route
Château de Calavon 12 Avenue de Badonviller 13410 Lambesc
Continue your tour by heading to Lambesc, an essential stopping point on the Provençal wine route. Here you'll find Château de Calavon, a property that has been in the Audibert family for five generations. Visit the wine cellar and the shop in the village centre to get better acquainted with the wines produced on the estate. All AOP Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence certified and organic, the red, rosé and white wines all have real personality. The site is accessible for people with reduced mobility and tasting is free for non-trade visitors.
Lambesc: a heritage tour of Provence's roots
Since you're already in Lambesc, take the time to explore the village by following the Heritage Trail along which each narrow street leads to a pretty square. Small plaques mark out the route, just under two kilometres, to guide visitors around architectural gems such as traditional town houses, the museum and the Jacquemard clock tower. Square du Facteur Roulin, named after a figure painted by Van Gogh, is a lovely green place to sit and relax for a while. The trail takes between one and two hours. Pick up a leaflet at the Maison du Tourisme et de la Culture.
Saint-Cannat: get in the mood for jazz at Château de Beaupré
Château de Beaupré Rd 7 13760 Saint Cannat
To wrap up your day, head to a Provençal country house built in the 18th century that was turned into a vineyard in the 19th century. Château de Beaupré has 43 hectares of vines on its property all organically farmed. This splendid estate with its distinctive dolphin fountains also hosts a jazz festival and a fine-dining event once a year. At the site shop, La Baronne Double, you'll find a selection of wines and other gourmet products, from tapenades to jams, plus pottery
Can't-miss experiences
- Treating yourself to some honey and taking flavours of Provence home with you
- Tasting organic wine made on exceptional volcanic terroir
We love
- Looking out over the Trévaresse hills, set between wild countryside and the Durance
- Immersing yourself in typical Provençal villages replete with stone houses, gardens and fountains
The best time to visit
- In summer to attend the international piano festival in La Roque d’Anthéron
- In spring to admire the beautiful blooms in Lambesc
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Theme
Off the beaten tracks, Wine and gastronomy
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Duration
1 day
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Transport means
Personal vehicle
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Visited cities
Salon de Provence, La Roque d'Anthéron, Rognes, Lambesc, Saint Cannat
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Ideal for
All year round
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