ROQUEVAIRE

A destination combining nature and the good life

Roquevaire is the perfect place for a stroll. Along the banks of the Huveaune, the paths offer walks that are accessible to all, ideal for a family outing or a moment of relaxation by the water. The cool banks and lush vegetation create an ideal setting for contemplation.
Around the village, the hills of Garlaban and the relief of the Sainte-Baume form an emblematic horizon of Provence. These landscapes, made famous by the writings of Marcel Pagnol, are an ideal setting for lovers of hiking and wide open spaces. The signposted footpaths and panoramic views over the valley allow you to discover an unspoilt natural environment that changes with the seasons.

If you’re feeling more sporty, the surrounding mountainous terrain makes mountain biking and trail running accessible all year round. The Grand Trail du Garlaban starts in the town at the end of March every year. It’s a great way to challenge yourself on one of our most beautiful peaks!

Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can still enjoy a game of pétanque in the heart of the village (yes, let’s not forget that this is Provence)!

The “7 wonders of Roquevaire” trail

Inaugurated during the Heritage Days in September 2025, the town of Roquevaire has set up a trail called the “7 Wonders of Roquevaire”, which groups together the 7 places that local residents feel should be visited. They have been chosen for their heritage value, their attachment or their history. They include the river Huveaune, the old town centre, the church and its organ, the village of Lascours, the Bassan massif, the Riaou wash-house and the house of the “painter”.

The latter belongs to the artist Danielle Jacqui, who has painted and decorated her home-studio in an unusual way. An emblematic figure ofSingular Art, she is internationally renowned and has exhibited at theAmerican VisionaryArt Museum in Baltimore, USA.

“La maison de celle qui peint” at the Pont de l’étoile is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable works of Art Singulier. It can be compared to the famous “Palais idéal”by the facteur Cheval in Hauterives, France.

The history of Roquevaire began well before medieval times. Its name, derived from Rocca Vaira – the grey rock in Romanesque – refers directly to the mineral relief that dominates the valley. From ancient times, the site attracted people, attracted by the presence of water and a strategic position between the coast and the hinterland.

Over the centuries, the village grew up around theHuveaune, the backbone of the area. The coastal river fed the mills, farming and craft industries, playing an active part in the local economic boom. Roquevaire gradually became a prosperous village, organised around its old centre, which can still be seen today. The old village as we know it today overlooks the remains of its medieval castle (12th century), which dominates the Huveaune valley.

The old town and its heritage, the living memory of the village

A stroll through Roquevaire’s old town is like stepping back in time. The narrow, winding streets lined with old houses lead naturally to the Tour de l’Horloge, the ancient medieval bell tower that dominates the village. This emblematic monument is a reminder of the ancient layout of the town and offers a remarkable view over the valley.

Just a stone’s throw away, the silhouette ofSaint-Vincent church stands out. Built in the 18th century, it is one of the jewels of the local heritage. Its interior houses a rare treasure: a monumental organ, renowned for its exceptional quality and closely linked to the figure of Pierre Cochereau, the famous organist. Pierre Cochereau, who played the Grandes Orgues at Notre Dame de Paris from 1955 to 1984, owned an organ with 70 stops on 5 manuals. Today, one of the manuals belongs to the town and contains some of the 5,000 pipes from the church of Roquevaire. Renowned as one of the finest instruments in the world, the organ attracts musicians and music lovers to concerts and festivals.

Not far from the Huveaune, the Musée René Verrier is a place steeped in history. Formerly used as a stage prison between 1750 and 1850, it now exhibits objects and tools of daily life collected over the years. A Gallo-Roman sarcophagus and statue are also on display. Still on the banks of the river, you’ll find the Ste Anne wash-houses: before drinking water was available in homes, wash-houses played an important role in improving hygiene. Now restored, they tell the story of the 19th century.