Roquevaire

ROCCA VAIRA

During the Celtic-Ligurian age, Roquevaire was called Lasa, its current name would come from “Rocca Vaira” (1150) meaning “gray rock” in Roman language.

Roquevaire is a “country town” and is composed of the main village and three hamlets: Pont de Joux, Pont de l’Etoile and Lascours. For those who enjoy exploring by foot, Lascours is the gateway to Marcel Pagnol‘s hills and landscapes.

The old village, with its narrow and steep streets, will naturally lead you to its medieval 12th century castle, from which you can gaze at the Huveaune valley.

To See :

Le Musée René Verrier, les lavoirs Ste Anne, la Tour de l’horloge, the oratories, the Bonaparte bridge (16th century), the ruins of the castle, the bell tower of the Middle Ages…

Patrimoine

& Musique

Roquevaire owns two strong heritage assets:

The St. Vincent Chapel :

The eldest Merovingian chapel of Provence.
The St. Vincent’s Church, with its impressive and austere appearance, is the place where you’ll find the famous Organ of Pierre Cochereau.
The church is open daily from 9 to 11 a.m.The basic services are held by volunteers.

The “Grand Orgue” (Great Organ) of Pierre Cochereau :

One of the biggest organs in the world, this organist was holder of the Notre Dame de Paris “Grandes Orgues” (Great Organs) from 1955 to 1984.
He owned an organ of 70 stops on 5 different keyboards. One of its part now composes the 5 000 pipes of the sets of Roquevaire’s church. It is reputed to be one of the world’s best instruments.

Danielle Jacqui

The House of one who paints

Danielle Jacqui is an artist who has painted and decorated her house in an unusual, quirky manner. She initiated the first Festival of Singular Art of Roquevaire in 1990. She is internationally recognised and one of her most notable achievements was her exhibition at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, USA.

“La maison de celle qui peint” à Pont de l’étoile est sans doute une des œuvres les plus remarquables de l’art singulier, elle peut être comparée au célèbre “Palais idéal” du facteur Cheval.

C’est une “maison-atelier” peinte et décorée de manière insolite.
Danielle Jacqui, qui a réalisé cette œuvre exceptionnelle, vous fera découvrir ses trésors : tableaux, broderies, céramiques, sculptures…qui la classent parmi les artistes les plus étonnants de son époque.

The Cities and Villages

of Pays d'Aubagne et de l'Étoile

ROCCA VAIRA

To See :

The St. Vincent Chapel :

The “Grand Orgue” (Great Organ) of Pierre Cochereau :