Vauvenargues

Population : 733 inh. Altitude : 450 m.

Bouches du Rhône department

Situated on the border between the Departments of the Var and the Bouches du Rhône, Vauvenargues covers a vast territory at the foot of the north massif of Mount Sainte-Victoire.

  The valley surrounding the village is beautiful, with an undisturbed natural environment. Delightful walks are possible following the sign-posted tracks which cross Vauvenargues.

However, because of the fire-risk, the slopes of Sainte-Victoire are protected during July and August.

Outside the village, nestled amongst the greenery, the chateau de Vauvenargues appears to watch-over the entrance to the valley. Flanked by two 14th century round towers with a 16th century surrounding wall, its turbulent history goes back to the Comtes de Provence.

In 1257 the chateau belonged to the archbishops of Aix , in 1722 Louis 14th offered it to a certain Joseph de Clapiers for loyal service during the 1720 plague... and in 1958 the chateau was bought by the famous painter Pablo Picasso who desired that it become his eternal resting place...