Provence Web Home Page
Français Magazine Departments Villages Map
More Informations Restaurants Hotels Accomm. Camping

Venelles

Population : 7,641

Bouches du Rhône department


7 km north of Aix en Provence via the N96.

Perched on a rock, Venelles is a small village near Aix en Provence. After Mimet, it has the highest altitude in the Department of the Bouches du Rhône.

Venelles witnessed significant development during the 19th century, with the construction of numerous chateaux and large residences at the time. The beauty of its countryside, its proximity to Aix and the quality of its properties have attracted a largely middle-class population.

While wandering around Venelles, you will have a magnificent view of the countryside, the Durance valley and Mount Sainte Victoire, particularly from the look-out point at the "Place du Château". You can also see the Luberon, "la chaîne de l'Etoile" and the Sainte-Baume.

Sign-posted walking trails lead you through a beautiful pine-forest and for history lovers, an interesting series of oratories waits to be discovered. Don't miss the Venelles le Haut church, or the works of F. Chabaud, a 19th century sculptor who has left an important collection of works.


Sites to see :

Remains of the feudal chateau : Voûte Chabaud.
Venelles Le Haut Roman church.
Wind-mill. (private property).
Old village of Venelles le Haut.

Leisure activities :

Hiking (sign-posted walking trails).
Tennis. Boulodrome.
Monday morning market, village centre.
Events : Festival for July 14 (4-days).
Free concerts (4 days, beginning of July).
Venelle and Pays d'Aix fair, September.
Wine festival, May.
Year-round : cabaret-jazz, theatre, concerts, exhibitions.

Tourist facilities :

1 Hotel-Restaurant. 4 Restaurants.

Neighbouring villages :

Meyrargues (4km), Peyrolles ( km), Le Puy Sainte Réparade (10km).

Français Search Engine