Boulbon
8 km north of Tarascon and 15 km south of Avigno.
Discover the village of Boulbon in the Alpilles near Avignon
Where is Boulbon?
Boulbon is a charming village in the northern Bouches du Rhône between Avignon and Tarascon. Nestled in a fold of the Montagnette, Boulbon's territory is divided between its rich plain, devoted to crops, and the Montagnette, a paradise for hikers, mushroom gatherers and hunters.

A charming medieval village
A visit to Boulbon reveals a typical medieval Provencal village. It boasts a fortified castle overlooking the village and fortifications that once protected it from attack. An attractive brochure published by the town hall will guide your steps and teach you the history behind the village's old stones.

Ancient streets and superb old Provencal farmhouses
Leaving the Place de la Mairie at the entrance to the village, you pass under the fortified Porte Loriol gate, with the “Gardette” (the former house of the guards who controlled entry and exit) to your left. You'll find yourself on Boulbon's longest street - the Grand'rue - and come across old houses with beautiful facades, some with Renaissance windows. You'll also pass the large statue of Saint Christophe (14th century), old doors with carved pediments, and alleyways that open onto charming squares with flower-filled windows.

Boulbon castle
Following the ramparts from Rue du Barri, you'll reach the foot of the remains of Boulbon's superb feudal fortress. You'll be able to make out the keep (11th century), but unfortunately the defensive towers, machicolations, lords' lodgings and terraces haven't survived the turbulent history of the village.

Church and chapel
Not far from the château, you'll discover the church of Sainte Anne, built in 1626, then the chapel of Saint Marcellin, a little gem of Romanesque art that you'll reach via the rue de l'Hôtel de Ville. You'll enter the building through a superb semi-circular portal.

The bottle procession
This chapel is not only interesting for its architecture, but also for the curious custom of the bottle procession, which takes place here every year: it's undoubtedly Boulbon's most picturesque festival, taking place on the evening of June 1st. At around 7pm, the bells ring out and all the men and boys of the village (women and girls are excluded...) follow the parish priest in a procession to the chapel of St Marcellin. Each carries one of his best bottles of wine. At the end of mass, the bottles are uncorked and the parish priest solemnly blesses the wine while singing prayers, then everyone clinks their glasses and drinks religiously. As a rule, everyone then carefully closes their bottles, so enriched with pious prayers it will serve to soothe fevers, stomach aches and other illnesses until next June, when the procession returns to the village, its heart inevitably happier and lighter.

The Saint Eloi Festival in Boulbon
On the last weekend of August, Boulbon comes alive to celebrate the Carreto Ramado, the highlight of the Saint Eloi festivities. A magnificent cart decorated with willow branches passes through the village streets, pulled by draft horses in traditional harness. The priors and captains orchestrate this unique moment, as the parade winds its way down the Grand'Rue before bursting through the Loriol gate. The morning begins with a Provencal mass, followed by the blessing of the cart, a much-awaited solemn moment. A grand aioli then brings visitors together in a convivial atmosphere, before Provencal dances enliven the village square until the evening.

A good restaurant: La Bastide de Boulbon
If you're looking for a good place to eat in Boulbon, we recommend the Bastide de Boulbon restaurant for its fine gourmet Provencal cuisine. You'll have a great time with family or friends. It's a table much appreciated by the inhabitants of Boulbon. (see below for address and contact details).
Our map of Boulbon (postal code 13 150)
To find your way around this pretty commune in the Bouches du Rhône department, you can use our interactive map of Boulbon. It shows all the places of interest in the village (town hall, church, chapel...) as well as our recommendations for accommodation. This will help you locate them before you book your stay in Boulbon.
What to see
Ruins of the fortified castle (not open for security reasons).
Fortifications. St Julien chapel. St Marcellin (XI °) Romanesque chapel.
Saint Michel de Frigolet Abbey (3 km from the village).
Leisure activities
Market on Monday morning (Place Gilles Leontin).
Walking and horse riding. Summer events.
Blessing of the bottles on 1 June.
4th Sunday in August: Festival of St Eloi.
Last weekend in September: bullfighting festival.
Hotels
Located near les Baux, Avignon, St Remy... 1850 newly renovated country house in the picturesque village of Boulbon, comfortable rooms feature all modern amenities. Heated Sw. pool, jacuzzi. Restaurant.







NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Barbentane (7km), Graveson (13km), Maillane (16km) and Châteaurenard (21km).