Rognes
19km north-west of Aix en Provence via the N7 (8km) then the D543.
Rognes is a pretty, historic village situated between Salon de Provence and Aix en Provence, not far from the banks of the Durance River.
The origin of the village dates back to the stone-age and it was built on the slopes of the Foussa (the name of the hill).
It was built, destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries until the terrible day in 1909 when it was almost totally destroyed by an earthquake, and later abandoned.
Today the village is peacefully nestled at the foot of the Rognes hill and you can even see some of the original streets and houses which escaped the disaster.
The main industry in Rognes has always been agriculture with the vineyards producing the AOC "Coteaux d'Aix"wine which has an excellent reputation.
The cultivation of the truffle has been honoured for some years by a fair held in December.
Rognes is equally well-known for the quality of its stone which has been extracted from open-cast quarries for more than 20 centuries.
This same stone has become highly fashionable today and is often seen gracing interior design magazines or in renovated residences, town-houses or prestigious properties in Aix-en-Provence... the "pierre de Rognes" is much sought-after!...
Famous for its wine, truffles and stone, you will also be enchanted by the surrounding countryside.
Large fields, carefully cultivated or left to grow wild, small modest dwellings or beautiful bourgeois residences... you will have the impression that nothing has changed here for centuries and that the tranquil life-style has always reigned.
What to see
Hermitage Saint Marcellin Chapel.
Notre Dame de l'Assomption parish church.
Saint-Denis Chapel. Ruins of the citadelle du Foussa.
Events: Truffle fair, wine festival.
Antique fair, "messe des petits-pains a l'anis".
Blessing of the grape-harvest and picnic at the Saint-Marcellin chapel.
Leisure activities
Hiking and mountain biking.
Tennis. French bowls area.
Leisure park with picnic and children's playing area.
Accomodations
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals and Gites.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Saint-Estève Janson (7 km), La Roque d'Anthéron (9 km) et Le Puy Sainte Réparade (9 km).