La Roque d'Anthéron
28 km north-west of Aix en Provence via the N7 and the D561.
Discover the village of La Roque d'Anthéron in the Bouches du Rhône.
La Roque d'Antheron is a large village situated on the banks of the Durance river, surrounded by magnificent countryside, opposite the Luberon foot-hills and not far from the Regional National Park.
The International Piano Festival
La Roque d'Antheron is known world-wide for its famous International Piano Festival which is held every summer and attracts some of the world's most talented players. The festival is held in the magical venues of the Silvacane abbey and the Chateau de Florans.
Silvacane Abbey
You will be impressed by the purity, simplicity and perfection of the Silvacane abbey's architecture. Built at the beginning of the 12th century, it is one of the "trois soeurs provençales" (three sisters) of the Cistercian order, together with the Thoronet abbey and the Senanque abbey at Gordes. Don't miss visitng the Château de Florans with its splend interior court-yard, shaded by plane trees, palms and chestnut trees.
Walks along the Durance
Visitors keen on walking are spoilt for choice with more than 120 km of sign-posted walking trails along the "chaine des Cotes" in the La Roque d'Antheron region, along the banks of the Durance. You will discover in this 10,000 hectare forest of scrubland and pine-trees, all the Mediterranean plants and herbs which smell so delightful and are often used in Provencal cuisine. If you are lucky you will see numerous nesting birds along the banks of the Durance, as this is the home of more than 70 different varieties.
The Town Hall organises a lively cultural life
La Roque d'Antheron has a rich historic past and a series of prestigious cultural events, with three important land-marks, an exciting village festival, a geology museum, and a wide variety of leisure activities.
The Museum of Geology and Ethnography
Don't miss the Museum of Geology and Ethnography, which features an exhibition of Molas (cloth paintings). These are the handicrafts of the Cunas, a matriarchal tribe from Darién in Panama in Central America. This astonishing exhibition is not in La Roque by chance: the Vaudois left for the New World after their massacres in 1545. There must have been a fusion between 2 fundamentally different peoples: the Christian Vaudois and the Cunas of Inca origin.
The market
There are two weekly markets in La Roque d'Anthéron: a traditional market on Thursday mornings on the Cours Foch (see our map) and a market of small Provencal producers on Saturday mornings on the Place de la Vierge. It's a great way to spend a good time and stock up on local produce.
Our map of La Roque d'Anthéron (postcode 13640)
To find your way around the commune of La Roque d'Anthéron, you can use our interactive map, which you'll find on this page and which also works on mobile phones. We've included the village's points of interest as well as our accommodation recommendations so that you can pinpoint their location.
What to see
Silvacane Abbey
16th and 17th century Chateau de Florans.
11th century Chapelle Romane Sainte-Anne de Goiron.
Historic Vaudois Route. Gallic site. The Vaudois Memorial.
Geology and ethnography Museum.
Art gallery. Arts and crafts: visit to the "santon" studio.
Lipizzan horse farm (the largest in Europe).
Leisure activities
Truffle hunting in English with a guide and his dogs.
120 km of sign-posted walking trails.
Fishing. Children's play area.
Mid July - Mid August: International Piano Festival.
August : Saint-Louis festival (last week-end).
June 1st : Traditional cherry festival.
May : Cinema and amateur theatre festival.
May or April : "Ronde automobile de la Durance".
Hotels
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and a lovely paved terrace, Hôtel Le Mas De Jossyl is a great choice in La Roque-d'Anthéron. The 28 non-smoking rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a fridge and a kettle. The on-site restaurant serves local specialities. The air-conditioned dining room opens onto the garden.
Bed and breakfast
Located in the countryside of La Roque d'Anthéron, Mas de la Sauline is a guest house with an outdoor swimming pool and steam bath. You can enjoy a game of billiards or table tennis or a pleasant moment in the library. Offering a view of the garden, all the rooms at the Mas de la Sauline are decorated in warm colours and feature wooden floors. They all feature a TV, a sofa and a private bathroom.
Holiday rentals
Featuring a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a sun terrace, the Eden Roque guest house is located in La Roque d'Anthéron, 15 km from Lourmarin. There is a bar on site. All rooms feature a private bathroom with bathrobes and free toiletries.
Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
Campsites.
Your questions about the village
You have sent us many questions about the commune of La Roque d'Anthéron. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
Where to eat in La Roque d'Anthéron?
If you're looking for a good restaurant in the commune, we recommend "Le Jas" and "Le Bocage" for their sophisticated cuisine and very pleasant surroundings. You won't be disappointed! These are our two favourite restaurants in the village.
Where is La Roque d'Antheron?
The commune of La Roque d'Anthéron is in the Bouches du Rhône department (PACA region), about thirty kilometres north of Aix en Provence. Nearby villages include Charleval, Rognes and Lambesc. It's a pretty corner of Provence!
Which station is best for La Roque d'Anthéron?
The easiest way to get to La Roque d'Anthéron is to take the train to Aix-en-Provence, then take the 40 Gare TGV shuttle bus and the L250 bus to La Roque d'Anthéron. There is no station in the village itself.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Charleval (7 km), St-Estève Janson (9km), Rognes (9 km) and Lambesc (10km).