Venelles
10 km north of Aix en Provence via the N96.
Perched on its rock, Venelles is a small town located a stone's throw from Aix-en-Provence. After Mimet, it is the highest municipality in the Bouches-du-Rhône department.
Venelles experienced a real boom in the 19th century, and numerous châteaux and large bastides still bear witness to this golden age of the Aix countryside. The beauty of the landscape, its proximity to Aix, and the quality of the properties attracted a bourgeois population.
As you stroll through Venelles, you will enjoy magnificent views of the Aix countryside, the Durance valley, and Sainte Victoire from the Place du Château viewpoint. You can also see the Luberon, the Etoile mountain range, and Sainte-Baume.
A hiking trail has been marked out in a magnificent pine forest, and for those who love old stones, there is a wealth of interesting oratories to discover. Don't miss the church of Venelles le Haut or the works of F. Chabaud, a 19th-century sculptor who left behind an important testament to his talent here.
What to see
Remains of the feudal chateau: Voute Chabaud.
Venelles Le Haut Roman church.
Wind-mill. (private property).
Old village of Venelles le Haut.
Things to do
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).
Venelles and Pays d'Aix fair, September.
Wine festival, May.
Year-round: cabaret-jazz, theatre, concerts, exhibitions.
Accommodation
