Ventabren
14 km West of Aix en Provence, 21 km from Salon de Provence and 40 km from Marseille.
Discover Ventabren, a charming village in the Bouches-du-Rhône
Ventabren is a charming village perched atop a hill dominated by the ruins of Queen Jeanne's castle and close to the magnificent Roquefavour Aqueduct.
Strategically located in the Marseille-Aix-Salon de Provence triangle, Ventabren offers both picturesque Provençal scenery and countryside less than 30 minutes from a large urban area.agglomération urbaine.
Ventabren's population has grown considerably in recent years. It has gone from being a small Provençal village to a large residential community where new houses are springing up like mushrooms and spreading out at the bottom of the village in the plains surrounding it.
The charm of the old town
In the village, you will quickly fall under the spell of its small cobbled streets lined with flowers and beautiful, carefully restored stone houses. Take the Grande Rue (which is actually very small), which climbs up to the charming little Place de l'Eglise.
The doors of the houses are often old, framed by lush vegetation, with shutters tastefully repainted in Provençal colors, slightly faded by the sun. You will discover beautiful fountains and wash houses and a 17th-century church.
Queen Jeanne's Castle
Don't miss the ruins of Queen Jeanne's castle. From the foot of the ruins, you will have a wide panorama of the Etang de Berre (which resembles a small lake), the Etoile mountain range, and Vitrolles. A site not to be missed!
The Roquefavour Aqueduct
Ventabren is unique in that it is home to the largest stone aqueduct in the world! To see it, you have to leave the village and follow the signs. The Roquefavour Aqueduct was built by a young 26-year-old engineer, Franz Mayor de Montricher, in the mid-19th century (1842-1847) to bring water from the Durance River to Marseille.
The city of Marseille needed water at all costs to combat the deadly droughts it was suffering. The Roquefavour Aqueduct was a success, its creator received every honor, and Marseille was eternally grateful to him for saving it from drought. You can explore the aqueduct with its three rows of arches, 400 meters long and 83 meters high. The Pont du Gard is 266 meters long and 47 meters high... a miniature in comparison!
What to see
17th-century church.
Remains of the Chateau of Queen Jeanne.
The Old Mill.
Roquefavour Aqueduct.
Ventabren Museum : archaeological museum depicting the history of the village from prehistory to the Middle Ages (open Saturday and Sunday afternoons, admission free).
Leisure activities
Market on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons (Aire de la Cooperative).
Walking, mountain biking.
Tennis. Boules. Motor-cross.
Summer events.
Bed and breakfast
A beautiful establishment in the heart of the village. Superb terrace with a lovely view, comfortable and spacious rooms, excellent breakfast! You will love your stay in Ventabren!
Accomodations
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
Hotels.
Your questions about Ventabren
You have sent us several questions about this charming commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
What are the attractions in Ventabren?
The village of Ventabren's main attraction is the Roquefavour aqueduct. This 83-meter structure dates back to 1847. It remains the tallest stone aqueduct in the world. Ventabren Castle overlooks the village. The ruins of Queen Jeanne's castle offer a view of the Berre lagoon. The 17th-century Saint-Denis church houses a listed altarpiece. The hike to the aqueduct starts from the center. The route is about 7 km long. The trail crosses the Provençal garrigue. Ventabren combines heritage and nature.
What is the history of Ventabren?
The history begins in Roman times. An important villa existed in the Fons-Vicari district. The hilltop village took shape around 920-940. William I drove out the Saracens and distributed the land. Queen Jeanne's castle marked the territory. Jeanne became Countess of Provence in 1349. The ruins of the castle date from 1794. The Republic had the building destroyed. The historic character of the center is protected.
How to get to Ventabren?
Ventabren is located 14 km from Aix (see our map). The RD 10 and RD 64 roads connect the village. Access by car is the easiest option. The airport is 17 km away. Bus line 170 connects Aix to Ventabren. On-demand transportation is also available. Reservations can be made by calling 09 70 83 01 23.
What are people's opinions of Ventabren?
The opinions of the inhabitants are positive. Residents appreciate the proximity to Aix. There is a Michelin-starred restaurant in the old village. Tourism remains modest but high-quality. Ventabren residents value their living environment. The median income is €49,300 per household. The town is one of the most livable in the region. There are, of course, some limitations: Ventabren functions as a commuter town. There is no middle school on site. Real estate prices remain high.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Coudoux (6 km), Velaux (8 km), Eguilles (9 km) and La Fare les Oliviers (10 km).