Peyrolles Retro Heritage
Préservons le passé, inventons l'avenir.
Pour les visites veuillez contacter l'Office de Tourisme au 04.42.57.89.82.
Notre patrimoine
King René's Castle
It began in the 12th century as a small fortified settlement built on a rocky outcrop, its slopes battered by the Durance River. Owned by the archbishops of Aix until its acquisition by René of Anjou, Count of Provence, in 1475, the castle was burned and ruined by Charles V in 1536. It was restored by François-Marie de Cazeneuve, Lord of Peyrolles, at the end of the 16th century and lavishly enlarged in the 18th century by the noble Laurens family in the Louis XIV style. The proximity of the Sainte-Anne quarries greatly facilitated the castle's expansion. Today, housing the town hall, the music school, and a few private residences, the castle is undergoing significant renovations that will restore its pre-Revolutionary splendor, including its facades with harmonious openings, its dressed stone chimneys, and its renovated interior and floors. Soon its east-facing terrace will once again have its fountain, which had been buried in the 19th century to accommodate the courtyard of the municipal school.
Palm cave
Known for centuries by locals as the Mascaron Cave, it wasn't until 1979 that this small cave located beneath the castle revealed a unique feature in Europe: palm tree imprints dating back to the late Miocene epoch were identified by specialists. Recent geological studies place them around 10 million years ago (Tortonian, the penultimate subdivision of the Miocene). The largest imprint measures one meter in diameter and two meters in height. In total, there are about fifteen imprints of varying sizes. Visits are by appointment only.
Saint-Pierre Church
The Church of Saint Peter dates from the 12th century. Originally, it was a small Romanesque church built on the rock (the original chancel and apse are still visible). It was enlarged during the reign of King René (15th century), notably with the addition of chapels in the Gothic style. In the 17th century, it reached its final dimensions with the enlargement of its nave and bays, and the construction of the facade and bell tower. During roadworks carried out around the church in 2017, medieval tombs were discovered.
Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher
De style roman provençal, on ne sait rien sur la construction de cette chapelle. Construite sur un promontoire rocheux probablement au XIe ou XIIe siècle comme le fut sa "grande sœur' la chapelle Sainte-Croix de l'abbaye de Montmajour dont elle partage cette même forme de trèfle à 4 feuilles qui les rend exceptionnelles en Provence... Fût-elle construite de retour de croisade? Le style oriental le laisse penser. Une légende locale dit qu'un tombeau de chevalier se trouverait dans la crypte devenue inaccessible. A l'intérieur des fresques remarquables du XIIIe, des graffitis navals du XVe siècle et un imposant retable en bois de 1608 sont à voir absolument. La chapelle Saint-Sépulcre accueillit une confrérie de pénitents au XVIIe siècle dont on peut voir encore une croix de procession.
La tour de l'horloge et son campanile
A l'époque médiéval un beffroi permettait l'entrée dans l'enceinte fortifiée et en protégeait l'accès. Au XVIIIe siècle le beffroi fut élevé pour porter un campanile dans une "cage de fer" résistant au mistral qui sonnait les heures laïques pour les travaux des champs, la répartition de l'eau des jardins etc quand l'église sonnait les heures de prière. Au XIXe siècle une horloge mécanique fut installée. Deux fontaines à tête de lion apportent fraicheur et charme à cette tour de l'horloge.
The oratories
Formerly called the Montjoies, numerous oratories are scattered throughout the village and its outskirts. St. Anne, St. Mark, St. Joseph, Mary Magdalene who protects pilgrims towards Saint-Maximin, the Mother of God oratory and its prayer to the sick in Latin and, the oldest of all, the Notre-Dame oratory (known as the Plan) dated 1481 towards Notre-Dame d'Astors.
Traconnade Roman aqueduct
Built in the 2nd century, this aqueduct supplied Aquae sextiae, Aix en Provence, with spring water. From Jouques via Peyrolles, Meyrargues and Venelles, underground or by air, a colossal work carried out in just five years by five thousand workers over approximately 32 km. On Peyrolles, in the old quarry of the Ste Anne valley, you can discover a vestige of this remarkable work.
Saint-Roch Chapel
Touchée par plusieurs épidémies au moyen-âge, la Provence fut notamment ravagée par les pestes de 1347 et de 1720. St Roch fut invoqué pour protéger la population et une légende locale dit même qu'elle s'arrêta aux portes de Peyrolles. Cette chapelle serait probablement du 17ème ou 18ème siècle mais un oratoire ou une petite chapelle devait déjà marquer l'entrée du village bien avant. Certains habitants du quartier aiment encore venir s'y recueillir au soleil couchant.
Our Lady of Astors
This large chapel was built in the 12th century, probably on the site of an ancient Roman temple (an ancient head was found there during renovations). A spring flowed there in antiquity, making it a popular spot for travelers. Only four walls remained in the 17th century when it was restored and beautifully decorated. During excavations, numerous medieval tombs were discovered around the chapel. In the 20th century, pilgrimages were still made there the day after communion and for the September feast day. It is no longer open to the public due to extensive damage and vandalism, but the site remains pleasant, with a shaded area equipped with picnic tables.
The medieval round tower, the village and its ancient streets
The old town center conceals vestiges from various periods, ranging from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Near the Church of Saint-Pierre, a 13th-century round tower recalls the time when the village was fortified. On Rue de l'Église, a pediment bears the date 1663 and a crowned coat of arms, partially effaced, of Provence during the reign of Louis XIV. The initials PP suggest the presence of a small annex to the Parliament of Provence, which became the town hall during the French Revolution and remained so until the 19th century. As you wander through the cobbled streets, you can also discover the 18th-century Neuvière fountain and 17th- and 18th-century facades.
Sainte-Anne Quarries
Open-pit quarries, worked until 1930, are located two kilometers from the village. The yellowish rock is a marine molasse from the Tortonian period of the late Tertiary era (11.6 to 7.2 million years ago), formed from the deposition of sand grains and various marine fossil fragments in the sea. During quarrying, the workers unearthed the ancient Roman aqueduct of La Traconnade, dating from the 2nd century and still visible in the middle of the quarry. Part of the Loubatas trail, this historically significant site is easily accessible.
BIG GARAGE SALE ON MAY 1ST
The largest flea market in the region for over 30 years. 230 vendors and €3 per linear meter. No reserved spaces, first come, first served. Located throughout the village center. REGISTRATION: Please send us proof of residence dated within the last 3 months and a copy of your ID to: videgrenierpeyrolles@gmail.com. INFORMATION: videgrenierpeyrolles@gmail.com or by phone at +33 6 46 14 55 14.Read More
- Date:01/05/2027 08:30 - 01/05/2027 08:30
- Location 9a Place Hôtel de Ville (Map)
Les visites:
-Samedi 19 de 10h à 12h00 et de 16h à 18h RDV sur place sans réservation.
