Roquemaure between the Rhône, heritage and cycling routes

Roquemaure combines Rhône landscapes with distinctive architecture, cycling routes through varied scenery and a seasonal canoe trip. An animal and educational farm, wine tastings and an annual celebration add to the range of reasons to visit. If you are looking for a hotel in Roquemaure, these themes can help you plan your stay around culture, nature, outdoor activities or a particular date.

Heritage between church and fortifications

The Collégiale St Jean-Baptiste et St Jean l’Evangéliste was built in the 14th century in the Southern Gothic style, on the Jardin du Roi outside the city walls. It was initially a fortified church; its current bell tower is the former watchtower. The building thus reveals both its religious use and its former defensive function.

The Collégiale has a Baroque organ made in 1690 by the Frères Julien in Marseille from Caroline wood. It is listed as a historic monument. The Chapelle Saint-Joseph des Champs also dates from the 12th century. The Prieuré de Truel is a former Romanesque chapel from the same period. It can be viewed from the outside; public access is limited to special events.

The Château et mur des péagers also features historic structures: the 12th-century Tour Carrée and the Tour Ronde, also known as the Tour de la Reine. Those exploring the area’s architectural history can compare these towers with the fortified church and its former watchtower; their names and recorded functions distinguish each site.

Cycling routes through Roquemaure and its surroundings

The 815-kilometre ViaRhôna passes through Roquemaure. As an alternative, the Véloroute des Chartreux – 3055 runs from Roquemaure to Villeneuve lez Avignon, through vineyards, garrigue and orchards. Another cycling route, La Côte du Rhône – 54, passes through Île de Miémart, Roquemaure, Pujaut and the hamlet of Four à Sauveterre. The routes described therefore differ both in their stated destinations and in the landscapes they cross. Route conditions may change; check the current route before setting out.

For a walk through the village and its wine-growing area, take the Balade & Découverte – Le plateau des vignerons. It has a different focus from the cycling routes mentioned above: it highlights Roquemaure as a village and the surrounding vineyards.

The Rhône, nature and seasonal activities

A canoe trip near Roquemaure follows the Rhône past the former port, the Tour Ronde, the Tour Carrée, the dam and the botanical garden. The route passes under the Pont de l’Ile de Miémart and continues towards Parc Amazonia. The trip is listed as taking around two hours. On request, it can include a guided presentation of the town’s heritage by a qualified guide. Seasonal availability may vary.

During the canoe trip, you can discover the Rhône area’s wildlife and plant life in a zone designated as a Natura 2000 site. Île de Miémart lies north of the town centre; its banks are home to a species-rich alluvial forest in a Natura 2000 site. The Massif de Caderache has Mediterranean vegetation, including Aleppo pines and holm oaks.

More reasons to visit and planning

Le Mas de la Gallinière is an animal and educational farm in Roquemaure with more than 400 animals. Activities include children’s holiday stays, day courses, birthday events, monthly family activities, and school and out-of-school trips. Individual programmes may vary.

Wivisites offers self-guided heritage walks in Roquemaure, with audio content on your smartphone; no app download is required. Wine tastings are available at the Rocca Maura cellar. Opening arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check before visiting. The Fête Annuelle de Saint-Joseph is held each year on the Sunday around 19 March; the exact date may vary from year to year.

Roquemaure can be reached from Avignon on liO network line 122. Timetables may change; check the service for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Gilles, Montaren-Et-Saint-Médiers, Lédignan, Saint-Paul-La-Coste, Rivières, Codognan, La Roque-Sur-Cèze, Saint-Jean-Du-Gard.

For the broader travel guide: Gard.