Graveson: Art, History and Landscape

Graveson combines Roman history with the works of Auguste Chabaud, public art and the landscapes of the Montagnette. Gardens, a historic village moat and a cycling route are also among the different themes you can consider when planning a stay.

Landscape and gardens

The Piémont area near Graveson is part of the Montagnette and covers 300 hectares of land owned by the town of Graveson. The Montagnette is a limestone massif forming a natural boundary between the Rhône and Durance valleys. Aleppo pines cover two-thirds of the massif; the flora described here also includes olive trees, thyme, farigoule, savory, rosemary and fennel.

At the Jardin des Quatre Saisons, four areas are dedicated to the four seasons. The public garden is free and open daily. Since opening hours may change seasonally or temporarily, it is best to check them before your visit.

Via Agrippa and village history

The Via Agrippa near Graveson was built from the 1st century BC and rebuilt in the 1st century AD. It connected Lyon with Arles. A particularly well-preserved section has been restored and is open to the public. At the site, a 30-metre-long educational mural and explanatory panels describe the archaeological finds. If you plan to visit this site, check the local visitor information in advance.

The name Auguste Chabaud also appears in several places in Graveson. The Musée de Région Auguste Chabaud opened in 1992 in honour of the artist, who spent most of his life in Graveson. The “Sur les pas d’Auguste” trail leads through the village streets to places Chabaud painted. The museum and trail offer different ways to explore his work: one focuses on the artist, while the other connects his works with specific places in the village. If you are planning a museum visit, it is worth checking the current visitor information.

The Grand Portail was the village’s main entrance on the western side and is considered a symbol of the Middle Ages in Graveson. Today, it houses an exhibition space about the twinning partnership with Thônex in Switzerland; its use as an exhibition space may change. La roubine is a surviving remnant of the medieval defensive moat. It lies alongside the plane-tree-lined Cours. There are two aspects of history to note at the Eglise Notre Dame de la Nativité de Marie: its Romanesque choir is listed as a historic monument, and the church contains paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Murals and cultural venues

Since 2005, the Pictural & Mural initiative has promoted public art and provided artists with three outdoor public walls. More than 20 murals from the collection can now be seen in Graveson; the number of visible works may change. Their inauguration takes place on the first Sunday in September during Graveson’s Fête votive. If you would like to tie your visit to a festival, check the relevant event dates.

La Maison des arts is in the heart of the village. Its facilities include an exhibition space with picture rails and display cases, as well as a dedicated workshop room.

Cycling route, festivals and local produce

For cyclists, Route No. 5 of the Terre de Provence cycling loops is a clearly identified option: “Au fil de l’eau” is 17 kilometres long and runs from Graveson to Rognonas. Both the route’s name and its length and destination are specified. Signage and infrastructure may change; check the latest route information if you plan to use it.

The Fête de la Saint Eloi in Graveson takes place on the last weekend of July. This is a separate date in the annual calendar from the Fête votive in September, which is associated with the inauguration of the murals. Exact event dates and programmes may change, so it is worth checking before your trip. The Marché Paysan adds the colours, scents and quality of local produce to these local themes.

Discover more destinations: Velaux, Port-Saint-Louis-Du-Rhône, Meyreuil, Eyragues, Ventabren, Ceyreste, Fuveau, Les Milles.

For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.