Roquevaire: Culture, History and Hiking
Accommodation in Roquevaire
In Roquevaire, different interests lead to clear highlights: the history of the Huveaune, art and museum visits, and trails through the countryside. The different visiting arrangements and seasonal dates are particularly useful when planning your trip.
The Huveaune, a Bridge and a Museum
The Pont Bonaparte is a 16th-century bridge spanning the Huveaune. A footpath along the riverbanks invites you to take walks in Roquevaire and explore the area’s natural and historical heritage. The river and the town’s history meet in different ways: at the bridge as a structure, and along the banks on a path that invites you to stroll.
The Musée René Verrier displays Gallo-Roman remains, including a sarcophagus and a statue. The collection also includes numerous everyday objects and tools gathered over the years. Archaeological finds are thus displayed alongside objects from daily life. Visits are possible by appointment only; the museum is also open on the Saturday of the European Heritage Days.
Hiking and Climbing
Lascours is a starting point for hikes to the summit of Garlaban. From there, you can enjoy views of Marseille, Cap Canaille and Sainte-Victoire, as well as the Sainte-Baume and Étoile ranges. The hike therefore combines a named summit destination with views encompassing several striking landscapes.
The Massif de Bassan is also a hiking destination. It includes the 717-metre-high TĂŞte de Roussargues, from which hikers can enjoy magnificent views. The difference is clear when choosing a hiking destination: Garlaban offers views of several named landmarks, while the Massif de Bassan is distinguished by the specific elevation of the TĂŞte de Roussargues.
The Grand Vallon climbing area is near Roquevaire, at a prominent site in the Garlaban. Routes of all difficulty levels are accessible, but the climbing sectors are widely separated. Seasonal restrictions may apply, so check the conditions before setting out to climb.
Art and Visits by Appointment
The façade of “La Maison de Celle qui peint” is a work of public art. Danielle Jacqui transformed her home into a living museum of Art Brut. Individual visits are possible by appointment. If you would like to focus on art and architecture, the façade offers a different experience from the exhibits at the Musée René Verrier.
The tourist route “Les 7 Merveilles de Roquevaire” connects seven places in Roquevaire, with information boards along the way. It is freely accessible. This makes the route different from visits to the museum and the art house, which require an appointment or a scheduled visit.
Festivals and Local Experiences
The Festival de Théâtre à Lascours takes place annually in late June or early July. The Festival de Roquevaire has been held every year since 1997 in September or October at the parish church of Saint-Vincent. The annual Bee and Honey Festival features beekeeping demonstrations, tastings and children’s workshops; its date varies from year to year. If you are planning your visit around an event, it is worth checking the specific dates before you travel.
The Huveaunades are held in June as part of the Fête de l’Huveaune. Numerous events take place near the Huveaune and at Cours Négrel Féraud. This adds local events to the river’s historical and scenic appeal.
Terre de Safran – Céline Ceccaldi offers discovery visits to its saffron farm in Roquevaire. In 2026, visits are available year-round by appointment. Confirm the visit details again before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Noves, Saint-Estève-Janson, Saintes-Maries-De-La-Mer, Mollégès, Paradou, Maillane, Salon-De-Provence, Saint-Étienne-du-Grès
For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
