Robion: Cycling Routes, Village History and Culture

Robion brings together historic buildings, cycling and hiking routes, and cultural venues. If you’re looking for a hotel in Robion, these different highlights can help guide your travel plans: would you like to explore the old village, take a bike ride, or spend time on hiking trails? The sights and routes offer concrete ideas to help you decide.

Churches, Chapels and Local History

The old village is home to the 12th-century Romanesque church of Notre-Dame de la Nativité. Another testament to the area’s architectural history is the old bell tower, a remnant of the 13th-century church of Saint-Pierre. One of the bells in this tower dates from 1489. The Chapelle du Rosaire adds to the village’s historic character; it dates back to 1656.

The Chapelle Saint-Roch was built in 1633. Today, it houses the tourist information office and serves as a venue for exhibitions and cultural events. The Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Anges is thought to have been built in the mid-17th century; it was restored in 1994. The date 1709 on the door lintel probably marks a period of renovation. The construction and history of use of the Chapelle des Pénitents blancs can also be traced through its dates: construction was completed in 1606, and the brotherhood of penitents moved in in 1607. Today, the chapel is fully integrated into a private home, so access should not be assumed.

Théâtre de Verdure and Lime Kiln

The Théâtre de Verdure is a former quarry that has been transformed into a cultural venue. Concerts, performances and festivals take place there every summer. The Robion lime kiln was also built within a limestone quarry at the Théâtre de Verdure. It was first fired to produce lime in April 1860 and restored in 1997. Here, the site’s former industrial use meets its present-day cultural program.

Cycling Around Robion

Several routes for bike rides start in the village. The EV8 cycle route starts in Robion, follows the Calavon Valley and ends at the foot of the Luberon. The Robion–Lagnes–L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue cycling route begins in the town center and passes through farmland, alongside orchards and canals. The routes can be distinguished by their landscapes: the EV8 follows the valley toward the Luberon, while the other route takes in farmland, orchards and canals.

The Canal de Carpentras also offers opportunities for walks and rides along the cycle route, which passes over small bridges. The Saint-Roch tourist information office can advise on cycling and mountain biking routes, as well as providers bearing the “Accueil Vélo” label. If you’d like to plan your rides locally, it’s a useful point of contact for these topics.

Hiking Trails and Nature

The hike to the Rochers de Baude and the Crâne de Colombier is a challenging circular route: it is 7.3 kilometers long and includes 489 meters of elevation gain. Along the way, the landscape is marked by rock faces and rock shelters. For a different kind of trail, there are two more starting points beside the Théâtre de Verdure: both the Draille de Robion and the botanical trail begin there. A rather dizzying staircase leads to the Source de l’Escanson.

The Source de Boulon undergoes a marked seasonal change. It is almost dry in summer and comes back to life after rain. Crested tits, butterflies and flowering meadows can be found there. Nature watching at this spring offers a different experience from the historical and cultural sights in the old village; which appeals to you more can help shape your outing.

Crafts and Tastings

La Roumanière is an artisan confectionery in Robion. It makes jams, biscuits and honey in workshops in Robion and Avignon. Guided tours of the production workshops and free tastings are available all year round. A look at how regional sweets are made adds another concrete activity to the routes and historic buildings.

Discover more destinations: Rochegude, Cadenet, Althen-Des-Paluds, Lagarde-Pareol, Aubignan, La Roque-Sur-Pernes, Ansouis, Saint-Martin-De-Castillon.

For the regional travel overview: Vaucluse.