Fontvieille can be explored through several distinct themes: its protected hypogea, the legacy of Alphonse Daudet, the architectural history of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens Church, and the Roman structures at Barbegal. When planning, it is also important to know which sites are open seasonally: Château de Montauban opens seasonally, and of the four documented hypogea, only Castelet is open to the public. This lets you match cultural and historical highlights with the relevant visiting conditions.
Hypogea: protected, but not all accessible
Fontvieille’s four hypogea are protected as historic monuments. The architecture of these hypogea originated in the local area and later spread toward Var, Vaucluse and Languedoc. The four documented sites in the area are on private land; only the Castelet hypogeum is open to the public, while the others are closed. Confirm access locally again before your visit. The group’s protected status therefore does not mean that all four sites can be visited.
Daudet, the château and the mills
The Moulin Alphonse Daudet was restored in 1935, and a museum dedicated to the writer was set up inside. Since 17 September 2003, the Musée Alphonse Daudet has been recognised as a “Musée de France” under French heritage legislation. Château de Montauban houses a Daudet collection of manuscripts, paintings, photographs, prints, period newspapers and the writer’s writing desk. Today, the château is a museum centre dedicated to the history of Fontvieille. It offers self-guided and guided visits, a treasure hunt and educational workshops. Public opening hours are seasonal; group visits are available year-round by reservation. Check the programme and opening hours in advance. The Moulin Ribet, also known as the Moulin Saint-Pierre, was built in 1814.
Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens Church: two construction phases
Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens Church in Fontvieille was built in 1695 using stone from Fontvieille’s quarries. Its two bell towers have different designs and date from 1765 and 1866. About a century separates their construction dates. Their different forms mark two clearly distinct construction phases of the same church.
Barbegal: water and milling
The Roman aqueducts and mill at Barbegal formed a complex system of two parallel aqueducts. They carried drinking water from the Alpilles to Arles and also supplied a mill capable of producing flour for “Arelate”. Water transport and flour production thus form part of a shared technical history: the aqueducts brought water to Arles and supplied the mill. Those interested in Roman engineering history will find more than a single structure here: a connection between water conveyance and flour production.
Natural area and olive oil
Mont Paon in Fontvieille is designated as a sensitive natural area by the Bouches-du-Rhône department and offers a natural attraction alongside the cultural sites. Les Oliviers de l’Aqueduc offers a culinary connection: the company sells AOP Huile d’olive de la Vallée des Baux-de-Provence olive oils at its boutique on Chemin de Bédarrides in Fontvieille and at the Fontvieille market on Fridays. Check market times before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Septèmes-Les-Vallons, Mimet, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, Vernègues, Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde, Auriol, La Penne-Sur-Huveaune, Plan-De-Cuques
For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
