Beaumes De Venise offers several distinct highlights for an exploratory trip: Romanesque architecture, archaeology and the history of Muscat. There is also a hike to Rocher de Rocalinaud and a guided cycling tour through the vineyards.
Culture Between the Chapel and Archaeology
The Chapelle de Notre-Dame-d'Aubune was classified as a historic monument by decree on 19 November 1910. The bell tower of the Chapelle Notre-Dame d’Aubune is considered a Romanesque masterpiece of the 12th century; the chapel also includes a priory classified as a historic monument.
The Espace Archéologique et Géologique features a permanent exhibition of Greek, Roman, Gallo-Roman and medieval archaeological remains found in the territory of Beaumes De Venise. The Jardin Médiéval d'Aubune was created in 2014/2015. Its design follows the form and philosophy of medieval gardens, in accordance with the provisions of the Capitulaire de Villis. Aromatic, dye, culinary, fragrant and medicinal plants grow there.
At the Aubune site, volunteers from the Académie de Beaumes-de-Venise offer free guided tours of the archaeological museum, the medieval garden, the spring gallery and the chapel’s outdoor area. The area around the Aubune spring and its gallery has also been designed to make access and visibility easier.
Muscat and Wine Experiences
According to local winemaking tradition, Greek colonists planted the first Muscat vines around 600 BC when they settled in the region. Beaumes De Venise received the “Site Remarquable du Goût” distinction for its Muscat. In 2013, the town was among the first destinations in Provence to receive the “Vignobles et Découvertes” label.
Rhonéa in Beaumes De Venise offers cellar tours and workshops. Cellar tours must be booked by email or telephone 48 hours in advance, Monday to Friday. Cellar tours are not accessible to people with reduced mobility. Workshops take place daily except Sundays and public holidays.
Hiking and Cycling
The natural surroundings of Beaumes De Venise are ideal for hiking, and there are numerous starting points for cycling loops. A hike to Rocher de Rocalinaud begins in the village. The rock, also known as the “Moon Rock,” is a sandy sandstone formation with numerous cavities and water reservoirs. It served as a refuge from prehistoric times until the end of the 16th century.
A guided cycling tour through the wine-growing area starts at the winegrowers’ cooperative and passes through the region’s varied vineyards to Rocher de Rocalinaud. The return to the winegrowers’ cooperative is via the Chapelle Notre-Dame d’Aubune. Tour dates and availability may vary.
The two options also differ in their starting points and routes: the hike begins in the village, while the guided cycling tour starts at the winegrowers’ cooperative and takes in the vineyards, with the return route via the chapel. The weekly market takes place every Tuesday morning. As dates may change, check the market date before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Flassan, Cavaillon, Puyméras, Cabrières D'aigues, Bédoin, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Lapalud and Monteux.
See the overview of destinations: Vaucluse.
