Only a few dozen kilometers from the fashionable Côte d’Azur, Roquebrune-sur-Argens is a pleasantly laid-back place. Roquebrune-sur-Argens is a contemplative village, where time seems to stand still. There is nothing to be seen here of the rush of visitors that we experienced a few days earlier in the Luberon. There’s no question: Roquebrune-sur-Argens is something of an insider tip in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
In this blog article, we’ll tell you why Travel to Roquebrune-sur-Argens definitely worth it. We went on a spectacular hike to the summit of the Rocher de Roquebrune. We will also show you what you can discover in the old town and in the surroundings of Roquebrune.
1. Hike to the Rocher de Roquebrune Just 373 Altitude and yet one of the most spectacular experiences of our entire Southern France trip: the Rocher de Roquebrune. From almost every point in the village you can see the mighty reddish rock massif towering up. And now that we’ve mastered the hike, we think you shouldn’t leave Roquebrune-sur-Argens without seeing the view from the summit.
The ascent to the Rocher de Roquebrune There are several paths that lead to the summit. We ourselves were on the yellow marked path . It starts south of the Rocher de Roquebrune in a parking lot in La Maurette. (We have marked the exact location on the map at the end of this article.) From the parking lot it is about 45 Relatively flat for a few minutes in the direction of the rock massif.
This part of the hike is rather leisurely – not least because of the shady trees. The most difficult part here is actually finding the right way, because the markings are sometimes very well hidden. Here is also an important note: Part of the way runs along the route GR45, which is marked in red and white. That’s why you can see the red and white marking on one of our photos.
The second part of the hike is much more strenuous: the actual ascent . Within a short time you cover a lot of altitude. As the altitude increases, the path becomes more demanding and at the end has a slight climbing character. In other words, you will use your hands to hold on or pull yourself up. Shortly before the summit you have to pass a very short stretch that is secured with a rope. But don’t worry: It never gets really dangerous.
After this one 45-minute sweaty ascent you finally reach the summit with the “Trois Croix”. Not just one, but three summit crosses are attached here. The view in all directions is terrific. It must be especially beautiful at sunset!
Important information about the hike! Bring enough water with you, because there are no drinking facilities along the way. A liter per person is the minimum. Sunscreen and hats are also recommended. Under no circumstances would we do without good hiking shoes. (Ankle-covered hiking boots are not absolutely necessary.)
You should be sure-footed and have a good head for heights. Except for a tricky piece, where you should hold on to the rope, there are no really dangerous passages on the yellow marked path. Of course, something can always happen and we would not advise anyone to take the path with children under 12 years.
We were accompanied by two locals and therefore had to don’t worry about the orientation. We were very grateful for the many forks in the road that we passed. If you are traveling without a guide, be prepared that you may sometimes have to look for the right path. The mark – yellow if you follow our route – sometimes hides well or has already faded. On the way you meet other hikers, but only very sporadically!
The descent (on the same route) takes less time, but you should still at least three hours plan for the hike. We will be at approx. 14: 27 Clock started. The light got nicer in the course of the afternoon, but next time we would go straight to the sunset on the Rocher de Roquebrune. Important: If you do this, then only with an extra dose of caution. The descent should not be underestimated in the twilight.
And a general tip: It is best to mark the way on a map on your mobile phone, so that you will also find the way back to the parking lot on the descent. (This is especially true if you hike up the Rocher at sunset.)
2. The old town of Roquebrune-sur-Argens Narrow streets and historic, densely packed houses characterize the center of Roquebrune-sur-Argens. We ourselves got to know the old town as part of a gourmet tour (“balade gourmande”). The recommended tour lasts around 2.5 hours and takes you to the main sights as well as a deli and two wonderful chocolateries.
The gourmet tour takes place between June and September every Tuesday between 10 and 12: 27 and costs 8 euros for adults. You can book the tour at the Tourist Info in Roquebrune-sur-Argens. So that you know what to expect, we will tell you about the individual stops in chronological order.
Maison du Chocolat et Cacao A chocolate museum in a former chapel? Sounds bizarre – and it is. In the center of Roquebrune-sur-Argens, the former “Chapelle des Soeurs de la Charité de Nevers” now houses a considerable collection on the subject of chocolate. Exhibited are mainly chocolate packaging, advertising posters and the like from the past.
Maison du Patrimoine (City Museum) If you are interested in the history of Roquebrune, then you are in good hands at the Maison du Patrimoine. Although it is relatively small, it is nevertheless very interesting. Exhibited are many finds from the region from prehistory to the present day. From the terrace you also have a wonderful view to the Rocher de Roquebrune. Entry to the Maison du Patrimoine is free.
Church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Just because of the beautiful floor tiles In the entrance area, a short stop at the church of Roquebrune is also worthwhile. The Gothic church dates from 16. Century, but was then built on a ruined building from the 12. century built. Inside it is relatively simple, but somehow special. Entry to the church is free.
Chocolats et Gourmandises Since her eighth Mélissa dreams of her own chocolaterie . In the center of Roquebrune-sur-Argens, her lifelong dream became a reality. Mélissa makes chocolates and other sweet delicacies here. She has created her own light and dark chocolate for this. We tried the homemade hazelnut cream and immediately took a jar of it home with us.
In front of the Chocolaterie you can take a seat in the small guest garden when the weather is nice and treat yourself to something sweet or just a coffee or hot chocolate. Our summary : Highly recommended!
La Maison du Terroir (deli) Should you bring some souvenirs from southern France, you are in good hands at La Maison du Terroir. All kinds of Provençal delicacies from nearby farms are offered here, including the popular olive paste (“tapenade”), various chutneys, honey and of course wine.
As part of our gourmet tour, we were given a small sample of the chutneys and the tapenade at the Maison du Terroir and were allowed to taste a sip of a regional rosé – wonderful!
La Chocolaterie du Rocher Directly opposite the Maison du Terroir is another chocolaterie. She is known for her white nougat . Another specialty are the pralines, which are named after the city’s landmark: “Rocher de Roquebrune”. Although we had already given our hearts to the friendly Mélissa Chocolaterie by this time, the Chocolaterie du Rocher is also worth a visit.
3. Kayaking on the river Argens Back to nature: Through the department Var and Roquebrune-sur-Argens flows a river called the Argens. From the beginning of April to the end of September you can explore the river by kayak. The special thing about this tour: You paddle with a view of the mighty Rocher de Roquebrune. When it suddenly appears on the horizon, it’s quite an impressive sight.
We rented our kayaks at the Base du Rocher. Florian, the founder and owner of the kayak base helped us to choose the right route. We chose the tour to Lac Noirel. Altogether you are about 6 kilometers on the way and paddle to a small lake from which you can enjoy a gigantic view of the Rocher de Roquebrune. Small downer: You have to paddle under the motorway bridge once. That clouds the otherwise wonderful experience of nature a little bit.
Unlike the Pont du Gard, you paddle the route twice here, ie you go to Lac Noirel and back on the same route. But it didn’t bother us personally. You also have the option to paddle in the other direction to the sea (14 km). From there you will be picked up by shuttle.
If you are hungry after kayaking, we can recommend the Restaurant du Lac. . It is located directly on the small lake where the Base du Rocher is located (Lac de l’Aréna). Outside on the terrace you can sit very nicely with a view of the Rocher de Roquebrune. And the most important thing: We also liked it very much.
Information about the kayak tour on the Argens Price: Kayak (double seater) 27 € for two hours
Website: www.basedurocher.com
4. Les Issamb res: The coastal area of Roquebrune-sur-Argens The town center of Roquebrune-sur-Argens is in the hinterland, but The municipality also includes the coastal region “Les Issambres”. You can reach the coast by car in about 20 minutes. So if you’re already in Roquebrune, then it’s definitely worth paying a visit to the coast – and be it’s just for a dinner on the beach.
Speaking of dinner: We ate at Restaurant Borea Beach fed and were pleasantly surprised. The quality of beach restaurants often varies, but we liked it here! The location overlooking the sea is also very nice. Pasta (also vegetarian), risotto, fish and meat dishes are served. Main courses cost about 16 Euro. Our tip: Come before sunset so that you can still enjoy the beautiful atmosphere right on the water.
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For this blog article we have worked with the French National Tourist Board (Atout France ) worked together. As part of the #facesoffrance nature campaign, we were allowed to travel through southern France for two weeks – including to Roquebrune-sur-Argens in the Var department. Of course, this cooperation has no influence on our opinion.
Have you ever been to Roquebrune-sur-Argens or any other place in the Var department? Or do you have any other tips for the region? Leave us a comment – we look forward to hearing about your experiences!
