Noves

Population : 4,488

Department : Bouches du Rhône

The village of Noves is strategically placed in the north of the Alpilles, on the border between the departments of Bouches du Rhône and Vaucluse.

Within a 20 km radius there are plenty of places to visit and charming villages to explore. From Noves it is just a few minutes to the centre of Avignon and a stone’s throw to the villages perched on the heights of the Lubéron or to the famous market of Cavaillon.

The citadel of Baux de Provence, the château of Tarascon and the Antiques (Roman remains) of St Rémy are also nearby and are well worth a detour.

Finally, don’t forget that the sea and the beaches of the Camargue and Saintes Maries are only 70 km away.

As you explore the village, you will discover some attractive ruins which date from the time when the bishops of Avignon and the popes were the lords of Noves.
The ramparts, of which the bell-tower, two gates and two beautiful square towers still remain, date from the 12th and 14th centuries. You can’t miss the Porte de l’Horloge (Clock Gate), surmounted by its bell-tower, which marks the entrance to the feudal village.

Noves has also preserved another aspect of its rich mediaeval past: the narrow winding lanes which are a delight to explore. During your walk you will pass beautiful 17th-century façades and you will also see the church of St Baudile, built in the 12th century against the ramparts in the typical Provençal Romanesque style.

Noves is a lively village and its people enjoy a good party. Every year they organise several typically Provençal festivals with concours de manade (contests with bulls from several herds), courses de taureax (bull races), abrivado (bulls released into the streets) and folklore processions, as well as aïolis (open-air meals) and sardine festivals, where a great atmosphere is guaranteed.

A little history now - it was in Noves that the famous Provençal poet, Petrarch, met and fell madly in love with Laure de Noves. Alas, she was already married and impervious to the advances of Petrarch. The poet had to resign himself to not sharing his love with the beautiful Laure. Most of his sonnets, poems and love songs are dedicated to her.

What to see :

Church of Saint Baudile (13th century)
Château esplanade with a view over the village
12th and 14th-century ramparts
Chapel of the Pénitents Blancs (14th century) now a library
Chapel of Notre Dame de Pitié (17th century) on the Pieu hill
Open-air theatre

Leisure activities :

Market on Thursday mornings (Place Jean Jaurès)
Walking and horse-riding. Tennis. Archery. Pétanque.
Mountain biking. Cinema. Summer events

Festivals and other events :

1st Sunday in June and in September : St Eloi procession
The week of 15th August : Paluds votive festival
Last weekend of August : Noves votive festival
Second Sunday in November : collectors’ fair

Accommodation and eating out :

Hotels. Campsites. Gîtes. Bed & breakfast.
Furnished rentals. Restaurants.

Neighbouring villages :