In Vernègues, the story reaches far back: rock shelters point to human settlement in the Neolithic, while Iron Age remains and medieval religious buildings reveal further chapters. A washhouse at a spring in the rocks and a hiking route through the garrigue add concrete details about architecture and landscape to the historical focus. This makes it possible to shape a stay around different interests—from early settlement and architecture to outdoor activity. The building history spans from the oldest part of the Chapel of Saint-Symphorien in the 11th century, through Saint-Jacques in the 13th century, to the rebuilding of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes in 1910.
Traces of Prehistory and Chapels
On the eastern part of the plateau, Iron Age remains, including the remnants of a wall, testify to a Celtic-Ligurian community that lived there. The Iron Age is dated from 800 to 500 BC. Rock shelters point to human settlement during the Neolithic, from 5000 to 2000 BC. These two dates represent widely separated periods of prehistory, not one continuous time span.
The oldest part of the Chapel of Saint-Symphorien dates from the 11th century. At the back is a collection of crutches—a distinctive detail alongside the building’s history. The pilgrimage to Saint-Symphorien takes place every year on August 22.
The Chapel of Saint-Césaire illustrates a different religious development: it adjoins the temple and represents the transformation of a pagan temple into a Christian sanctuary. If you walk around the estate, you can see the ruins of the Temple of Saint-Césaire along the way.
Religious Architecture and Visiting
The old Church of Saint-Jacques in Vieux Vernègues dates from the 13th century and is characteristic of the second Romanesque style period. Its ruins can be viewed from the square; as they are not secured, entering is prohibited. Plan to view them from outside and check the access information before your visit.
The landscape also features a hiking route that passes through the garrigue on the descent. The Church of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes was rebuilt in 1910; a hiking route passes by it.
Spring in the Rocks and a Place to Stop
The Lavoir de Naud dates from the late 19th century and was built at an ancient spring in the rocks. Its setting at the spring makes it a different type of historic structure from the chapels and churches.
Artisanal ice cream and crêpes are served in the last surviving house in the old village; there is also a terrace with a view. If you want to plan this stop in advance, check what is on offer before you arrive.
Discover more destinations: Vauvenargues, Arles, Eyguières, La Destrousse, Port-De-Bouc, Auriol, Mallemort, Le Rove.
For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
