Instead of taking another cooling plunge in the Orb River, I can highly recommend taking the time to cross the bridge to discover charming Roquebrun. From the bridge you will get a magnificent view of Roquebrun. And then, once you’ve crossed, there is another fabulous lookout over the region from the opposite bank of the Orb River. Especially if you climb all the way up to the Mediterranean Garden, which is nestled at the feet of the instantly recognizable tower of Roquebrun.
Rocabrune
Roquebrun owes its name to this tower, the Tour Guet Carolingienne, dating from the 10th and 11th centuries. It was during this period that ‘Rocabrune’ was first mentioned, derived from ‘Tour Brune’ which translates as the brown tower. I decided to follow the signs to the Jardin Méditerranée, entering the village via the funny-named Rue sous les Fenêtres (‘Street under the Windows’). It brought me via the Rue de la Chapelle and the Rue Place Vielle to one of the gates, called the ‘Porte Haute’. It used to be integrated into the village’s ramparts and nowadays gives access to the church’s square.
Microclimate
Arriving at the Place de l’Église, I could admire the church’s remarkable entrance door made from Roquebrun’s Morello cherry marble. However, my eyes wandered off to the view on my right. Peaking over a little labyrinth, a beautiful landscape unfolded on the other side of the Orb River. Due to its location, Roquebrun benefits from a warm and pleasant microclimate. This sunny climate attracts and has attracted many people, all the way back to the 4th millennium before JC! No wonder that Roman legionaries, Carolingian kings and Cather lords walked these grounds well before our time.
Le Jardin Méditerranéen
As my goal was to visit the Mediterranean Garden to get the ultimate view, I continued on my way through the narrow alleys. Most of the houses in the heart of the Medieval village are very well preserved. I spotted cobbled streets, arches, and many beautiful natural rock walls. Now, you don’t have to enter the garden ‘Le Jardin Méditerranéen’ just to get another look at the view. It is a nice stroll up to the garden, though. And if you’re into plants and trees, it might well be worth the entrance fee of 6 euros (adults). The mild climate is also perfect for mimosa, cactuses, lemon trees, and all kinds of exotic plants to grow. This explains why Roquebrun is known locally as ‘Petit Nice’.
Chilled glass
My way back down via the Rue du Barry seemed much shorter, no doubt because of the easier descent. Just a little tip: bring some water when visiting Roquebrun; those steep little streets can make you thirsty. Coming back onto the main street Avenue du Roc de l’Estang, I treated myself to a chilled glass of local white wine waiting for me at my favourite bar à vins & bistonomic restaurant La Cave Saint Martin. They serve great food under the kiwi tree with views on the Orb River and are open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday (dinner only) to Monday (lunch only). One not-to-miss shop is ‘Mon Bel Oranger‘ (open daily from June to September and on weekends only in April, May and October). I always find it difficult to resist this beautiful collection of local crafters and artists.
