It’s not just life, it’s PROVENCElife© PROVENCElife 2007 BARJOLS
Population approx. 2,166 Surface : 3,000 hectares Situated 21km. north of Saint Maximin, on the D560
22km. from Brignoles on the D554. Tourist Information Office bd Grisolle Tel. 04 94 77 20 01
www.ville-
Markets:Tues. & Sat. in the centre Place Victor Hugo and Place Capitaine Vincens.
The Village
Often said to be the gateway to Haute Provence and the hills of the Var, the peaceful village of Barjols is set on a
limestone cliff and is an inviting stop for visitors. Its also said that it has 42 fountains and lavoirs, but I’ve never
met anyone who has counted them. Being positioned on four rivers means that Barjols’ architecture and life has
been determined for centuries by the constant presence of water. Once renowned for its seething tanneries,
Barjols now lies peacefully among woods and flowing rivers. In 1983, after almost 400 years, the leather industry
finally
folded. A few of the abandoned factories have become artisans’ studios. But the view of these derelict
buildings is not an attractive sight when tourists venture closer. Various
people have come up with schemes to develop these buildings, but none
have come to fruition.wo traditional Provencal
instruments, the three holed flute (galoubet)
and the narrow drums (tambourines) were
made in Barjols until recently. (No doubt the
Chinese now make them cheaper) However, these instruments resound each
January at the fête du St.Marcel, the town’s patron saint, Saint Marcel, who was
born in Avignon and eventually buried at Montmeyan (15km north of Barjols)
Approximately every four years the ceremony includes the slaughter and roasting of an ox in the square. This is
ollowed by a colourful ‘tripe dance’ (I am not making this up) outside the 11th century church of Notre Dame de
l’Assomption, where the relics of the saint can be seen. According to Provence Beyond, Marcel was made a Saint
as a reward for several miracles. In 1349 St Marcel appeared before the guardian of a ruined monastery and
demanded that his body be taken to a more suitable place. Barjols wonthe honour from Aups, and on 17th
January 1350 his remains were transferred to Barjols. Enroute, the transport party encountered some women
washing the tripes of a beef butchered in commemoration of Saint Marcel having appeared one day to save Barjols
from famine. The now enlarged party continued on, entering Barjols singing about Saint Marcel and tripes. From
that day to this, the annual fête celebrates Saint Marcel with the dance of tripes and a butchered steer that’s roasted
on a giant spit in the Place de la Rouguière.
Population approx. 2,166 Surface : 3,000 hectares Situated 21km. north of Saint Maximin, on the D560
22km. from Brignoles on the D554. Tourist Information Office bd Grisolle Tel. 04 94 77 20 01
www.ville-
Markets:Tues. & Sat. in the centre Place Victor Hugo and Place Capitaine Vincens.
The Village
Often said to be the gateway to Haute Provence and the hills of the Var, the peaceful village of Barjols is set on a
limestone cliff and is an inviting stop for visitors. Its also said that it has 42 fountains and lavoirs, but I’ve never
met anyone who has counted them. Being positioned on four rivers means that Barjols’ architecture and life has
been determined for centuries by the constant presence of water. Once renowned for its seething tanneries,
Barjols now lies peacefully among woods and flowing rivers. In 1983, after almost 400 years, the leather industry
finally
folded. A few of the abandoned factories have become artisans’ studios. But the view of these derelict
buildings is not an attractive sight when tourists venture closer. Various
people have come up with schemes to develop these buildings, but none
have come to fruition.wo traditional Provencal
instruments, the three holed flute (galoubet)
and the narrow drums (tambourines) were
made in Barjols until recently. (No doubt the
Chinese now make them cheaper) However, these instruments resound each
January at the fête du St.Marcel, the town’s patron saint, Saint Marcel, who was
born in Avignon and eventually buried at Montmeyan (15km north of Barjols)
Approximately every four years the ceremony includes the slaughter and roasting of an ox in the square. This is
ollowed by a colourful ‘tripe dance’ (I am not making this up) outside the 11th century church of Notre Dame de
l’Assomption, where the relics of the saint can be seen. According to Provence Beyond, Marcel was made a Saint
as a reward for several miracles. In 1349 St Marcel appeared before the guardian of a ruined monastery and
demanded that his body be taken to a more suitable place. Barjols wonthe honour from Aups, and on 17th
January 1350 his remains were transferred to Barjols. Enroute, the transport party encountered some women
washing the tripes of a beef butchered in commemoration of Saint Marcel having appeared one day to save Barjols
from famine. The now enlarged party continued on, entering Barjols singing about Saint Marcel and tripes. From
that day to this, the annual fête celebrates Saint Marcel with the dance of tripes and a butchered steer that’s roasted
on a giant spit in the Place de la Rouguière.