Through ambitious restoration projects, three iconic sites are on the verge of regaining their former glory preserving history and collective memory for generations to come.
The Magic of the Barbegal mill
In Fontvieille, the Barbegal site is home to a hydraulic mill dating back to the 1st century BC a feat without equal in the Roman world. The site preserves the remains of two aqueduct bridges, each 325 meters long, and a water-powered mill that once operated with remarkable efficiency. It was, in essence, a full-fledged industrial complex ahead of its time on a truly impressive scale!
Today, erosion threatens these remains, and structural consolidation work will begin at the end of 2025 to stabilize the site. Visitors will soon be able to immerse themselves in the history of the Roman Empire and admire the ingenuity of this ancient milling system.
The CERCO: Arles’ heritage hospital
Hidden in Arles lies a little-known but fascinating place: the CERCO (Center for the Study, Restoration, and Conservation of Works). Located in the former railway workshops of the city, it is an integral part of the Museon Arlaten, the ethnographic museum founded by Frédéric Mistral.
A key player in the preservation of cultural heritage, the CERCO proves that heritage is far from static it is alive. Here, hundreds of objects from Provence’s collective memory rest, are restored, and are given new life.
Saint-Gabriel Chapel: A journey through time
Just a stone’s throw from Tarascon, the Saint-Gabriel Chapel offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the Alpilles. Built in the 12th century on an ancient Roman crossroads, this gem of Provençal Romanesque art captivates with its refined architecture and intricate sculptural details.
First recognized by Prosper Mérimée, who listed it among the very first Historic Monuments in 1840, the chapel is now the focus of an ambitious restoration project. A perfect opportunity to combine a scenic walk with a dose of heritage in a quintessentially Provençal setting.
