Bourse aux Livres de Meyrargues

Meyrargues, a Provencal village between castle and aqueduct

Meyrargues is a characterful village in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, nestled on the hillsides about fifteen kilometers north of Aix-en-Provence. Dominated by its imposing medieval castle built from the 9th-10th century, the village offers a remarkable panorama of the Durance valley, the Luberon, and the Ligourès forest stretching towards Montagne Sainte-Victoire. The castle, successively owned by the families of Baux, Valbelle, and Albertas, has been listed in the inventory of protected sites since 1952 and now functions as a prestigious hotel.

Behind the castle, in the Pas de l'Étroit valley, stand the remains of a 1st-century BC Roman aqueduct, three arches of which still bear witness to ancient hydraulic engineering. This structure, classified as a Historic Monument since 1922, was part of the Traconnade network that carried water from Jouques to Aix-en-Provence (Aquae Sextiae) over more than 30 kilometers.

A solidarity-based and friendly book fair

Each spring, the association Les Maux de Spondy-Myalgie organizes a Bourse aux Livres (Book Fair) at the salle des fêtes (village hall) in Meyrargues, rue d'Albertas. This association, committed to raising awareness for invisible chronic illnesses—ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, and related conditions—uses this event to fund its activities while offering locals a moment of sharing around reading.

Exhibitors, both individuals and associations, offer a wide variety of books on their tables: novels, comic books, children's albums, essays, school textbooks, and cookbooks. Stall space is available at a symbolic price of 4 euros per table, allowing for a diverse offering and very attractive prices for visitors.

A village rich in heritage

Beyond the book fair, Meyrargues is worth a visit for its exceptional heritage. The village retains an old urban fabric of narrow streets and 17th-century houses. The Saint-André church, founded in 1737 and remodeled in 1822, houses a painting attributed to Mazzocchi, a donation from Napoleon III according to local tradition. The heritage discovery trail leads visitors from the Roman aqueduct to the castle, passing by the orientation table on the Saint-Claude hill, which offers a 360-degree panorama of Provence.

The Occitan poet Joseph d'Arbaud (1874-1950), a member of the Félibrige, was born in Meyrargues, and a street in the village bears his name. The commune, with about 3,800 inhabitants, has managed to preserve its Provencal identity while welcoming new families attracted by the quality of life near Aix-en-Provence.