Montmeyan
Encyclopedia
Montmeyan is a French commune (municipality), located in the department of Var, in the region
of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
.
.
The towers of the fortifications still overlook a charming village with narrow streets, vaulted passages, stairs and retaining sleepers arches.
With an area of 3943 hectares, the commune of Montmeyan now totals 532 permanent inhabitants.
Image:Montmeyan - Vue générale côté sud-ouest 04Déc2010.jpg| Overview southwest side.
Image:Montmeyan - Ancienne chapelle Saint-Esprit 03Déc2010.JPG| Former chapel Holy Spirit.
File:@COTE_EST_FEV2010.png| Overview southeast side.
File:Montmeyan - Remparts place du nord.jpg| Ramparts dating from the twelfth century.
of Montmeyan is a rift
oriented north-south, created by the first Alpine movement dating from the Oligocene
epoch
, which extends over 12 km between Quinson
and Fox-Amphoux
. It is filled with red clays dating from the Lower Eocene
, divided into two masses by a limestone bank.
In this narrow plain, bordered by limestone faults, there are outcrops of sedimentary rocks dating from the Jurassic
and Cretaceous
. These rocks contain rare fossil
s, dinosaur
s' eggs and bones, ammonites, fish and shellfish (Potamida).
Several accommodation facilities are available in the area: two campsites just outside the village, holiday cottage
s and bed and breakfasts.
Two equestrian centers are installed in Montmeyan. The nautical base of Montmeyan Beach serves as a boarding point to explore the low gorges du Verdon in the direction of Esparron-de-Verdon
: the rental of kayaks, canoes or boats with electric motors is become an important activity.
The Gallic word Meillan, latinized as Mediolanum, means 'plain located in the middle', a real sacred place to the Gaul people. Montmeyan was probably a Gaul Mediolanum, religious and political center which would gather the tribes (or neighboring cities combined) to address their common interests, in a fortification
overlooking a rural 'flat countryside'.
Gules
, a triple towered castle or
, on a mount in base argent
charged with a cross pattée
gules
.
This blazon
is inspired from the one recorded by Hozier for the commune, without cross pattée
, and only with the castle keep of three turrets (Armorial d'Hozier, section Provence, tome II, page 1588). Montmeyan’s coat of arms are similar to those of House of Castellane
. This family has owned this land for a very long time (Armorial des communes de Provence, Louis de Bresc, page 198).
is attested in the territory of Montmeyan with the site of Breuil
shelter
in the valley of Verdon. Several traces of Neolithic
and Bronze Age
habitat, with prehistoric ramparts, were discovered on the territory.
A dolmen
from the Chalcolithic period on the plateau of La Colle and two tumuli (bronze Age
/iron Age
) in La Petite Roquette are listed in the inventory of megaliths of Montmeyan. During the Iron Age
, the Celtic-Ligurian tribes install two camps surrounded by thick stone walls at Castelar. The Roman occupation has left abundant traces in Enguerne and La Grande Roquette.
Saint-André de Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is owning the parish church, and collects its income.
. In November 1170, the Lord of Blachère gives and grants the Templar church of Saint-Maurin all the cultivated and uncultivated land, the right to pasture and the water from banks of the Verdon. He also gives the freedom to build a flour mill in the valley of Beau Rive and a place to prepare their bread.
In 1223, the Commandry of Saint-Maurin purchases the castle of Montmeyan, with the support - probably financial - of the Commandry of Ruou. The deed of sale is of great interest with regard to the terms of such acquisition. During the Crusades
, Montmeyan plays an important role in the presence of the soldier-monks between Argens
and Verdon rivers.
in 1309, then passed to the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem in 1319. Arnaud de Trian, Earl
of Aliff in the Naples
kingdom and nephew of Pope John XXII, makes the land acquisition in 1322.
In 1409, Marguerite de Trian, the granddaughter of Arnaud, becomes the wife of George de Castellane
and thus brings the territory of the Montmeyan to the House of Castellane
which keeps this lordship for more than three centuries. Between 1579 and 1660, the Castellane
-Montmeyan family provides six Knights
to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.
In the 16th century, seven co-seigneurs share the stronghold, built in marquisate in 1651 for Jean-Augustin de Foresta. The Grimaldi-Régusse are the last Lord
s of the place before the French Revolution
.
of Montmeyan emigrates to Germany
. In 1790, its property is registered, forests are declared state property and agricultural land is either sold or leased.
From this period, Montmeyan depends on the district of Barjols and is part of the canton of Tavernes. In 1793, the population is of 661 inhabitants.
Following the coup d'état of 2 December 1851, Montmeyan is part of the insurgent communes and a hundred men arrives in Aups
on 9 December 1851. 51 Republicans from Montmeyan are caught and convicted. They are compensated by the Republic
in 1882. Since then, the population decreases to reach its lowest level in 1946 with 249 inhabitants.
In the context of the end of the Algerian war, a hamlet 'de forestage' is created in late 1962 to house 30 former Harkis and their families ; the arrival of these 141 people marks the beginning of a new population growth . In 2007, Montmeyan population is of 532 inhabitants.
Demographic chart of Montmeyan since 1793
Region
Region is most commonly found as a term used in terrestrial and astrophysics sciences also an area, notably among the different sub-disciplines of geography, studied by regional geographers. Regions consist of subregions that contain clusters of like areas that are distinctive by their uniformity...
of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur or PACA is one of the 27 regions of France.It is made up of:* the former French province of Provence* the former papal territory of Avignon, known as Comtat Venaissin...
.
Geography
Montmeyan is a fortified medieval village, built at 504 m altitude on a rocky promontory in the middle of the plain, near the gorges du Verdon and lac de Sainte-CroixLac de Sainte-Croix
The Lake of Sainte-Croix is a man-made lake that was formed by the construction, between 1971 and 1974 of a reinforced concrete arch dam by the name of Dam of Sainte-Croix . The reservoir holds a maximum of 761 million cubic metres of water...
.
The towers of the fortifications still overlook a charming village with narrow streets, vaulted passages, stairs and retaining sleepers arches.
With an area of 3943 hectares, the commune of Montmeyan now totals 532 permanent inhabitants.
Image:Montmeyan - Vue générale côté sud-ouest 04Déc2010.jpg| Overview southwest side.
Image:Montmeyan - Ancienne chapelle Saint-Esprit 03Déc2010.JPG| Former chapel Holy Spirit.
File:@COTE_EST_FEV2010.png| Overview southeast side.
File:Montmeyan - Remparts place du nord.jpg| Ramparts dating from the twelfth century.
Geology
The synclineSyncline
In structural geology, a syncline is a fold, with younger layers closer to the center of the structure. A synclinorium is a large syncline with superimposed smaller folds. Synclines are typically a downward fold, termed a synformal syncline In structural geology, a syncline is a fold, with younger...
of Montmeyan is a rift
Rift
In geology, a rift or chasm is a place where the Earth's crust and lithosphere are being pulled apart and is an example of extensional tectonics....
oriented north-south, created by the first Alpine movement dating from the Oligocene
Oligocene
The Oligocene is a geologic epoch of the Paleogene Period and extends from about 34 million to 23 million years before the present . As with other older geologic periods, the rock beds that define the period are well identified but the exact dates of the start and end of the period are slightly...
epoch
Epoch (geology)
An epoch is a subdivision of the geologic timescale based on rock layering. In order, the higher subdivisions are periods, eras and eons. We are currently living in the Holocene epoch...
, which extends over 12 km between Quinson
Quinson
Quinson is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
and Fox-Amphoux
Fox-Amphoux
Fox-Amphoux is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
. It is filled with red clays dating from the Lower Eocene
Eocene
The Eocene Epoch, lasting from about 56 to 34 million years ago , is a major division of the geologic timescale and the second epoch of the Paleogene Period in the Cenozoic Era. The Eocene spans the time from the end of the Palaeocene Epoch to the beginning of the Oligocene Epoch. The start of the...
, divided into two masses by a limestone bank.
In this narrow plain, bordered by limestone faults, there are outcrops of sedimentary rocks dating from the Jurassic
Jurassic
The Jurassic is a geologic period and system that extends from about Mya to Mya, that is, from the end of the Triassic to the beginning of the Cretaceous. The Jurassic constitutes the middle period of the Mesozoic era, also known as the age of reptiles. The start of the period is marked by...
and Cretaceous
Cretaceous
The Cretaceous , derived from the Latin "creta" , usually abbreviated K for its German translation Kreide , is a geologic period and system from circa to million years ago. In the geologic timescale, the Cretaceous follows the Jurassic period and is followed by the Paleogene period of the...
. These rocks contain rare fossil
Fossil
Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of animals , plants, and other organisms from the remote past...
s, dinosaur
Dinosaur
Dinosaurs are a diverse group of animals of the clade and superorder Dinosauria. They were the dominant terrestrial vertebrates for over 160 million years, from the late Triassic period until the end of the Cretaceous , when the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event led to the extinction of...
s' eggs and bones, ammonites, fish and shellfish (Potamida).
Economy
Montmeyan draws its resources from agriculture, livestock and tourism, is part of Territoire Haut-Var Verdon and of Communauté de Communes Provence d'Argens en Verdon.Several accommodation facilities are available in the area: two campsites just outside the village, holiday cottage
Holiday cottage
A holiday cottage is a cottage used for accommodation, which has become common in the United Kingdom and Canada. They are typically small homes that vacationers can rent and run as if it were their own home for the duration of their stay. This gives them the freedom to eat in, eat out, stay in bed...
s and bed and breakfasts.
Two equestrian centers are installed in Montmeyan. The nautical base of Montmeyan Beach serves as a boarding point to explore the low gorges du Verdon in the direction of Esparron-de-Verdon
Esparron-de-Verdon
Esparron-de-Verdon is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
: the rental of kayaks, canoes or boats with electric motors is become an important activity.
Toponymy
Montmeyan appears in the records from the 12th century as Locus of Monte Mejano then Montis Mediani (the 'mountain that is in the middle').The Gallic word Meillan, latinized as Mediolanum, means 'plain located in the middle', a real sacred place to the Gaul people. Montmeyan was probably a Gaul Mediolanum, religious and political center which would gather the tribes (or neighboring cities combined) to address their common interests, in a fortification
Fortification
Fortifications are military constructions and buildings designed for defence in warfare and military bases. Humans have constructed defensive works for many thousands of years, in a variety of increasingly complex designs...
overlooking a rural 'flat countryside'.
Heraldry
The coat of arms of Montmeyan is:Gules
Gules
In heraldry, gules is the tincture with the colour red, and belongs to the class of dark tinctures called "colours". In engraving, it is sometimes depicted as a region of vertical lines or else marked with gu. as an abbreviation....
, a triple towered castle or
Or (heraldry)
In heraldry, Or is the tincture of gold and, together with argent , belongs to the class of light tinctures called "metals". In engravings and line drawings, it may be represented using a field of evenly spaced dots...
, on a mount in base argent
Argent
In heraldry, argent is the tincture of silver, and belongs to the class of light tinctures, called "metals". It is very frequently depicted as white and usually considered interchangeable with it...
charged with a cross pattée
Cross pattée
A cross pattée is a type of cross which has arms narrow at the centre, and broader at the perimeter. An early English example from the start of the age of heraldry proper A cross pattée (or "cross patty", known also as "cross formée/formy") is a type of cross which has arms narrow at the...
gules
Gules
In heraldry, gules is the tincture with the colour red, and belongs to the class of dark tinctures called "colours". In engraving, it is sometimes depicted as a region of vertical lines or else marked with gu. as an abbreviation....
.
This blazon
Blazon
In heraldry and heraldic vexillology, a blazon is a formal description of a coat of arms, flag or similar emblem, from which the reader can reconstruct the appropriate image...
is inspired from the one recorded by Hozier for the commune, without cross pattée
Cross pattée
A cross pattée is a type of cross which has arms narrow at the centre, and broader at the perimeter. An early English example from the start of the age of heraldry proper A cross pattée (or "cross patty", known also as "cross formée/formy") is a type of cross which has arms narrow at the...
, and only with the castle keep of three turrets (Armorial d'Hozier, section Provence, tome II, page 1588). Montmeyan’s coat of arms are similar to those of House of Castellane
House of Castellane
The House of Castellane is a very ancient French noble house originating in Provence and descended from Thibault, count of Arles in the 9th century.Boniface, first baron de Castellane, lived in the 11th century...
. This family has owned this land for a very long time (Armorial des communes de Provence, Louis de Bresc, page 198).
Prehistory and Antiquity
The presence of man in the Middle PaleolithicMiddle Paleolithic
The Middle Paleolithic is the second subdivision of the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age as it is understood in Europe, Africa and Asia. The term Middle Stone Age is used as an equivalent or a synonym for the Middle Paleolithic in African archeology. The Middle Paleolithic and the Middle Stone Age...
is attested in the territory of Montmeyan with the site of Breuil
Henri Breuil
Henri Édouard Prosper Breuil , often referred to as Abbé Breuil, was a French Catholic priest, archaeologist, anthropologist, ethnologist and geologist...
shelter
Rock shelter
A rock shelter is a shallow cave-like opening at the base of a bluff or cliff....
in the valley of Verdon. Several traces of Neolithic
Neolithic
The Neolithic Age, Era, or Period, or New Stone Age, was a period in the development of human technology, beginning about 9500 BC in some parts of the Middle East, and later in other parts of the world. It is traditionally considered as the last part of the Stone Age...
and Bronze Age
Bronze Age
The Bronze Age is a period characterized by the use of copper and its alloy bronze as the chief hard materials in the manufacture of some implements and weapons. Chronologically, it stands between the Stone Age and Iron Age...
habitat, with prehistoric ramparts, were discovered on the territory.
A dolmen
Dolmen
A dolmen—also known as a portal tomb, portal grave, dolmain , cromlech , anta , Hünengrab/Hünenbett , Adamra , Ispun , Hunebed , dös , goindol or quoit—is a type of single-chamber megalithic tomb, usually consisting of...
from the Chalcolithic period on the plateau of La Colle and two tumuli (bronze Age
Bronze Age
The Bronze Age is a period characterized by the use of copper and its alloy bronze as the chief hard materials in the manufacture of some implements and weapons. Chronologically, it stands between the Stone Age and Iron Age...
/iron Age
Iron Age
The Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
) in La Petite Roquette are listed in the inventory of megaliths of Montmeyan. During the Iron Age
Iron Age
The Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
, the Celtic-Ligurian tribes install two camps surrounded by thick stone walls at Castelar. The Roman occupation has left abundant traces in Enguerne and La Grande Roquette.
Middle Ages
In the 12th and 13th centuries, the abbeyAbbey
An abbey is a Catholic monastery or convent, under the authority of an Abbot or an Abbess, who serves as the spiritual father or mother of the community.The term can also refer to an establishment which has long ceased to function as an abbey,...
Saint-André de Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is owning the parish church, and collects its income.
Knights Templar
In October 1164, Lord Hugh of Montmeyan enters the Order of the Temple and gives the land of Camp Long and grazing rights on the whole territory of Montmeyan. He waives all rights and inheritance in favor of the Commandry of Saint-Maurin located in RégusseRégusse
Régusse is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
. In November 1170, the Lord of Blachère gives and grants the Templar church of Saint-Maurin all the cultivated and uncultivated land, the right to pasture and the water from banks of the Verdon. He also gives the freedom to build a flour mill in the valley of Beau Rive and a place to prepare their bread.
In 1223, the Commandry of Saint-Maurin purchases the castle of Montmeyan, with the support - probably financial - of the Commandry of Ruou. The deed of sale is of great interest with regard to the terms of such acquisition. During the Crusades
Crusades
The Crusades were a series of religious wars, blessed by the Pope and the Catholic Church with the main goal of restoring Christian access to the holy places in and near Jerusalem...
, Montmeyan plays an important role in the presence of the soldier-monks between Argens
Argens
The Argens is a 116 km long river of the French Riviera. Its basin is fully included in the Var department.The river goes through Vidauban, Le Muy, Roquebrune-sur-Argens, Fréjus, then it flows into the Mediterranean sea, near Fréjus....
and Verdon rivers.
Disappearance of the Order of the Temple
After the disappearance of the Order in 1308, the land of Montmeyan is attached to the area of the royal court of ProvenceProvence
Provence ; Provençal: Provença in classical norm or Prouvènço in Mistralian norm) is a region of south eastern France on the Mediterranean adjacent to Italy. It is part of the administrative région of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur...
in 1309, then passed to the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem in 1319. Arnaud de Trian, Earl
Earl
An earl is a member of the nobility. The title is Anglo-Saxon, akin to the Scandinavian form jarl, and meant "chieftain", particularly a chieftain set to rule a territory in a king's stead. In Scandinavia, it became obsolete in the Middle Ages and was replaced with duke...
of Aliff in the Naples
Naples
Naples is a city in Southern Italy, situated on the country's west coast by the Gulf of Naples. Lying between two notable volcanic regions, Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields, it is the capital of the region of Campania and of the province of Naples...
kingdom and nephew of Pope John XXII, makes the land acquisition in 1322.
In 1409, Marguerite de Trian, the granddaughter of Arnaud, becomes the wife of George de Castellane
House of Castellane
The House of Castellane is a very ancient French noble house originating in Provence and descended from Thibault, count of Arles in the 9th century.Boniface, first baron de Castellane, lived in the 11th century...
and thus brings the territory of the Montmeyan to the House of Castellane
House of Castellane
The House of Castellane is a very ancient French noble house originating in Provence and descended from Thibault, count of Arles in the 9th century.Boniface, first baron de Castellane, lived in the 11th century...
which keeps this lordship for more than three centuries. Between 1579 and 1660, the Castellane
House of Castellane
The House of Castellane is a very ancient French noble house originating in Provence and descended from Thibault, count of Arles in the 9th century.Boniface, first baron de Castellane, lived in the 11th century...
-Montmeyan family provides six Knights
Chivalry
Chivalry is a term related to the medieval institution of knighthood which has an aristocratic military origin of individual training and service to others. Chivalry was also the term used to refer to a group of mounted men-at-arms as well as to martial valour...
to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.
In the 16th century, seven co-seigneurs share the stronghold, built in marquisate in 1651 for Jean-Augustin de Foresta. The Grimaldi-Régusse are the last Lord
Lord
Lord is a title with various meanings. It can denote a prince or a feudal superior . The title today is mostly used in connection with the peerage of the United Kingdom or its predecessor countries, although some users of the title do not themselves hold peerages, and use it 'by courtesy'...
s of the place before the French Revolution
French Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
.
French Revolution
In the summer of 1789, the LordLord
Lord is a title with various meanings. It can denote a prince or a feudal superior . The title today is mostly used in connection with the peerage of the United Kingdom or its predecessor countries, although some users of the title do not themselves hold peerages, and use it 'by courtesy'...
of Montmeyan emigrates to Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. In 1790, its property is registered, forests are declared state property and agricultural land is either sold or leased.
From this period, Montmeyan depends on the district of Barjols and is part of the canton of Tavernes. In 1793, the population is of 661 inhabitants.
After the French Revolution
In 1840, the small village of La Roquette is attached to Montmeyan who thus obtains a territorial and demographic increase. The population reached then its historic peak with 768 inhabitants.Following the coup d'état of 2 December 1851, Montmeyan is part of the insurgent communes and a hundred men arrives in Aups
Aups
Aups is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Geography:...
on 9 December 1851. 51 Republicans from Montmeyan are caught and convicted. They are compensated by the Republic
Third Republic
Third Republic may refer to:* French Third Republic * Third Republic of South Korea * Third and current Democratic Republic of the Congo * Third and current Hellenic Republic of Greece...
in 1882. Since then, the population decreases to reach its lowest level in 1946 with 249 inhabitants.
In the context of the end of the Algerian war, a hamlet 'de forestage' is created in late 1962 to house 30 former Harkis and their families ; the arrival of these 141 people marks the beginning of a new population growth . In 2007, Montmeyan population is of 532 inhabitants.
Demography
Sites and Monuments
- The fortified medieval village contains the remains of defensive equipment, including Charlemagne Tower (square belfryBelfryThe term belfry has a variety of uses:*Bell tower, an architectural term*Belfry, a type of medieval siege tower*Belfry, Montana, a town in the United States*The Belfry, an English golf club...
with arrowslits) and many architectural elements dating from the 12th century. - The parish church of Our Lady of the Plan, of Romanesque architectureRomanesque architectureRomanesque architecture is an architectural style of Medieval Europe characterised by semi-circular arches. There is no consensus for the beginning date of the Romanesque architecture, with proposals ranging from the 6th to the 10th century. It developed in the 12th century into the Gothic style,...
, dates from the 12th century and was modified in the 18th century; it has a square bell-tower with campanileCampanileCampanile is an Italian word meaning "bell tower" . The term applies to bell towers which are either part of a larger building or free-standing, although in American English, the latter meaning has become prevalent.The most famous campanile is probably the Leaning Tower of Pisa...
. - Some medieval houses, including one located in Couvent Street, date from the 13th century.
- The square tower of Castelar, on top of a rocky needle in La Grande Roquette, dates from the 13th century; it overlooks the remains of the church and the village of La Roquette (village abandoned in the 15th century) .
- The prioryPrioryA priory is a house of men or women under religious vows that is headed by a prior or prioress. Priories may be houses of mendicant friars or religious sisters , or monasteries of monks or nuns .The Benedictines and their offshoots , the Premonstratensians, and the...
of Hospital dating from the 14th century, near the church in Paradis Street, has become private property. - The chapel of the Holy Spirit, on a rocky promontory at the top of the village, dates from the Middle AgesMiddle AgesThe Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
and was converted into conventional housing in the 19th century; it was the sculptor's studio of Victor NicolasVictor NicolasVictor Edmond Nicolas was a French sculptor.- Biography :Victor Nicolas was born in Brignoles, the son of Nicolas Bertin , professor of mathematics, Mort pour la France, and Victorine Tardieu , teacher...
during the 20th century, then became private property. - The castle of l’Éouvière, building from the 18th century located south of the village, has become a camping caravaning.
- The Three Crosses, erected on a high point at the intersection of the limits of Fox-AmphouxFox-AmphouxFox-Amphoux is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
Montmeyan and TavernesTavernesTavernes is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
, have been a place of procession; there is an orientation table. - Both tumuli of La Petite Roquette are from the bronze AgeBronze AgeThe Bronze Age is a period characterized by the use of copper and its alloy bronze as the chief hard materials in the manufacture of some implements and weapons. Chronologically, it stands between the Stone Age and Iron Age...
and the iron AgeIron AgeThe Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
. - The dolmenDolmenA dolmen—also known as a portal tomb, portal grave, dolmain , cromlech , anta , Hünengrab/Hünenbett , Adamra , Ispun , Hunebed , dös , goindol or quoit—is a type of single-chamber megalithic tomb, usually consisting of...
of La Colle, northwest of the commune, dates from Chalcolithic. - The BreuilHenri BreuilHenri Édouard Prosper Breuil , often referred to as Abbé Breuil, was a French Catholic priest, archaeologist, anthropologist, ethnologist and geologist...
shelterRock shelterA rock shelter is a shallow cave-like opening at the base of a bluff or cliff....
, discovered in northern boundary of the commune in l’Escourche near the Verdon, dates from the middle PaleolithicMiddle PaleolithicThe Middle Paleolithic is the second subdivision of the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age as it is understood in Europe, Africa and Asia. The term Middle Stone Age is used as an equivalent or a synonym for the Middle Paleolithic in African archeology. The Middle Paleolithic and the Middle Stone Age...
.
Famous Citizens
- Rolland de Castellane (1560–1637), LordLordLord is a title with various meanings. It can denote a prince or a feudal superior . The title today is mostly used in connection with the peerage of the United Kingdom or its predecessor countries, although some users of the title do not themselves hold peerages, and use it 'by courtesy'...
of Montmeyan, deputy of the nobility to the Estates-General, quoted in the works of MalherbeFrançois de MalherbeFrançois de Malherbe was a French poet, critic, and translator.-Life:Born in Le-Locheur , his family was of some position, though it seems not to have been able to establish to the satisfaction of heralds the claims which it made to nobility older than the 16th century.He was the eldest son of...
, was appointed twice provost of MarseilleMarseilleMarseille , known in antiquity as Massalia , is the second largest city in France, after Paris, with a population of 852,395 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Marseille extends beyond the city limits with a population of over 1,420,000 on an area of...
(1588 and 1615) and twice consul of AixAix-en-ProvenceAix , or Aix-en-Provence to distinguish it from other cities built over hot springs, is a city-commune in southern France, some north of Marseille. It is in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, in the département of Bouches-du-Rhône, of which it is a subprefecture. The population of Aix is...
(1608 and 1632). - Jean-Augustin de Foresta (1601–1664), LordLordLord is a title with various meanings. It can denote a prince or a feudal superior . The title today is mostly used in connection with the peerage of the United Kingdom or its predecessor countries, although some users of the title do not themselves hold peerages, and use it 'by courtesy'...
of Castelar and MarquisMarquisMarquis is a French and Scottish title of nobility. The English equivalent is Marquess, while in German, it is Markgraf.It may also refer to:Persons:...
of La Roquette, became Counsellor in the Parliament of Provence in 1621 and Vice President of the Parliament of Provence in 1632. - Henri BreuilHenri BreuilHenri Édouard Prosper Breuil , often referred to as Abbé Breuil, was a French Catholic priest, archaeologist, anthropologist, ethnologist and geologist...
(1877–1961) is a pre-historian who gave his name to the shelterRock shelterA rock shelter is a shallow cave-like opening at the base of a bluff or cliff....
PaleolithicPaleolithicThe Paleolithic Age, Era or Period, is a prehistoric period of human history distinguished by the development of the most primitive stone tools discovered , and covers roughly 99% of human technological prehistory...
discovered north of the village near the Verdon. - Victor NicolasVictor NicolasVictor Edmond Nicolas was a French sculptor.- Biography :Victor Nicolas was born in Brignoles, the son of Nicolas Bertin , professor of mathematics, Mort pour la France, and Victorine Tardieu , teacher...
(1906–1979) is a sculptor who created many monuments in the departments of Var and Alpes Maritimes. - Richard Taillefer (1951-...) is a 'revuiste' poet, co-founder of the magazine Poésimage.