Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Baumes de Roucas, located in Baux-de-Provence, are ancient troglodytic houses dug directly into the rocky massif. These structures date from the Neolithic period and reflect an early human occupation in this region. They are bounded by natural and urban landmarks, such as the Trencat Street in the west and the Castle Plan in the south, and include elements such as the Ymbar Tower or Pierre de Tarascon.

The site was classified as Historic Monument by decree of 23 June 1908, which protects all balms, parts of the rock and the remains of the adjoining buildings belonging to the commune. Today, these remains offer an overview of the lifestyles and construction techniques of this distant era, while remaining integrated into the natural and historical landscape of the Baux-de-Provence.

The location of the site is specified in the Merimée base, with an official address at rue du Trencat, although GPS coordinates suggest a slightly different position, at rue de l'Orme. This disparity reflects the challenges of precise location for old and partially integrated sites in complex rock formations.

Les Baumes de Roucas is the property of the commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Their preservation makes it possible to study the first sedentary human facilities in this area, marked by adaptation to karst relief and the exploitation of local resources.

Although the source text does not specify whether the site is open to the public, its classification as a Historic Monument suggests recognition of its heritage importance. The Baumes de Roucas thus illustrate the ingenuity of neolithic communities to transform their environment into a sustainable living space, while leaving a still visible imprint today.

External links