Here is a name where mystery and invitation to travel are mixed… nhabited at first by Greek settlers and then by Celto-Ligurian tribes, the Romans settled there in the 2nd century BC. Since then, its soils are suitable for many crops, allowing the population to prosper in this little corner of paradise where life is very good, protected from the Mistral by the majestic Dentelles de Montmirail. The numerous caves, “Baumo” in Provençal, dug into the hillside have given their name to the village. “Venice” is a linguistic evolution of the word “Venaissin”, Beaumes de Venise belonging to the Comtat Venaissin, property of the Popes until the revolution. The Popes, great lovers of good wine, owned “muscadières” in Beaumes de Venise and offered this delicious beverage to their distinguished guests. But other visitors are at the origin of the legend of Aubune… Notre Dame d’Aubune is a Romanesque chapel of the XIIth century with an incredible view allowing to imagine the Rhone, the Alpilles, the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse. According to the legend, this incredible panorama would have pleased Charlemagne who, on the eve of a battle against the Saracens, stopped at the present site of the chapel at nightfall. He spent the night praying with his soldiers. At dawn, they found the lifeless bodies of the Saracens, thus avoiding a battle. 
Charlemagne attributed his victory to his prayers and to the Virgin and ordered, in situ, the construction of a chapel bearing the name of Aubune in reference to the dawn… This Romanesque chapel was built in the 12th century and its bell tower is now classified as a historical monument. Do not hesitate to visit this jewel of Romanesque art. You can also enjoy the archaeological space and its superb collections of objects and sarcophagi, installed in the old presbytery. You can also stroll through the medieval garden created from scratch in 2015 by the Academy of Beaumes de Venise, inspired by the rules laid down in 795 by Charlemagne in his “Capitular De villis”. This garden, which includes medicinal, aromatic and culinary plants, is maintained by a team of volunteers from the association. For those who are curious, go down the few steps in front of the chapel… They will guide you to the Aubune spring which used to supply the village of Beaumes de Venise and which will soon be used to irrigate the conservatory orchard… but that’s another story !
