Saint-Martin-de-la-Brasque

The origins of the village

In the 11th century, the village of Saint-Martin-de-la-Brasque was located on the hill known as ‘Le Castelas’, and during the Revolution as ‘Le Mont-Libre’. There are two theories that may explain the name of the village: Embrasca (separated, cut off) because the village was not part of the Pays d’Aigues region; it stood apart. Or even Brasque (Provençal: Brasc) meaning mud, marshland, as the site of the village was once a swamp. Just like the village of Peypin d’Aigues, the present-day village was founded in 1506, following an agreement between the lords and around fifteen families who agreed to come and repopulate these fallow lands. These two villages complement each other: Peypin has an abundance of forests but little arable land, while Saint Martin is quite the opposite.

The 17th-century Parish Church

This religious building was constructed between 1626 and 1629 in the hamlet of Clastres, to replace the old ruined church of the village of Saint-Martin-de-la-Brasque. Its modest size and distance from the village can be explained by the small number of Catholic families in the village. The majority of the population, in fact, was of Waldensian origin.

Inside, the walls are adorned with faux painted stone, and the altarpiece dates from the 17th century. On the façade, the porch is topped by a bell wall pierced with openings dating from 1881.

Sights and Heritage

The town hall and school and the trompe-l’œil mural

The town hall and school building dates back to 1905 and was built according to the standards of the time, featuring a beautifully executed 1970s trompe-l’œil mural. You can see ‘boys’ school’ and ‘girls’ school’ on either side, as at the time, education was not yet coeducational. Today, the school has been rebuilt at the back and the former school buildings are now used by the Saint-Martin-de-la-Brasque town hall.

Place de la Fontaine

This is the former cemetery. The village of Saint-Martin-de-la-Brasque in its present location has existed for only 500 years. A plaque on the square bears witness to this (new act of settlement in 1506). The memory of Saint-Martin goes back a long way: this plaque recalls five hundred years of Waldensian history. It was in Lyon, in the 12th century, that the epic story of the Waldensians began. Pierre Valdo, a wealthy merchant, appalled by the splendour of the clergy, gave his possessions to the poor and set out on the road to devote himself to preaching the gospel. He gathered followers in the South of France, in the Alps, and in Italy: thus began the Waldensian movement. Very quickly, the Church cast an anathema on the Waldensians, who advocated poverty, modesty, and hard work.

Au croisement de la Rue des Treilles et de la Rue du Cadran, la fontaine date du XVIème siècle. À côté, vous verrez une belle façade bleu pâle, très renaissance, sur laquelle a été peint un cadran solaire entouré de deux angelots. Toujours dans la grand rue, ne manquez pas d’observer le joli porche arrondi du XVIIème siècle. Remarquez un cadre fait de cordage de pierre et qui fait un nœud sur lui-même.

What to do in Saint-Martin-de-la-Brasque

This charming village enjoys a privileged location in South Luberon, off the beaten track. Hiking on the Grand Luberon mountain rewards you with a wealth of breathtaking scenery. Wander from hamlet to hamlet through the delightful villages of South Luberon. For inquisitive walkers eager to learn more about geology, we recommend taking the geological trail in Cabrières d’Aigues. This walk will help you answer a few simple questions: what is this rock? When and how did it form? What is the origin of the landscapes?

Here, hikers can travel through millions of years, from the ocean of the Secondary Era that gave rise to the Grand Luberon limestone, to the use of these very stones by humans in the nineteenth century.

Stéphane Legal, , geologist at the Luberon Regional Nature Park.

And if you prefer mountain biking, hop on your trusty bike and ride along circuit no. 31 mapped out by Vélo Loisir Provence, ‘de l’Étang de La Bonde au sentier Géole’, which will take you all the way to the Étang de la Bonde and up into the mountains. This will give you a wonderful glimpse of the countryside surrounding the village of Saint-Martin-de-la-Brasque!

Market day and local flavours

The summer market in Saint-Martin-de-la-Brasque takes place every Sunday morning from 1 May to the last Sunday in November in the village square. It is a farmers’ market, but also features ‘Arts, Crafts and Flavours’. Come and do your shopping for a moment of relaxation and conviviality. The farmers’ market and the craft market are back in full swing, much to the delight of locals and seafood lovers. Please note that a new car park is available for visitors on the other side of the avenue.

Located in the heart of the village of Saint-Martin-de-la-Brasque, the restaurant Ô Mirail is sure to delight you with the chef’s culinary creations. Modern, flavourful cuisine crafted with fresh ingredients. A menu that changes with the seasons.