Peynier: Holiday Apartments and Houses

Peynier combines historic buildings with landscapes, paths and cultural sites. The history of the village is particularly evident at the Chapelle Saint-Pierre: it was rebuilt in the 12th century in a transitional style between Romanesque and Gothic, with so-called Lombard vaults. Today, it is located behind the current cemetery on a clearly visible hill and is protected as a Historic Monument. A mass is celebrated in the chapel every year on the first Sunday in August.

Culture

Rue Joffroy is one of the oldest streets in Peynier. Many of its houses date from the Middle Ages; one of them, the house at number 17, dates from the 14th century. Château de Peynier was built in the mid-16th century and is typical of Provençal Renaissance architecture. Its main façade has two large round towers.

Within the town walls stands the parish church of Saint-Julien, which was part of the first castle and was first mentioned in 1079. Its bell tower has four bells. These include a large bell dating from 1694, which is classified as a Historic Monument. Peynier’s oratory heritage also includes 21 monuments recorded in 2003.

The Base de Loisirs de la Garenne includes an open-air theatre for outdoor performances and cultural events.

Nature and Paths

The municipal forest of Peynier is characterised by biodiversity and hiking trails. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds and wild boar.

Mont Olympe is a peak in the area around Peynier. Devançon is a mountain in the area around Peynier. Also in the surrounding area are le Bau des Vespres, a peak, and L’Olympe, also a peak.

The “Hike in the Countryside Around Peynier” passes through the countryside surrounding Peynier and is generally open to everyone. The Stations of the Cross between the chapel and the summit of La Cuque hill comprises 14 stations, each marked by an oratory. On the municipality’s heritage trails, Peynier offers three historic routes.

Wider Surroundings

The Musée Granet is a museum in the wider regional surroundings of Peynier. The Atelier Cézanne is also a museum in the wider regional surroundings of Peynier. Aix-en-Provence (Convent) is a historic site there. The same wider regional area also includes Château Borély - Musée des arts décoratifs, de la faïence et de la mode de la Ville de Marseille, a museum.

Anyone considering Peynier as a holiday destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.

More places in the directory: Eygalières, Saint-Antonin-Sur-Bayon, Châteauneuf-Le-Rouge, Gréasque, Mallemort, Cabannes, Vernègues, Fontvieille.

To the higher-level travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.