The historic village of Rians is laid out in a spiral at the foot of the clock tower.
Anyone looking to rent a holiday apartment in Rians is specifically seeking accommodation in this village.
Culture and History
During a visit to the village of Rians, visitors can discover medieval remains, including the 12th-century clock tower, the Saint-Jean Gate, the former fortification walls, the castle tower, the Tour Carrée, the public granary at Place du Posteuil dating from the 15th century, the Notre-Dame de Nazareth Church and the Saint-Jacques Hospice, founded in 1558.
The present-day Notre-Dame de Nazareth Church in Rians was built between 1880 and 1882. The church houses a black statue of the Virgin Mary believed to date from the 14th century; the gallery also features altarpieces from the Annonciade Chapel that are classified by the Beaux-Arts.
The Saint-Estève Chapel is a small Romanesque building from the beginning of the 12th century, with a single-nave layout and a semicircular apse. Following work carried out in 2013 with the support of the municipality and volunteers, the residents of Rians and visitors can use the chapel again.
The Saint-Laurent votive festival in Rians continues to take place around 10 August and is accompanied by various events.
Paths and Activities
The circular route in Rians begins at the Défends and leads through the village via the Saint-Jean Gate and the Saint-Laurent and du Posteuil squares.
The landscape and vineyards of the AOC Côteaux d'Aix in the surrounding area of Rians invite visitors to go on excursions on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or with a pack donkey.
Provenc'Anes in Les Bournelles, Rians, offers hikes with pack donkeys ranging from half a day to several days. These include day trips and multi-day hikes with a pack donkey carrying a picnic, luggage and, where the route allows, small children.
Leisure
The Camille MAIRE municipal pump track in Rians is an 850 m² sports facility with various circuits, rollers and bends. The pump track can be used with mountain bikes, roller skates, scooters and skateboards.
The Suzanne JANETTI municipal swimming pool in Rians has three pools: a large pool, a medium-sized pool and a paddling pool.
Festivals and Culinary Delights
The Fête de la Courge in Rians was founded in 1996 and takes place over a weekend in the second half of October. It includes exhibitions of various pumpkins and squashes, food stalls, artisans displaying pumpkin creations, competitions, children's activities and street entertainment.
Viticulture is an important activity in Rians, and the wine bears the “Côteaux d'Aix” quality label.
The grounds of Domaine Les Toulons are the remains of one of the largest Gallo-Roman wine estates. The archaeological site is freely accessible; to protect the site, visitors are asked to remain at its edge.
Domaine Les Toulons produces wine, beer, grain, essential lavandin oil and extra virgin olive oil. It is a 25-hectare family business located on the ruins of a former Roman wine cellar.
More local pages: Mazaugues, Cotignac, Rayol-Canadel-Sur-Mer, Le Flayosquet, Neoules, Carnoules, La Martre, Le Pradet
