 VolonneVOROUNO is a Provençal word whose ethymology would go back to the celtic words "Vel Aon" meaning “towards the waters”. The village is located at the confluence of the Durance river and the Grave torrent.Volonne is often compared to a crèche village because of ifs wonderful location at the foot ot a rocky spur of a wooded hill and at the entrance of the little Grave valley on the left bank of the Durance river. Volonne is also called the "little Nice of the Alps" because of its sunny exposition facing the south and west. The numerous orchards spreading over the plain show how pleasant the climate is.
The human presence in this area dates back to remote days
The first historical documents (a charter from 1030) and the Saint-Martin Church date back to the 11th century. The latter is being restored by the State, the Departement and the Community of Communes. There are several traces of the Middle Ages: the old area of Vière with its narrow streets, its doors and its covered way as well as the traces of the highest tower of the 13th century fortress under the form of a section of wall which proudly rises on the top of the rock. The village clock dates back to the 16th century as well as the aqueduct of the Grave area which brought the water from the Saint-Antoine sources.
At the beginning of the 17th century, the lord Melchior de Vallavoire built the fortified castle which houses the town hall and whose staircase is decorated with plasterstones (in restoration).
You can also visit the Trabuc windmill, on the "Jacques Paulon" Avenue which was transformed into "The Olive Museum". Volonne is a tourist commune, animated by a rich associative life and cultural events such as the Medieval Fair and the Book Festival. |
Population
1,514 inhabitants |
The inhabitants are called
the Volonnais people |
Number of children attending school
175 |
The village was born into 1030 |
Surface area
6,078 acres |
Patron saint
St John the Baptist |
Height
1,410 feet |
Mayor
Mr Jacques BONTE |
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