Barbi - Barbentane

Barbentane

The village of Barbentane

The village is built on the southern slopes of the aptly-named Montagnette, a protected 44-square-kilometre area of pasture, olive groves and forest.

Windmill

Street in Barbentane

Barbentane has a population of 3900, a post office, four bars, two hairdressers, a butcher, a general store, two excellent greengrocers, three bakeries and a small supermarket plus three pizzerias and four other restaurants, including a hotel.

Square in Barbentane

The house lies at the western end of the village but all facilities are within easy walking distance. The fontaine was the traditional watering place for sheep from the Montagnette, for whom a special walk through tunnels and round the village was constructed to keep the town centre clean and tidy. One can still follow this route, starting at the cemetery and playground at the top of the village.

Map of Barbentane

View from the Montagnette

The Montagnette, right on the doorstep, is popular for hiking and biking. In summer it is a potential fire hazard and access is controlled. Penalties for infringement are severe. Access information can be obtained on a daily basis from the Mairie (04 90 90 85 85), the internet or the mobile app MyProvence.

The area immediately north of the village is a fertile flood plain devoted to market gardening, particularly lettuce, cherries, apricots, apples and pears. In season it is a delight for jam makers.