Ménerbes
(1.120 inhabitants, altitude 230m) whose name brings to mind Minerva, the
Roman goddess with the golden helmet, was inhabited since the High Paleolithic
(Soubeyras Shelter) and Calcolithic ages (Pinchouno Dolmen, unique in the
Vaucluse). Numerous remains of Roman villas have been found in the district
situated at the foot of the village. On the West, from the old cemetery, adjacent
to the highly decorated 14th century church, one has a magnificent panoramic
view of the Luberon and the Vaucluse Mountains. The old hospice and the belfry,
with its bell-tower give charm and life to the town hall square.
One of
the highlights of Menerbes's history took place in the 16th century during
the religious wars. The town was occupied from 1573 to the end of 1578 and
for 15 months managed to resist the siege of the catholic troops belonging
to the pope and the king of France. When the population finally gave up and
left the town, it was with full military honors, roll of drums and floating
banners. Some big cannon balls, which set fire to the village are still kept
by the inhabitants to this day. Beautiful old buildings, mainly privately
owned, give Ménerbes its character : Le Castellet (where the painter
Nicolas de Stael lived), La Carmejane (belonged to the first empire Baron
General of Carmejane), l'Hotel de Trigny (where lived the Count de Rantzau
before the Revolution), la Citadel (the house of empire General Robert, which
became the property of Picasso). This is Ménerbes, where at one time
lived so many well-known people, and where now in carefully restored farm
buildings and houses in its serene and wonderful landscape, live musicians,
writers and artists of many kinds.
