Lançon, its land, its history…

Lançon de Provence stretches over 6,892 hectares. The village rates among the largest in the Bouches du Rhône.

Our population reaches 7,600 inhabitants (2007 census).

The making of a territory

Since ancient history, the various civilizations settling on Lançon de Provence’s land have set the tempo of the village. They shaped the landscape and have left traces of their former presence :

• Some vestiges from prehistory and protohistory were found namely on the Domaine de Château-Virant (stone and bone tools, pieces of ceramics…).
• The ruins of the oppidum of Constantine, a fortified construction dating back to 2nd century B.C. erect on the heights of the Domaine de Calissanne. Although the search started a few years ago, the site has not yet revealed all its secrets.
• The site of Coudounèu is a kind of granary farm, dated 5th century B.C.
• The Via Aurelia is a remain from Antiquity and used to be a main arterial road between Arles and Italy.

Origin of the name « Lançon »

According to some historians, the name of Lançon originates from « LAN » celtic-Ligurian term meaning rocky promontory and « COENUM » Latin word designating marshes.

Lançon would thus mean « a rocky promontory standing up in marshland ».

Indeed, in past times, the lower side of the village was a swamp. Julius Caesar was the first to undertake a draining project, two thousand years ago.

The village

It is built around an imposing castle and was successively surrounded by three fortified walls illustrating the various stages of its progressive growth.

According to what we know, the village was created by the Brussans-Paillol family who were the seigneurs of Lançon during the 11th century.

At the very place of the castle nowadays, they had built a primitive castle of which nothing remains today.

The Seigneurs of the Baux

The existing castle was erected by the Seigneurs of the Baux during the 13th century.

They were particularly interested in our village as it was strategically located. It indeed dominated the Touloubre valley.

As a testimony of esteem and affection to Lançon and the Lançonnais, the Seigneurs of the Baux granted their own coat of arms to the village changing the enamels only.

« A 16-golden-ray star on an azure background ».

… All those who would like to know more about Lançon’s fascinating history, should purchase The Guide Historique et Touristique de Lançon de Provence

(for sale at the Tourist Information Office)

A few celebrities

André Wolff (1900-1944)

He was a notary from Lançon but is widely remembered as the head of the local resistance during World War II.

He was executed in Signe in the department of Le Var in 1944

Emmanuel Signoret (1872-1900)

As a lyric poet originating from a peasant family, he expressed his talent for poetry very early. Indeed, at the age of 19, he had already founded two journals.