As early as the 17th century, Roquemaure’s prosperity was linked to its port, one of the busiest on the banks of the river Rhone. From there, the local wine was shipped to other parts of France and Europe.

The vineyard diseased:

In 1866, a calamity destroyed the economic and social life of the village. For the first time in Europe, the vineyards became diseased with phylloxera, also know as the “deadly pest” or the “Roquemaure stains”. At first, despite every effort made, the winegrowers found their future compromised. Finally Maximilien Richard, a rich landowner of Roquemaure, decided to go to Rome with the hope to acquire the relics of a patron Saint that would save the town’s economy. At that time people used to believe in the protecting value of Saint relics. They hoped that the relics would restore the “health and vigour” of their vineyards and protect them from any new harm.

A day of hope:

On October 25th 1868, the Bishop of Nîmes, lord Plantier, celebrated the arrival of Saint Valentine’s relics acclaimed by the jubilant population of Roquemaure. In the Pousterle Square the virtues of Saint Valentine were extolled in the presence of a large crowd. In a long procession the relics were carried to the church where they would be kept in a shrine to the right of the altar.
Then a big party was given with people dancing and singing to the sound of shepherd’s pipes and drums in the village squares.

A Romantic Festival:

To relive the story of Roquemaure, these events have been celebrated for the past 16 years. You can now reserve your Saint Valentine weekend for the Kiss, Friendship and Lovers Festival in Roquemaure.


17th Edition, a Festival of Kisses:

The “Saint Valentine” association, along with several hundred village people, has imagined for you this year a romantic fête where the art of living, the art of music and entertainment, and the art of loving harmonize with happiness.