Oppède is a small village in the south of France. In the middle-ages, Oppède, situated on a spur of the Luberon, was an important town and an administrative centre for the papal state of Avignon.
Jean Maynier, the baron of Oppède, led the massacre of the Vaudois in 1545.
Oppède is made up of two villages: Oppède-le-Vieux et Oppède les Poulivets.
Oppède-le-Vieux was abandoned for the new village and most of the houses fell to ruin.
The present-day village in the valley was founded in the early 20th. century.
Music in the style of the troubadours accompanies the views of Oppède-le-Vieux.
The film shows the architecture at the different periods.
It also shows the remains of the castle of the barons of Oppède.
The little church of the Luberon, dating back to the 16th. century was abandoned too, but there are still traces of its past splendour.
Well-known artists endeavour to raise funds for its restoration. The French comedian, Michel Leeb, is the fund's sponsor.
At the end of the film, there is an extract from the concert given in the church by the famous violinist Ivry Gitlis.
The profits from the sale of the film will also go towards the restoration of the church "Notre-Dame d'Alidon" in Oppède.
Academic advis: Elisabeth Sauze, Conservateur du Patrimoine, Aix-en-Provence
Voice: Virginia WhytockMusik: Ensemble Jehan de Channey, Avignon
video clips:1. Castle of Oppède
The second film from Provence:Au Pays de Sault et d'Albion