Did you know that Aubagne, in the Bouches-du-Rhône region of France, was the birthplace of Marcel Pagnol? Aubagne may be famous for this fact, but it's no less interesting to visit. From museums and historic buildings to the art of santons, it's sure to be an interesting visit. Located in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, Aubagne is also surrounded by a bountiful natural environment. Let yourself be carried away by the charm of a town that has managed to remain on a human scale, with our 11 must-see things to do in Aubagne.
1. Visit Marcel Pagnol's birthplace
Best known for his writing, Marcel Pagnol, born in Aubagne in 1895, was also a filmmaker and academician. The town still bears many traces of his legacy, including his childhood home. The 130 m² first floor of Marcel Pagnol's birthplace has been transformed into a museum, part of which showcases period objects. A reconstruction of the living space of this small family at the end of the XIXᵉ century completes this beautiful and poignant exhibition.
Petit Futé tip: admission is free for children under 6 and very low-priced for older children and adults.
2. "Marcel Pagnol's Little World", a fascinating exhibition
A magical world of over 200 santons retraces scenes that have become cult favorites in Marcel Pagnol's literary and cinematic works. Some of them, created by a Meilleur Ouvrier de France, are truly magnificent. From pétanque ball games to the author's emblematic characters, the "Le petit Monde de Marcel Pagnol" exhibition offers a total immersion in his universe, to be discovered or rediscovered in a playful way. Children and adults alike will love it!
Don't hesitate to ask about this wonderful visit at the Tourist Office, just a few steps from the house where Marcel Pagnol was born.
3. The Tour de l'Horloge, Aubagne's most emblematic monument
Aubagne's Tour de l'Horloge, the town's landmark building, dates back to 1606, when a bell was installed on a former rampart tower. Badly damaged over the years, the building should have been demolished. However, due to the attachment of the Aubagnais people to this tower, a new project was launched in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Materials from the old tower were reused in the construction of the new one. The campanile's spire bears the date "1900", although completion actually took place in 1903.
4. Marvel at the Village des Santons in Provence
As you may have gathered, the town of Aubagne is not only famous for Marcel Pagnol, but also for its exceptional santons. So famous, in fact, that it boasts one of Europe's finest Christmas markets, with its panoramic crib and numerous figurine stands. One of the finest is the Village des Santons in Provence, where over 3,000 Santons recreate a total of 19 local villages. Meticulously detailed figures, in their authentic settings, highlight everyday scenes, from games of pétanque to card games to scenes in the fields. A true marvel, and surely one of the best visits to make in Aubagne!
5. Admire the Porte Gachiou, a vestige of Aubagne's historic past
Dating back to the XIVᵉ century, the Porte Gachiou is the oldest witness to Aubagne's historic past. It is a vestige of the town's ancient ramparts, which were built to keep Aubagne safe after the civil war that destroyed the castle and the town. At the time, four square towers and one round tower punctuated these ramparts. So, while it may not look like much tucked away in a little alley, this gateway is the oldest part of the town, and has a lot to tell!
6. Visit the parish church of Saint-Sauveur, Aubagne's "mamie
Aubagne'sSaint-Sauveur parish church is the town's oldest monument. Its classical architecture has undergone several renovations and extensions over the centuries. In particular, the interior has been modified, especially during the French Revolution, with the addition of an organ, woodwork and paintings. For its part, the neo-baroque façade dates back to 1900, marking the building's last major transformation.
Good to know the massive bell tower served as a defensive tower, and the Cour de Clastre was once a cemetery.
7. Follow the "Souvenirs de l'Enfance" walking trail
Put on your best walking shoes and set off on a unique 9 km hike to discover Marcel Pagnol's childhood memories! You'll pass through a variety of local sites and landscapes described in the artist's works. With a difference in altitude of just 350 m, the trail is accessible to all. Departure is from the Font de Mai, where you'll meet a guide who will explain each important place you pass. From the Passe-Temps valley to Bastide Neuve, via La Treille, the Manon fountain and the cemetery where Marcel Pagnol is buried, your outing promises to be as physical as it is instructive!
The activity to book: click here to book your hike in the footsteps of Marcel Pagnol: a unique experience that will take you through some incredible landscapes. You'll relive works such as "La gloire de mon père", "Le château de ma mère" and "Manon des sources", and breathe in the scent of hills, thyme and rosemary to the sound of cicadas.
8. Discover the Foreign Legion Museum
Did you know that the Musée de la Légion Etrangère in Aubagne is the only military history museum in the Bouches-du-Rhône region? It offers a fascinating insight into the world of this legendary institution founded in 1831. Explore over 2,000 m² of exhibition space, and discover the history of legionnaires through the ages, right up to the present day. You'll also find temporary exhibitions featuring works of art by artists who served in the Legion. Unusual!
9. La Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs, Aubagne's contemporary art center
Art lovers, welcome to the Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs! Formerly frequented by Aubagne laymen, it marks the heyday of the brotherhoods in the XVIIIᵉ century, with major work carried out after its transformation into a hospital during the Plague of 1721. Its neoclassical facade, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, features four beautiful columns. Listed as a historical monument, the chapel was renovated and awarded the departmental "Rubans du Patrimoine" prize in 2008. Today, it houses a contemporary art center. Here you can admire art exhibitions and take part in cultural mediation activities.
10. Recharge your batteries at Domaine de la Font de Mai
Discover a verdant paradise just a stone's throw from downtown Aubagne, at Domaine de la Font de Mai, a treasure trove of over one hundred hectares at the foot of the Garlaban Massif. Get ready for a true journey to the heart of Provence! As well as leading you to beautiful hiking trails, the site boasts a typically Provencal bastide. Take a stroll along the interpretive trail and discover the authenticity of bygone peasant life through silkworm breeding, olive groves and garrigue. The enchanting fragrances of thyme and rosemary will accompany you on your walk, all the way to an orientation table offering a breathtaking view of the hills.
11. Hiking in the Garlaban, nature around Aubagne
The Bouches-du-Rhône region boasts some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. In Garlaban, not one, but many hikes await you, including :
- La Louve: starting not far from the Domaine de la Font de Mai, this 11 km trail takes you through garrigue landscapes to the summit of Garlaban.
- La Boucle dans le massif du Garlaban: suitable for experts, this hike covers 22 km with little shade. Best done in spring or autumn!
- La Treille: a little piece of Marcel Pagnol can be found in this 9 km hike, as he wrote about it in his works.
These hikes are just a sample of the many trails, of varying length and difficulty, that await you around Aubagne. Enjoy!
Where to stay in Aubagne?
A little paradise in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, Aubagne is full of great places to stay. Although the area is quite touristy, you'll easily find a nice, quiet place to stay.
- The most exotic
The Royal Palmeraie invites you into the heart of the Orient with its oriental Riad decor. With its swimming pool, spa and solarium, it's the perfect recipe for a relaxing stay. Book your room your room at this unusual establishment in Aubagne.
- The best location
Located in Aubagne town center, the Best Western Linko features a resolutely contemporary urban street art decor. This modern hotel is close to all points of interest, yet offers a high level of comfort. Click here to book!
- The nature option
Enjoy the natural surroundings of Aubagne at Camping du Garlaban, featuringclassic and unusual accommodation, as well as a swimming pool. The charm of the wooden bungalows, shaded by pine trees, makes for a delightfully bucolic setting! Click here to book your accommodation.
What to do in Aubagne with children
A visit to Aubagne is an opportunity to introduce children to one of the major artists of the last century: Marcel Pagnol. Parents of this younger generation often know very little about the author themselves. Discover or rediscover with your family Pagnol's unique Provencal universe, through his birthplace or the reconstruction of his works in santons. Informative, cultural, magical: we love it!
At Domaine de la Font de Mai, families can also enjoy a donkey ride. It's sure to awaken a taste for adventure in your little ones! The estate is a veritable gateway to escape, just a stone's throw from the city.
Children can also have fun at Kids Motor Park, where inflatable games, a water play area and mini-karts will keep them happy for a day. If your kids and teens love go-karting, they can also head to Karting Indoor Provence, accessible from the age of 7.
Finally, how about a 100% local and traditional activity? At Santons de Provence Flore, you'll find ready-made santons, but you can also take part in a santon-making workshop. Ready to get your hands dirty?
What beautiful villages to visit around Aubagne?
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is full of beautiful villages, and the area around Aubagne is no exception. Just 15 minutes from Aubagne, Auriol welcomes you in a typically Provencal atmosphere. Surrounded by lush countryside, this village invites you to stroll along its tree-lined streets. Just 20 minutes from Aubagne is the village of Cadolive, whose very name evokes Provence! Shady squares, washhouses, mining heritage: keep your eyes peeled for the authentic charm of villages in the south of France. Nearby Aubagne, you can also visit La Penne-sur-Huveaune, a small commune located on an ancient Roman road. Several Roman remains, including part of an aqueduct, punctuate this lovely visit.
Visiting Aubagne won't take you very long. If you include one or two hikes in your program, allow a weekend to see it all. If you still have time, all the better! You'll be able to visit some of the most beautiful places in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Among them, don't miss the superb town of Cassis, radiant with cheerful colors. Of course, you can't miss Marseille's must-sees, with its wealth of classic and unusual sights. Count on a weekend to visit Marseille, or at least 2 or 3 days to include in your road trip. Of course, a visit to the Calanques is a must!
