Grand Primeurs Market of Aubagne
Discover the markets of Aubagne, Provencal markets par excellence, rich in local colors and scents.
Plizio Visual Lab
Try this traditional Provencal specialty dish at the local brasseries.
Enjoy a classic southern French aperitif at a café on the main square.
Taste the traditional Provencal flatbread from a local bakery.
Buy authentic clay figurines directly from the artisans in the historic center.
Pick up lavender, olive oil, and regional fabrics at the weekend markets.
Browse local shops for traditional glazed pottery, a historic craft of the city.
Hike into the limestone hills for sweeping, peaceful views over the region.
Relax in this tranquil green space located comfortably near the city center.
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Discover the markets of Aubagne, Provencal markets par excellence, rich in local colors and scents.
A traditional market offering a wide variety of food and manufactured products in the heart of town.
Witness the birth of a real santon, the traditional Provencal Christmas crib figure!
Don't miss this guided tour, a true discovery of pottery manufacturing organized by the Ravel Pottery.
The site dedicated to the childhood of the writer-filmmaker is reserved for a one-hour private guided tour.
A lively museum featuring 200 santons by the region's greatest clay artists, paying tribute to Marcel Pagnol's universe.
Through a hundred exceptional objects, explore the links between monarch families from around the world and the Foreign Legion.
Immerse yourself in this collective exhibition that brings together the drawing universes of two unique artists.
Aubagne's Centre d'art contemporain Les Penitents Noirs is presenting the exhibition "Entre deux mondes" through mid-October.
The Mediatheque Marcel-Pagnol runs an extended summer swap focused on school and cultural materials.
This traditional market on Cours Foch brings together ceramics and Provençal santons in central Aubagne through the summer.
In early August, Esplanade de Gaulle hosts a major 1980s-themed concert evening in the city's summer program.
The free "Places en musique" concert series returns in late August with Zenia Quartet at Place Joseph-Rau.
Aubagne sits in the Huveaune valley, framed by the majestic limestone peaks of the Garlaban massif. The city's identity is uniquely tripartite: it is a hub of traditional craftsmanship, a literary landmark, and a military stronghold. As the world capital of 'santons' (traditional Provencal clay figurines), Aubagne hosts dozens of workshops that have practiced this art for centuries. It is also the birthplace of legendary author and filmmaker Marcel Pagnol, and fans from around the world visit to explore the hills that served as the setting for his famous memoirs, 'My Father's Glory' and 'My Mother's Castle.' On the military front, Aubagne has been the home of the French Foreign Legion since 1962, housing its main headquarters and an extensive museum dedicated to the Legion's global history. The city is a pioneer in sustainable urban living, famously offering free tramway services to all. Every weekend, its traditional Provencal market fills the squares with the scents of lavender, thyme, and fresh local produce, embodying the timeless spirit of southern France.
Your journey, your memory
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Create a postcardThe most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 48 | 38 | 40 | 47 | 47 | 29 | 13 | 21 | 50 | 75 | 94 | 54 |
See what it looks like near Aubagne right now.
Aubagne: Place de l'Église · 0.3 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your morning starts in the historic center, discovering the rich local pottery heritage. Midday brings you to quiet religious sites and the delightful miniature worlds of Marcel Pagnol. In the afternoon, you will explore colorful workshops and stunning painted chapels. Evening falls gently as you relax in a peaceful square, enjoying the slow pace of Provençal life.
Morning starts undercover at L'argilla, where the art of clay keeps you dry. At noon, the Église Saint-Sauveur provides a spiritual and physical shelter from the drizzle. Afternoon is spent exploring the indoor exhibits of Pagnol and Thérèse Neveu. The day ends at Square de la Paix; watch your step on the slick cobblestones and enjoy the rhythmic sound of rain against the historic facades.
Morning starts with a crisp breeze at L'argilla, where the heated galleries provide a cozy start. At noon, the pale winter sun lights up Église Saint-Sauveur. In the afternoon, explore the museums before the early sunset at 17:00. Finish your day at Square de la Paix as the streetlights flicker on, ensuring you have a warm layer against the sharp Mistral wind.
Kick off your ride at the birthplace of a literary legend, then cycle to marvel at massive nativity dioramas. By midday, pedal through the vibrant historic core to see timeless churches and ceramics. The afternoon leads you slightly off the beaten path to an industrial arts space and a shaded park. Finally, glide toward the prestigious Foreign Legion museum to end the day.
A rainy cycling day demands caution on Aubagne's roads. In the morning, visit Pagnol’s birthplace, a perfect dry base. At noon, ride to the Santon village, ideal during showers. Afternoon provides shelter in churches and museums. Watch out for slippery road markings and use mudguards to ensure you reach the Foreign Legion Museum relatively dry.
Winter cycling in Aubagne brings crisp air and sharp winds. In the morning, a visit to Pagnol’s house warms you up. At noon, cycle briskly to the Santon village to keep your limbs moving. In the afternoon, the museums offer welcoming warmth. Finish your tour at the Foreign Legion Museum before darkness falls at 5 PM, ensuring you wear windproof layers.
Start your driving tour with the strict and fascinating history of the Foreign Legion. Late morning takes you to the heart of Aubagne to admire traditional clay figurines. By afternoon, transition from the quaint miniature world to the grand, sweeping natural trails of the Garlaban massif. The evening is perfectly spent on an open plateau, enjoying serene panoramic views.
Aubagne is comfortable by car even in the rain. In the morning, the Foreign Legion Museum offers a vast indoor program. At noon, the Santon village and Pagnol’s miniature world await, all undercover. In the afternoon, the drive towards Garlaban is spectacular even if the peak is shrouded in clouds; enjoy the view from your dry vehicle while watching for runoff on mountain roads.
A winter drive through Aubagne protects you from the cold Mistral wind. In the morning, explore the heated Foreign Legion Museum. At noon, visit the Santon village and Pagnol’s exhibits, where a cozy warmth awaits. In the afternoon, drive up to Garlaban for the golden winter light before the sun sets at 5 PM. Watch out for strong wind gusts on the higher plateaus.
