© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
Market town with medieval centre and an ancient fortress
Named for being a station on the salt route in Roman times, Salon de Provence is a main town in the Bouches de Rhône region.
The ancient city walls surround a medieval town centre and an impressive 10th - 12th century fortified castle. It's good place to base yourself thanks to its central position between Aix, Avignon, the Luberon and the Alpilles.
The town hall was built in the 17th century and has been expanded and elaborated ever since. Of particular note is the former council chamber which is now used for marriages. It features lavish wood carvings and a beautiful French ceiling, and portraits of famous residents of Salon.
The town offers many nooks and crannies to explore and you'll come across pretty fountains, ancient (17th century) gates to the medieval centre, statues, and a central square where the market is held every Wednesday morning.
There is also a farmers market and organic market on Saturday mornings.
Shopping in Salon de Provence is pretty good and you'll be able to pick up souvenirs and trinkets very easily.
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
In prehistoric times, the area was inhabited by the Salyens tribe, who were sheep farmers and salt traders. When the Romans arrived in 125 BC, they drained the swamps that existed and built a castle around which a small town emerged.
During the Middle Ages, the village was known as la villa Sallonne and was under the protection of the Holy Roman Empire, hence the name of the (rebuilt by this stage) castle - Château de l'Emperi.
During the 15th century, Salon was ruled by the Counts of Provence and the town experienced an economic boom. Of course, much of this wealth was destroyed during the 16th century Wars of Religion, the cause of many a town's downfall in Provence.
It was however, at this time that Salon welcomed a historical figure inside its walls. The famous seer and writer Nostradamus made Salon his home in 1547, and it was here that he wrote his celebrated Prophecies. He died in 1566 and was buried in the local chapel before being reinterred in the Collegial Saint Laurent.
The 18th century was the start of Salon's industrial history, when the manufacture of silks became established.
In the 19th century, focus switched to the manufacture of soaps and oils, and Salon developed as a trading centre. The accumulating wealth was used to create boulevards and build grand mansions, including the town hall.
Salon de Provence suffered a serious earthquake in 1909 which caused some damage to some of the town's most iconic buildings.
Located in the medieval centre of Salon is the church Saint Michel, built in the early 13th century. The church has been modified throughout the years and is now considered to be an example of Gothic architecture in Provence. The clock tower originates in the 16th century.
The 13th century Collegial Saint Laurent was completed by the beginning of the 15th century. It holds two important statues, an alabster statue of the Virgin Mary and a monlith of the Lamentation, both from the 16th century. The building was restored in 2008 at a cost of €2.5 million.
Chateau de l'Emperi sits high on a rock overlooking Salon and has seen many reincarnations over the years. First built in the 10th century, it has suffered destruction and reconstruction, and has been a temporary home to Pope Gregory XI who was fleeing the plague in 1348. Subsequent religious leaders improved the interiors and added the lovely Court of Honour. It is now home to a military museum and hosts chamber music concerts during the summer.
Other museums in the town include the Musée de Savon de Marseille, a museum devoted to the production of soap - there is also a shop where you can stock up on this famous product.
The Musée Grévin de la Provence is a historical museum, and the Maison de Nostradamus is dedicated to author of the Prophecies.
Entry charges apply to all these museums.
An old quarry, the Carrieres de Bibemus lies on the western slopes of Montagne St Victoire and is a place that inspired Paul Cezanne through out his life.
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
The Musee des Tapisseries houses a rich collection of 17th and 18th Century tapestries, including a collection called 'Grotesques' - theatrical taspestrie made in Beauvais cir. 1689, and also 'L'histoire de Don Quichotte' of 1735 unique in the world.
This is Aix's fine art gallery, housed in the 17th century Palais de Malte. The collections includes works by a variety of European painters, including two by Rubens and a small selection of Paul Cezanne.
Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely established this foundation in 1966 with the aim of promoting 'art for all' where art blends beautifully with architecture in the 'city of tomorrow'.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
A quiet atmosphere, beautiful grounds and wonderful flavours can be found at Villa Gallici Restaurant. Part of the 5 star Villa Gallici hotel you can indulge in lunch or dinner at this top quality restaurant.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
A small but charming coffee shop / bistro located right in the heart of Aix. A great place to grab a coffee, a quick bite to eat and watch the world pass by.
A quirky library of international literature and a great spot for a cup of tea, coffee, smoothie accompanied with muffins or cookies.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
Salon also has several large green spaces, try the rose garden in the Parc de la Legion d'Honneur, or for those with children, there are play areas in Place du Général de Gaulle et son Jardin d'Enfants, Parcours de Santé or Park Jacques Prévert.
Cycling is a popular activity and there are trails that take you from Salon to Eyguieres, within the pine forests of Saint Leon and La Bastide-Haute, and Dovecote Park.
Within the Massif du Tallagard (just to the north east of Salon de Provence) are four marked hiking trails between 3km - 7km.
The Golf de la Cabre d'Or is only 20 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence et Marseille. This is a fairly new golf course which opened only in 2008.
Plenty of clay tennis courts are available at the Aix Country Club. It provide lessons and coaching, and there is a pro shop too. Other facilities include a pool and a gym.
Set CLub is a sports complex which has 13 tennis courts, eight of which are clay courts and five are the faster green set. Lessons and competitions are all part of the club. Non-members are welcome.
The Golf Club Aix-Marseille is only 5 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence TGV railway station. As the course is faily level it is possible to play without the use of a buggy.
Provence Wine Tours offer a variety of wine tours from private visits, to group tours and even corporate events.
Just to the south of Aix is the town of Gardanne. They open an outdoor swimming pool in the summer, with a 50m pool, baby pool, slides, playgrounds and a relaxation area.
This half-day circuit takes you away from the bustle of the city and into the countryside, passing some historical landmarks along the way.
This ride takes us along the banks of the river Sorgue, crossing picturesque bridges and cycling past tranquil orchards. You’ll visit a number of fascinating little villages and take in some wonderful scenery along the way.
This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.
From the perched village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne, this gentle family-friendly cycle route goes from the foot of the Colline de Thouzon, round in a loop to the town of Le Thor, via the cool waters of the River Sorgue.
This scenic cycle ride goes in a figure of eight, starting and finishing in Velleron, but also visiting Pernes-les-Fontaines to the north and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to the south.
This fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
A slightly more challenging hike through the most spectactular gorge in Provence, with its narrow high walls and dark alleyway you can witness the amazing vegetation and plants. A 3 hour and 30 minute walk you can enjoy this popular walking route, recommended during the week when it is likely to be quieter.
A great walk in any season as it gets the sun throughout the day and is sheltered from the sometimes strong, Mistral wind.
This easy and gentle 3km walk is perfect for families as most of the route is shaded by large billowing trees with ideal spots for picnics, wondeful views and interesting forestry along the way.
Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.
Explore some of the beautiful trails Provence has to offer with this 365km circuit.
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
Just to the north of Apt lies the Plan d'Eau de la Raille. You can practice all sorts of watersports here, with a sailing & windsurfing school. All equipment is available to rent - dinghies, windsurfs, pedal boats and kayaks.
If you're looking to try out kitesurfing for the first time, this company can help you get to grips with the basics from professional instruction.
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
A few kilometers from the charming village of Bonnieux, enjoying a superb view of the Luberon, this tastefully restored old farmhouse will amaze you as soon as you arrive.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
This fully restored nineteenth-century farmhouse for holiday rental is located 3 km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
The Chef d’Escadron is located on the 1st floor. The apartment for rent for holidays is bright and includes a private terrace enjoying a beautiful view of Provence.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
There are plenty of reasonable hotels within Salon de Provence.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
The five star Pigonnet hotel in Aix is an 18th-century mansion surrounded with stunning floral gardens, situated just outside the centre of Aix-en-Provence.
Located in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this former oil mill welcomes its guests in an enchanting setting surrounded by lime trees.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
Located on the gateway to Provence and Luberon, this aparthotel also boasts pleasant gardens and a swimming pool.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
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