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.
Salon de Provence
Market town with medieval centre and an ancient fortress
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.
Events in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Events in Aix-en-Provence
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Aix-en-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.
Sights & Attractions in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Sights in Aix-en-Provence
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Terrain des Peintres
A public garden where some of the greatest painters of our time painted
Located on the outskirts of Aix, not far from the Atelier Cezanne is the Terrain des Peintres.
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Musee des tapisseries Tapestry
A rich collection of ancient and contemporary tapestry
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.
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Musee Granet
Fine art gallery showing European paintings & sculpture
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.
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Museum d'Histoire Naturelle
Great collection of dinosaurs and plant fossils
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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Site Memorial des Milles
Factory used as a prison during World War II, now a museum
At the beginning of World War II, France interned all Austrian and German nationals who were living in France at the time, and Les Milles was the prison for the south eastern region.
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Shan-Art Gallery
Gallery of modern & contemporary art in Aix
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
Dining in Aix-en-Provence
Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
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.
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Le Art Restaurant
Michelin-starred restaurant in a charming chateau
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
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Le Comptoir du Clos
The sophisticated restaurant located at the Renaissance Hotel
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
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Villa Gallici Restaurant, Aix en Provence
Provencal cuisine in a beautiful setting overlooking the hotel grounds
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.
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Jardin Mazarin Restaurant
A modern restaurant serving fine food and great cocktails
If you are looking for a great meal and a few drinks to end your evening look no further than Jardin Mazarin in the centre of Aix.
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Le Contrepoint
Great comfort foods just off the beaten track
Big tasty burgers, great home cooked meals and enticing deserts. This hidden gem is a must for anyone visiting the old town.
Nightlife in Aix-en-Provence
Bars & Clubs in Aix-en-Provence
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Mistral Nighclub
Trendy club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, international DJ's & acts
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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Le Scat Nightclub
Jazz club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, live music & a great atmosphere
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
A bar & restaurant in the centre of Aix
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.
Things to do in Aix-en-Provence
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.
Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence
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Club Hippique d'Aix Marseille horse riding
A reputed, long-established equestrian club for all
The Club, established in 1932 has a long and interesting history. Situated on the banks of the river l'Arc over 30 acres, 5 minutes away from the city centre the Club Hippique Aix Marseille offers a full range of facilities.
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Cabre d'Or Golf Course, Cabries
A superb natural site of 180 acres overlooking Provence
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.
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Indian Forest
Tree top adventures near the heart of Aix-en-Provence
An exciting path through the forest...but not on the ground! This tree top adventure will have you swinging from the branches and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
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Set Club, Aix en Provence
Clay & hard courts
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.
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Country Club Aixois Tennis, Aix en Provence
Renowned club with excellent facilities
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.
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Gulli Parc Indoor Play Area
Indoor soft play area for kids up to 12 years old
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
Watersports in Aix-en-Provence
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AFDA Canoe & Kayak, Lauris
Canoe or kayak trips along the river in the South Luberon
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
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Canoe Evasion, near Isle sur la Sorgue
Canoe trips between Fontaine de Vaucluse & Isle sur la Sorgue
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
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Kayak Vert, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Canoe along the green coloured rivers of the Sorgue
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
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La Bonde Lake, Cabrieres d'Aigues
Swimming, watersports & trails
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
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Raille Lake Watersports
Sailing, windsuring, watersports and more in this lake near Apt
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.
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Mistral Kite Passion Watersports, nr Salon de Provence
Kite surfing school in the Camargue
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.
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
Holiday Rentals in Aix-en-Provence
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La Bastide De La Forêt Villa, Bonnieux
3 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 6
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
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Le Mas Entre Monts Et Merveilles Villa, Bonnieux
4 bedroom Villa in bonnieux. Sleeps 8
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
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Infiniment Bonnieux Villa, Bonnieux
7 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 13
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.
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Le Mas Du Haut Trigaud Villa, Bonnieux
4 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 8
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
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La Cavalière Villa, Bonnieux
7 bedroom Villa in Bonnieux. Sleeps 13
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
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Au Cœur Du Village Villa, Lourmarin
2 bedroom Villa in Lourmarin. Sleeps 4
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
There are plenty of reasonable hotels within Salon de Provence.
Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
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Villa Gallici Hotel
Small luxury hotel in the centre of Aix en Provence but surrounded by gardens
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
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Le Pigonnet Hotel
Grand hotel with magical gardens just outside centre of Aix-en-Provence
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.
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Moulin de Lourmarin Hotel, Lourmarin
Former oil mill converted into a charming Provencal style hotel
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.
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Renaissance Hotel
Contemporary style 5 star hotel with works of art & stylish furnishings
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
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La Maison d'Aix Hotel
Small hotel built from an old house in Aix en Provence
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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Escale Oceania Hotel
Fully renovated hotel 5 minutes drive from the Aix centre
Located in the suburbs of Aix, the Escale Oceania hotel is a short drive away from the city centre. Offering 90 comfortable rooms, lounge bar, restaurant and fitness area with pool.
How to get to Aix-en-Provence
Transfers for Provence
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Avignon Taxis
Taxis in Avignon and the entire region
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Passenger transport, aerial photography, freight , etc...
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.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
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.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
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.
Property For Sale in Aix-en-Provence
Property for Sale in Aix-en-Provence
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Villa for Sale | STZ250285
7 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 233.84m² Villa in Var
A Provencal villa at the foot of the village of Grimaud.
Villa for Sale | STZ250285
€2,690,000 -
Villa for Sale | STZ260356
4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 237m² Villa in Var
A peaceful villa with unobstructed views of the countryside
Villa for Sale | STZ260356
€1,650,000 -
Land (Plot) for Sale | STZ250321
4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 250m² plot in Var
Contemporary villa with two building plots
Land (Plot) for Sale | STZ250321
€2,625,000 -
Villa for Sale | STZ250324
5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 314.73m² Villa in Var
Exceptional provençal property in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Villa for Sale | STZ250324
€3,450,000 -
Hotel for Sale | STZ250294
12 bedroom, 614.69m² hotel in Var
Located just 100 meters from the sea, this unique property, currently operated as a charming 4-star hotel, enjoys a spectacular view of the sea and Saint-Tropez.
Hotel for Sale | STZ250294
€6,600,000 -
Villa for Sale | stz260423
4 bedrooms, 255.05m², Villa in Gassin
Stunning renovated villa with sea views, located in a private domain.
Villa for Sale | stz260423
€5,775,000
































































