Aubagne

Aubagne brings together cultural history, ceramics and a striking connection to the Garlaban landscape. When planning your trip, you can focus on different aspects: panoramic views from the summit, historic buildings, exhibitions or offerings related to Marcel Pagnol. If you are looking for a hotel in Aubagne, it helps to first consider which of these themes you would like to shape your stay. For individual visits and events, it is worth checking the latest dates.

Garlaban and historic buildings

The summit of Garlaban stands at 714 metres and towers above Aubagne. From there, you can enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree panorama. The viewpoint offers a landscape contrast to the city’s buildings and museums and is a point of interest in its own right when planning your trip.

The Tour de l’Horloge also reveals different phases of the city’s history. The present tower was built in 1900; its predecessor formed part of Aubagne’s city fortifications in the 14th century. The Église Saint-Sauveur was built around a 12th-century Romanesque chapel. Its furnishings include a 17th-century statue of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus and a main altar from the workshop of Pierre Puget. The architecture, building history and works of art offer three different perspectives on the historic heritage here.

Ceramics and cultural offerings

Ceramics are another of Aubagne’s key attractions. The city has been part of the European Route of Ceramics since 2024. The Village des Santons en Provence is a permanent exhibition; the Galerie Argilla hosts cultural events throughout the year, including culinary workshops and acoustic sessions. The programme may change, so it is advisable to check specific dates in advance.

Poterie Ravel has been based in Aubagne since 1837. Tours of the workshops are offered on Thursdays at 10 a.m. As visiting times may change, it is best to confirm the appointment before your visit. This allows you to plan a possible workshop visit specifically, without confusing it with the Galerie’s changing events.

Museums about Marcel Pagnol and the city

The Musée de la Légion étrangère collection comprises nearly 2,000 objects, as well as photographs and uniforms. The Maison Natale de Marcel Pagnol museum offers a different way to discover the city: it recreates the family apartment where the writer was born and spent his early years. Le Petit Monde de Marcel Pagnol offers private, guided museum tours lasting 45 minutes. For such a tour, check the latest availability and times in advance.

These places offer different points of focus: the Légion étrangère collection includes objects, photographs and uniforms; the Maison Natale focuses on Pagnol’s early life. Le Petit Monde complements the museum offerings with a tour of a specified duration. If you would like to plan your stay around cultural themes, these differences can help you choose the visits that suit you.

Practical information for your trip

Buses in Aubagne are free for all passengers at all times. As transport policies may change, check the arrangement again before your trip. Together with the range of cultural and historical themes, this information can help you decide on Aubagne and plan your stay.

Discover more destinations: Sausset-Les-Pins, Meyreuil, Ensuès-La-Redonne, Pont De Crau Arles, Eygalières, Raphèle-Les-Arles, Les Milles, Maillane

Return to the main travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.