Discover Cabriès: art, village history and traditions

Cabriès particularly appeals to travellers who also choose where to stay based on their cultural interests. The village combines a distinctive townscape with the Musée Edgar Mélik, a permanent exhibition in the Château de Cabriès and a traditional event at Notre-Dame de la Salette. The themes range from the character of the village to art and archaeology, as well as an annual blessing of the horses. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the cultural attractions and the tradition tied to Easter Monday.

The townscape and the castle

The picturesque village of Cabriès sits on a rocky promontory and is dominated by the old castle. Narrow streets and an unusual bell tower shape its appearance. The promontory, the castle and the street layout each contribute to the village in a different way: as a topographical setting, a landmark building and the structure of the village. The village itself can therefore be a focus of your stay alongside its cultural attractions.

Art and historical artefacts

The Musée Edgar Mélik is housed in the north wing of the former fortified castle. Its collection consists mainly of 86 oil paintings on canvas, wood, stone and cardboard, as well as drawings on paper. The range of materials makes the collection more than just a selection of canvases. The museum is devoted to art history, Provençal culture, new technologies, natural sciences, tribal ethnology and archaeology. Its scope therefore extends beyond painting and appeals to a range of interests, from regional culture to scientific and archaeological subjects. The Château de Cabriès houses a permanent exhibition of works by Edgar Mélik, as well as Gallo-Roman remains discovered in the commune.

The Church of Sainte-Marie-de-la-Nativité is also listed as a historic monument. If you would like to include religious buildings in your cultural itinerary, this listing is a specific point of reference.

Activities and annual events

The Musée Edgar Mélik offers workshops for children. Guided tours in French and English are available by arrangement; confirm the date and availability of your preferred language before travelling. A treasure hunt in Cabriès and Calas is suitable for participants aged 7 to 99. If you plan to take part, check in advance whether the booklet is available. You can choose from several options: a workshop, an arranged guided tour or a treasure hunt with a stated age range.

Since 1958, several hundred riders have gathered at Notre-Dame de la Salette every Easter Monday for the traditional blessing of horses and riders. This tradition takes place at a specific time of year. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the programme for the relevant year in advance.

If Cabriès fits your travel plans, you can look for hotels for your stay and plan your trip around the topics and dates that interest you.

Discover more destinations: Moulès, Maillane, Rognac, Martigues, Raphèle-Les-Arles, Tarascon, Saint-Rémy-De-Provence, Eygalières

For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.