Carnoux: History, Parks and Culture

Carnoux-en-Provence is a modern planned town founded in 1966. A community of French expatriates from North Africa founded Carnoux ex nihilo, through private initiative and self-financing. This origin gives the town a clear connection to recent urban history. Parks, cultural activities, the market and walking routes offer other ways to plan your stay around your interests.

Urban History and Places of Remembrance

The Notre Dame d’Afrique church was built in March 1966, before Carnoux became a municipality. Every year on August 15, the Notre Dame d’Afrique pilgrimage takes place at Place Lyautey. The Albert Camus Media Library also has a memorial area dedicated to Carnoux and North Africa. The town’s history is therefore reflected both in a recurring tradition and in a dedicated place of remembrance.

La Crémaillère is also part of the town’s heritage: the former 18th-century country house has a French-style garden. The house and garden provide another historical connection, alongside the places of remembrance associated with Carnoux and North Africa.

Market and Cultural Activities

The Carnoux market takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays at the Esplanade Lyautey. Stalls sell food, regional products, flowers, clothing, fashion jewellery and decorative items. The two market days give you a practical reference point if you would like to include a market visit in your stay.

The Carnoux Cultural Centre offers group classes in languages, visual arts, music, dance, theatre and computing. The current programme is published online; individual classes may change. If a particular class is important to your plans, check the programme for your dates.

L’Artéa adds to the cultural offering with theatre, dance performances, music concerts, comedies, one-man shows and performances for children. The venue also hosts artist residencies and creative work. As the programme may change, it is worth checking the current events before visiting.

Green Spaces, Parks and Landscape

The botanical educational trail runs through the town’s green spaces and introduces visitors to Mediterranean plant species. It is accessible to children and adults. Each park has its own character: Parc Tony Garnier is a historic site with century-old trees. Parc Jean Chaland was inaugurated in 2011 and is landscaped, with facilities for children’s play and relaxation. When planning, you can choose between a park with mature trees and a landscaped area with play and relaxation facilities.

The “Carnoux-en-Provence par les collines” route is 14 km long. The heights of Carnoux offer a different perspective on the landscape: from there, you can see the Huveaune Valley as far as Marseille, as well as the Bay of Cassis and Cap Canaille. The route’s length and the landscapes visible from the heights are two different points to consider: one concerns distance, the other the view of the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Puyloubier, Velaux, Eygalières, Coudoux, Aigues-Mortes, Aureille, Fos-Sur-Mer, Gardanne.

For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.