Aubagne | Pays d'Aubagne et de l'Étoile

Aubagne, the soul of Provence

between hills, culture and traditions

Just a few kilometres from Marseille, between the Garlaban hills and light-filled landscapes, Aubagne has a strong and endearing identity. A town of character, it is as much a magnet for its authentic Provencal atmosphere as for the richness of its cultural and natural heritage. Here, time seems to slow down, inviting you to stroll, discover and share.

Aubagne is a town where the inhabitants cultivate a lifestyle of conviviality and simplicity. People come here to take their time, to observe, to talk and to experience Provence, far from the clichés.

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Fontaine barthélémy centre historique Aubagne-OTI_Aubagne
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JPVallorani

What to do in Aubagne

A multi-faceted destination

In Aubagne, every visit is an exploration. Between heritage, culture, outdoor activities and unspoilt nature, the town offers a range of experiences that will appeal to both the curious and lovers of authentic towns.

Places to visit: immerse yourself in Aubagne’s history

Aubagne’shistoric centre is the ideal starting point for exploring the town. Wandering through its narrow, winding streets is like stepping back in time. Old houses with colourful facades, staircases in every corner, medieval gateways and shady squares bear witness to the city’s thousand-year-old history. The best-known squares include rue Torte, rue Rastègue, place Joseph Rau and place de Guin. Aubagne, a Mediterranean town, is also known for its emblematic ornamentation, such as the Hôtel de Bausset, the Hôtel des Royalistes, the old balconies, the doors and knockers and the 18th-century bread oven.

As forthe monuments, they bear witness to a rich history: the church of Saint-Sauveur, an emblematic building that dominates the town, is a landmark of our religious heritage. The triangular bell tower of the Observance, the chapel of the Pénitents Noirs and the chapel of the Pénitents Blancs are also part of our religious heritage.

In the heart of Aubagne’s old town stands the clock tower, dating from 1900. This impressive tower reveals its radiant colour when the sun is in full swing. Its predecessor, destroyed in 1898, was one of the gateways to the medieval town. Remains of these ancient ramparts, scattered around the town centre, tell of a time when the town protected itself from invasions and epidemics: the Gachiou gate (the town’s main gate), the Chemin d’Entrecasteau and the houses in the Place de Guin, built right into the ramparts!

Aubagne is also inextricably linked with Marcel Pagnol, an emblematic figure of the destination whose presence still permeates the area. The house where he was born has become a place of remembrance, immersing us in its history and helping us to better understand the writer’s deep attachment to his homeland. In the old town centre, around the bend of a charming courtyard, you’ll also find the Petit Monde de Marcel Pagnol, a living museum set in the workshop of Thérèse Neveu, the town’s famous santonnière. It pays homage to his cinematographic and literary work through santon sketches made by Aubagne santon-makers. Marcel Pagnol reveals the Provence of yesteryear.

Activities: culture, crafts and the Provencal art of living

Aubagne is more than just a place to visit, it’s a place where you can enjoy a wide range of activities. A town of art and tradition, it is renowned for its clay-based crafts, an ancient heritage that is still passed down today. Potters’ workshops, ceramists and santon makers open their doors to visitors, giving them the chance to discover unique skills and take home local creations. Aubagne is also a creative land, with a wealth of manual workshops of all kinds: modelling, turning, bookbinding and even pastis and gin making. So many activities to immerse you in the local world. Finally, if you feel like letting yourself be guided, there are numerous tours organised in Aubagne throughout the year.

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Leisure activities for young and old

Aubagne offers a wide range of leisure activities to keep you entertained all year round. In the town centre, the Le Pagnol cinema and the Comoedia theatre offer a varied programme of cultural events accessible to all. For a fun-filled time with family or friends, the indoor go-karting track is a great place to have a laugh. The Climb Up climbing gym, meanwhile, brings together lovers of sport and thrills in a play area that stimulates self-transcendence and team spirit.

There are plenty of other leisure facilities to discover, making Aubagne a lively destination where relaxation and entertainment complement the discovery of the area.

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Outdoors: cycling and hiking around Aubagne

At the gateway to the city, nature offers exceptional opportunities for adventure. Aubagne is an ideal destination for hikers, Nordic walkers, trail runners, cyclists, mountain bikers and gravel racers, thanks to its close proximity to the Garlaban massif and the surrounding hills.

The hiking trails wind through typically Provençal garrigue, with pine trees, kermes oaks and mineral landscapes bathed in light. These paths, made famous by Marcel Pagnol’s stories, allow you to discover a wild and unspoilt Provence, punctuated by spectacular panoramas.

Aubagne is also an ideal playground for cyclists. Road, mountain bike and gravelroutes offer a wide variety of itineraries to suit all levels. From gravel roads to forest tracks and country lanes, every outing becomes an immersion in an exceptional natural environment.

This proximity between town and nature makes Aubagne an ideal destination for combining outdoor activities, discovering the area and getting away from it all, for a day or a longer stay.

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Immerse yourself in local life

Aubagne also has a rich and varied cultural life. Exhibitions, festivals, shows and events punctuate the year, making Aubagne a dynamic and creative city. The Provençal markets are a veritable institution, providing an opportunity to sample local produce, talk to producers and soak up the local atmosphere.

Enjoying a coffee on a terrace, browsing the shops in the town centre or taking part in a cultural event are all part and parcel of the Aubagne experience. Here, the art of Provencal living is shared on a daily basis.

events in Aubagne

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Aubagne: shaped by the centuries

The history of Aubagne dates back to the XIᵉ century, when the village is mentioned under the name ofAlbanea. Originally settled on the heights to protect itself from war, pillage and epidemics, the town gradually developed around its ramparts. Over the centuries, Aubagne moved down to the plain, expanding and changing, while retaining its Provençal identity.

Marked by medieval, agricultural and then industrial influences, the town has managed to evolve without denying its past. This rich history can still be seen today in its town planning, its monuments and its heritage.

A cultural link with Deruta

Aubagne, as the capital of santons, has extended its European influence by establishing a twinning arrangement with Deruta, a renowned Italian town in the Umbria region, famous for its colourful, metallic medieval earthenware, as well as its museum and international ceramics school. This partnership strengthens the links between Italian and Aubagne ceramists, aims to promote European citizenship and enrich each other’s skills in a spirit of shared solidarity and tradition.

Did you know?

Aubagne is a town of stories and symbols. Its name “Albanea”, the origin of which is open to interpretation, evokes the whiteness of the surrounding limestone hills and the poplars that once lined the Huveaune (called Uvelna in Latin). These 2 names are also found on the town’s coat of arms. The A stands for Albanea and the V for Uvelna. The 2 intertwined letters bear 2 fleurs-de-lys, said to have been given to Aubagne by Henry IV to thank it for its loyalty during the Wars of Religion. The “silver sea” represents the Huveaune, which flows through the town.

But above all, Aubagne is an inspiring town. With its landscapes, its people, its language and its traditions, it continues to nourish the collective imagination, just as it did for Marcel Pagnol.

Aubagne, town in bloom

Aubagne has been awarded the Villes et Villages Fleuris (Towns and Villages in Bloom) label for over 60 years, and is renewing its commitment to improving the quality of life in the area. This prestigious label, awarded to 4,626 municipalities in France, rewards local authorities for their attention to plant life in public spaces, environmental protection and the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity.

Aubagne is making the most of its botanical heritage and local identity through respectful landscaping, promotional activities and the active participation of local residents. Criteria include sustainable water management, the absence of chemical treatments and the quality of public spaces, all of which enhance the appeal of the area for tourists and the well-being of its residents.

Where to eat in Aubagne

an invitation to the flavours of the South

In Aubagne, gastronomy is an essential part of the Provençal art of living. Restaurants in the town centre and surrounding areas offer generous cuisine inspired by Mediterranean traditions. On the terrace, you can savour a variety of dishes, including seasonal vegetables, fish, grilled meats and local specialities. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes friendly and lively, perfect for sharing a meal over a drink. From typical bistros to more refined restaurants, Aubagne offers a wide range of addresses to delight all gourmets.

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Where to stay in Aubagne?

stay in the heart of Provence

Aubagne offers a wide range of accommodation to extend your Provencal experience. Comfortable hotels, charming bed and breakfasts and furnished accommodation all offer a warm welcome. Some of the establishments offer a peaceful setting, ideal for recharging your batteries, while others allow you to stay in the immediate vicinity of the historic centre. Well placed for exploring the city, the accommodation combines comfort, authenticity and a southern welcome, making every stay a relaxing experience.