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Our top tips for staying cool

What can you do when it’s hot in Aubagne?

When the temperature rises, there’s no question of giving up on your holidays! From air-conditioned museums and indoor activities to swimming spots and walks in the shade of the trees, the Pays d’Aubagne and its surroundings are brimming with ideas for making the most of summer whilst escaping the heat. Discover our selection of the best places to stay cool.

Published on 8 July 2026

Soak up some culture… whilst keeping cool

Museums and exhibition venues are the perfect places to visit on the hottest days. Most of them are air-conditioned, so you can explore the local heritage whilst enjoying a pleasant, cool break.

Discover the ‘Entre deux mondes’ exhibition at the Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs

This summer, the Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs is hosting the exhibition ‘Entre deux mondes’, which brings together the artistic worlds of Quentin Spohn and Céline Marin. Monumental pencil drawings, immersive works and a dialogue between contemporary imagination and folk traditions come together to form a unique exhibition, to be explored in a heritage venue with a naturally cool atmosphere.

Immerse yourself in the world of Marcel Pagnol

For a cultural outing with the family, step inside the Pagnol Museums. Between Marcel Pagnol’s Birthplace and Le Petit Monde de Marcel Pagnol, you’ll discover the life and work of the Provençal writer through artefacts, sets and immersive reconstructions.

Discover the temporary exhibition at the Foreign Legion Museum

The Foreign Legion Museum also offers an enjoyable visit away from the heat. Make the most of this opportunity to explore the temporary exhibition ‘The Nobility of Service – White Kepis and Crowned Heads’, which highlights the links between the Foreign Legion and various monarchs throughout history.

Take a journey into the heart of the santon-making tradition

To continue your exploration of Provençal craftsmanship, head to the Village des Santons or the Maryse Di Landro Santon Museum. Both visits offer a deeper understanding of the history of santons, ceramics and Provençal traditions, whilst enjoying a pleasant atmosphere.

Family activities to beat the heat

Whether with family or friends, there are several places where you can make the most of the day without suffering from the summer heat.

Le Bois des Lutins: an adventure in the shade of the trees

At the Bois des Lutins, treehouses, hanging nets and adventure courses are set amidst a vast forest. An ideal activity for children, who can enjoy a largely shaded environment.

Cool off at OK Corral

Summer days are also the perfect time to enjoy the water attractions at OK Corral. Water jets, refreshing slides and water games round off the park’s many attractions.

KIP: 100% indoor fun

Fancy a proper break in the air-conditioning? KIP (Karting Indoor Provence) brings together a range of indoor activities for all ages: go-karting, of course, but also trampolines, games, sporting challenges and leisure areas where you can spend several hours in the cool.

A screening at Le Pagnol Cinema

A sure-fire choice during heatwaves, the Cinéma Le Pagnol lets you enjoy the latest film releases in air-conditioned comfort.

Take a dip at the Alain Bernard Swimming Pool

You can’t talk about cooling off without mentioning the Alain Bernard Swimming Pool. With its competition pools and relaxation areas, it’s a must-visit on the hottest days.

Enjoying the great outdoors… in the shade of the mountains

The mountains surrounding Aubagne offer a welcome respite from the heat, thanks to their forests, streams and shaded valleys. Before setting off, however, do remember to check the access conditions for the forested areas, as these may be subject to restrictions during periods of fire risk.

La Source des Nayes

Just a few minutes from Aubagne, the Source des Nayes is a popular spot for its lush vegetation and peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for a stroll to enjoy some cool, fresh air.

Les Encanaux

With its stream, cliffs and shaded paths, Les Encanaux is one of the most beautiful nature walks in the area. You can also discover an old ice house there, a testament to the historical expertise involved in ice-making.

The Saint-Pons Valley

Renowned for its beech forest, its Cistercian abbey and the River Fauge which runs through it, the Saint-Pons Valley is one of the coolest places in the area during the summer. Its many footpaths allow you to stroll in the shade for several hours.

The Cave of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine

Nestled in the heart of the Sainte-Baume massif, the Cave of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is reached via a largely shaded forest path. This walk allows you to discover an iconic site in Provence whilst enjoying the natural coolness of the forest.

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