Cuges les Pins | Pays d'Aubagne et de l'Étoile

Cuges-les-Pins, the soul of a Provencal village

At the foot of the majestic Sainte-Baume massif, built on a vast plain surrounded by wooded hills, Cuges-les-Pins embodies the very essence of the Provencal village. Here, time seems to stand still. The scent of sun-warmed pine trees, the peace and quiet and the pastel-coloured houses offer an authentic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

As the seasons go by, the heart of the village comes alive, particularly during markets, local festivals and cultural events. The narrow streets, squares and fountains tell a simple story of traditions and strong bonds between the inhabitants.

Located in the heart of the Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park, Cuges-les-Pins has a peaceful atmosphere and natural setting. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a history buff or simply looking to unwind, the village invites you to stroll around and take in the sights.

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Cuges Les Pins Vignoble Oti Pays D Aubagne 1

What to do in Cuges-les-Pins

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Collines Village Cuges Les Pins Oti Aubagne
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JPVallorani

A natural destination in the heart of the Sainte-Baume region

The geographical location of Cuges-les-Pins is one of its greatest assets. The village is set in a unique landscape, marked by a natural phenomenon that is rare in Provence: a poljé. This vast, fertile plain surrounded by limestone hills has always shaped local life, and is now an ideal playground for nature lovers.

Hiking trails criss-cross the surrounding hills, giving you the chance to discover wild Provence, with its pine forests, panoramic views and rural heritage. On foot, by bike or on family outings, everyone can explore this unspoilt area at their own pace. The commune has also rehabilitated the ‘Jas de Frédéric’ as a refuge on the GR 98 trail, starting from the Col de l’Ange and the Sainte Madeleine valley. Numerous hikes in the Sainte Baume are accessible from these 2 sites.

Forhorse-riding enthusiasts, there are a number of riding centres offering rides, hikes and courses to help you discover the sport and the area in a different way.

Finally, the more adventurous can try their hand at paragliding, taking advantage of the higher ground to admire the Cuges plain from the air, while the more sporty can head for the Trail de la Sainte Baume, which takes place every year in February/March, starting from the town. It’s a great way to experience the thrills of this magnificent massif!

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A place renowned for its leisure activities

Cuges-les-Pins also offers a wide range of activities for families and friends. The OK Corral amusement park is a must for an exciting day out. The Fauconnerie des Aigles de la Sainte-Baume offers an educational and spectacular experience in the heart of nature, while fans of speed and thrills will love the activities on offer at Starter Park.

Fans of gastronomy will be delighted by the saffron harvest, which offers an unusual experience combining the discovery of the region and local traditions during October/November.

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Ok Corral Cuges Les Pins Oti Pays D Aubagne

Discover the monuments

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Chapelle Saint Antoine Cuges Les Pins Oti Aubagne
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JPVallorani

The village boasts a number of monuments that were built and then destroyed over the course of history. These include

The Clock Tower

Built in 1824, it was erected above the town hall because the population wanted to know the official time. It replaced the 17th-century clock, which was destroyed in 1811 because it threatened homes and could only strike 19 times!

Fountains and oratories

The Moussue fountain can be found in the Place de la Libération. The first fountain leaked and in winter caused icy patches all down the street. The current fountain dates from the 1830s. On closer inspection, you can see the lions’ heads.

The Château des Glandevès

Now privately owned: when it was decided in 1509 to move the village, the castle also had to be moved. The current castle belonged to the Lords of Cuges: the Glandevès family. 11 March 1509: the inhabitants were authorised by Lord Antoine de Glandevès to settle near his fertile land, around the new castle. All the materials from the old settlement were then recovered. In the 16th century, the heart of the village was rebuilt around the château de Glandevès, a situation that has remained unchanged to this day, although the village has expanded further out onto the plain.

The church

The first church in Cuges-Les-Pins was built in 1509. In 1615, a chapel was built to the right of it, which was to become the Glandevès family vault. Deemed impractical and unsightly, the first church was demolished and rebuilt in 1869. Inside the church, a fragment of Saint Anthony’s relic has been carefully preserved.

The crushing area

This is a restored area with an exceptional view in a place steeped in history.
This stone-paved area, exposed to full sunlight and constantly subject to gentle draughts, was used to thresh the grain to separate it from the cob.

The Saint Antoine chapel

Overlooking the village, this chapel was built in 1896 on the site of the former château chapel by the famous Marseille architect Monnier.
The climb up to the chapel and the view over the plain allow you toadmire its vastness. The chapel bears the name of its patron saint, and every 13 June for the past seven centuries, the traditional pilgrimage of Saint Anthony of Padua has continued.

events at Cuges-les-Pins

1Jan31Dec

Marché de Cuges les Pins

5Jun

Spectacle "Éléments" avec Bamboo Orchestra

13Jun14Jun

Fête de Saint Antoine de Padoue

Journée randonnée du côté de Cuges-les-Pins "Sainte Baume - Le tour des Jas"

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Did you know?

Cuges-les-Pins also has its share ofsurprising anecdotes. In 1794, the village became part of history when the mayor celebrated the marriage of Julie Clary and Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother. Julie Clary would later become Queen of Naples and then of Spain, making Cuges-les-Pins the witness to an unexpected royal event.

A few decades later, Victor Hugo himself is said to have stopped off at an inn in the village on his way to Toulon. Enchanted by the welcome and the local cuisine, he is said to have left a glowing account in his notebooks, proof that Cugé hospitality was already renowned.

More recently, the landscapes of Cuges-les-Pins have been used as a natural backdrop for iconic French films such as Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources. These films have helped to anchor the image of the village in the collective imagination, as a symbol of a true and timeless Provence.

The grotte des maquisards is accessible by hiking from the pointe de Cuques, in Cuges-les-Pins, at the turn of Mahlé. It is famous for having been the setting for an emblematic scene in Manon des sources, in which Daniel Auteuil declares his love for Emmanuelle Béart.

The history of Cuges-les-Pins

shaped by the land and people

A strong historical role

The history of Cuges-les-Pins is inextricably linked to its natural environment. Occupied since prehistoric times, the area has seen a succession of different civilisations, attracted by the fertility of the plain and the presence of natural resources such as a lake, which has now disappeared.

For centuries, village life revolved around agriculture, livestock farming and forestry. Traces of this past can still be seen today in the old lime kilns, the isolated sheepfolds in the garrigue and the ancestral paths that once linked Cuges to neighbouring villages.

Traditions and festivals at the heart of the village

Throughout the year, Cuges-les-Pins vibrates to the rhythm of its traditions. The feast of Saint-Antoine, on 13 June, remains a highlight of local life, combining pilgrimage with conviviality.

A little later, every first Sunday in August, Saint-Éloi is celebrated, an emblematic festival of Provence that celebrates horses, carriages and rural heritage. This festival is considered to be one of the most important horse parades in the department. These celebrations are an opportunity to discover the deep attachment of the local people to their culture and history.

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Village Cuges Les Pins Oti Aubagne
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Restaurants in Cuges-les-Pins

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Instant Ela Restaurant Cuges Les Pins @instantela

For a bite to eat in Cuges-les-Pins, there are several restaurants to choose from: Chez Bébert, where generosity is the name of the game; Bistrot & Grill, just outside the village on the way to the activities, a favourite with meat-lovers; the bistronomic restaurant Instant Ela, where the food is prepared with care; and last but not least, if you fancy a delicious Corsican meal, Trattoria Corsica is the place to be!

Accommodation in Cuges-les-Pins

To extend the experience, Cuges-les-Pins offers accommodation to suit every taste. Gîtes, holiday lets, motorhome parks and unusual accommodation in the heart of nature mean you can make the most of the village’s exceptional setting. It’s the perfect place to stargaze and enjoy a well-deserved break!