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Village Nature Peypin Oti Aubagne

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JPVallorani

PEYPIN

La Vallonnée

Discover Peypin: hiking in the Étoile massif, historical heritage, family activities, sunny restaurants and accommodation with a view. Situated between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, the town is a natural and friendly destination.

Peypin: nature, walks and discoveries

Located in the Pays d’Aubagne region, Peypin is an ideal destination for discovering authentic Provence. From hiking in the Étoile massif to historical heritage, outdoor activities and local flavours, the village offers a complete experience in the heart of a preserved natural environment.

Whether you enjoy hiking, culture or relaxation, Peypin invites you to enjoy a holiday rich in discovery.

What to do in Peypin

Hiking in Peypin: two ways to explore the area

Hiking in Peypin is a great way to discover the richness of the Étoile massif.

The GR®2013: an itinerary between nature and memory

A section of the GR®2013 links Peypin to Mimet, covering around 11 km in the heart of the hills of Provence and the Étoile massif. Between forests, ridges and panoramic views of Mont Julien, Garlaban and the Sainte-Baume, the route immerses you in the local landscape. Along the way, a number of relics of the mining past are a reminder of the local industrial history, adding a cultural dimension to your walk.

Discover the Château de la Roque Forcade

In the heart of the hills of Peypin, Château de la Roque Forcade immerses you in its Provencal terroir, a blend of nature and gourmet delights.

A fun walk through the estate

The estate is easy to visit thanks to a trail laid out among the vines and olive grove. Covering almost 30 hectares, you can follow the trail at your own pace, in the form of a treasure hunt accessible to all. Step by step, you can solve the riddles, learn about the history of the estate and identify the flora and fauna.

Tastings and local produce

After the walk, it’s time to indulge! The estate is also a place of production where tradition and know-how meet. You’ll discover a carefully tended vineyard and olive grove, producing authentic products. You’ll be able to taste and take away wines with floral and mineral notes, olive oil from the estate, honey and other local products. Wine-tourism experiences, such as tastings and workshops, round off the visit to prolong the pleasure.

The events

Château de la Roque Forcade also organises events such as the ” Halles Gourmandes” (gourmet markets), which take place one Sunday a month, as well as evening events and musical entertainment during the summer. You’ll be able to taste local produce and take home a few dance steps in the heart of the vineyards.

Le Bois des Lutins in Peypin: a magical outdoor adventure

The Bois des Lutins in Peypin is a must for families looking for outdoor adventure. Nestling in the heart of a natural area, this park offers a magical world where young and old can enjoy themselves freely.

On site, everyone can move at their own pace between perched huts, nets suspended in the trees, large slides and fun courses. It’s an immersive experience, with play areas inspired by an imaginary world inhabited by elves and fantastic creatures. Children can climb, run, slide and explore in complete freedom, while parents enjoy a friendly moment in a shady, safe setting.

The Yearling Club: discover Peypin on horseback

The Yearling Club equestrian centre offers a great opportunity to discover the Peypin countryside in a different way, in contact with horses. Suitable for all levels, from beginner to experienced rider, the centre offers a range of activities including riding lessons, rides and horse-related activities. Supervised by professionals, riders enjoy a natural environment in which to relax and learn.

events in peypin

Throughout the year, Peypin comes alive with friendly events that punctuate village life: markets, local festivals, cultural events and seasonal rendezvous. Every month, share some warm moments with family and friends.

What can you visit in Peypin?

Places and monuments

The church of Saint-Martin, at the heart of the village

Situated in the centre of Peypin, thechurch of Saint-Martin reflects local history and Provencal traditions. Its sober, harmonious architecture dominates the village.

The Castellas, a medieval vestige

Perched high above the village, the Castellas is an ancient fortified castle. Built in 1150 by Pierre Brémond, Lord of Auriol, it is thought to have been built on the foundations of an ancient Roman villa called Solobie (or Solobium in Latin). Now in ruins, you can still see the remains of ramparts and towers, while enjoying an uninterrupted view of the surrounding countryside. It bears witness to Peypin’s medieval past and the strategic role it once played.

La Cride hill

Overlooking Peypin, La Cride hill is home to a Gallo-Roman oppidum dating from the Iron Age (around 1100 BC). Located close to the old clay quarry, it can be seen today from the Castellas. The site has been the subject of archaeological excavations, which have brought to light fragments of pottery dating back to the 6th and 5th centuries BC. The hill is therefore a precious site bearing witness to the town’s ancient past, with archaeological remains and ancient traffic routes.

Peypin's hidden heritage

Château de Valdonne, a witness to history

In the 18th century, a Marseille merchant named Pierre Roux took an interest in the Peypin area and decided to build an elegant country house. In 1740, Jean-Baptiste Roux enlarged and embellished the building with a second construction, now known as “le château”. The Roux family was deeply involved in the local community, and in particular in coal mining in the Provence coalfield. Renowned for its architectural wealth, Valdonne castle has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1986. It is now privately owned and not open to visitors.

The mines of Valdonne, a reminder of the mining past

The Valdonne mines are closely linked to the history of Peypin, with their activity centred on theextraction of coal, known as lignite in the region. For several centuries, they played an essential role in the local economy. In 1861, the first trade union chamber in the basin was created, and in 1864, the miners set up the first mine and cooperative relief fund. Today, this past is honoured by the miners’ stele, erected in 2005. Located at the “Puits Castellane”, on the road to Gréasque, it pays tribute to the men who worked under the most demanding conditions.

The history of Peypin

The origin of the name Peypin

The name Peypin originates from the Provençal “Pey”, meaning hill or promontory, in connection with the terrain surrounding the village. Over the years, the commune has been known by several ancient names, including Castrum de Podio Pino, Pueypin, Podium Pine, Podium Pinum, Peypin, Feypin de Marseillo and Peypin-lez-Auriol.

Some interpretations of the coat of arms refer to pear pips, which were interpreted by the 17th-century French genealogist d’Hozier as hearts. However, they do not seem to correspond to any local noble family and their origin remains uncertain.

A village renowned for its heritage and industry

Peypin bears witness to a human presence dating back to the Iron Age. Traces of occupation have been found on the La Cride oppidum, which consists of three enclosures.

In 1150, Pierre Brémond, Lord of Auriol, had a castle built and became Lord of the area. His descendants, the d’Esparron family, retained these rights until the early 15th century. In 1535, Charles V’s troops pillaged the village, and the castle was finally destroyed in 1593 by the Duke of Épernon. Peypin is a village built around the ruins of the castle. The ruins include the remains of a 4-6 metre vaulted hall (now buried) and two ramparts, one of which was reinforced by five round towers.

The 17th century saw the construction of Valdonne Castle and the discovery of lignite. As a result,industrial activity gradually developed: in 1854, the first cement kiln was exploited, followed in 1860 by the digging of the Armand well, between Les Termes and Auberge Neuve (closed in 1954). In 1870, Peypin lost part of its territory with the creation of the commune of La Destrousse.

By the end of the 19th century, industrial activity was flourishing, with no fewer than 10 cement factories in the commune. In 1910, clay mining began in the Pégouliers district, while the Lafarge plant employed up to 250 workers before closing in 1962.

Do you know him?

Félix Gouin: a famous figure from Peypin

Born in Peypin in 1884 and died in Nice in 1977, Félix Gouin came from a family of teachers and studied law in Aix-en-Provence. A lawyer at the Marseilles bar, he became involved in socialist politics at an early age. He was drafted into the First World War and fought at Verdun. He was elected mayor of Istres in 1920 and member of parliament in 1924. In 1946, he became president of the provisional government, before pursuing a long political career under the Fourth Republic.

Restaurants in Peypin

In Peypin, there are several places where you can enjoy a wide variety of cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. La Tana offers Italian cuisine that changes with the seasons. Le Mattilio features dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, with authentic gourmet recipes. As for La Placita, the restaurant invites you to discover homemade dishes, generous with local produce, to be enjoyed on the sunny terrace.

Where to stay in Peypin?

Furnished accommodation and gîtes

Peypin offers several accommodation options for your stay in Provence. L’Éden sur la Colline offers a peaceful setting and views of the surrounding hills. Les Restanques offers a calm environment, ideal for recharging your batteries, Au Cœur du Domaine invites you to stay in an authentic setting, close to nature, and La Vue de Valdonne is a typically Provencal house that promotes the farniente art of living in the South of France.

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towns and villages in Pays d'Aubagne