Highlights of the year in the Pays d'Aubagne

Every January, the Marche des Rois kicks off the year in a warm and authentic atmosphere. Traditional costumes, Provençal music, a parade and a celebration of local customs make this event an iconic occasion for discovering the soul of the region and enjoying a convivial moment with the family.

In March, lovers of Provençal cuisine and wine have the chance to meet producers at the Wine and Food Fair. Tastings, meet-and-greets and the chance to discover local terroirs offer a wonderful opportunity to extend your stay amongst the vineyards, restaurants and local produce.

At the end of winter, Festi’Aubagne brings the town to life with a friendly and festive programme that brings residents and visitors together to enjoy shows, entertainment and moments of togetherness.

Spring is the perfect time of year to explore the roads of the Pays d’Aubagne and de l’Étoile by bike. In April, The Cycling Event brings cycling enthusiasts together for a range of activities and routes suitable for all abilities, set against the backdrop of exceptional Provençal landscapes.

Every 30 April and 1 May, the Foreign Legion’s headquarters celebrates Camerone, the most important festival of this military institution. The ceremony commemorates the famous Battle of Camerone in 1863 and brings together legionnaires, veterans and visitors for parades, dawn serenades and a flypast by the Patrouille de France. Over the course of two days, a fair featuring demonstrations and entertainment also invites visitors to discover the history, traditions and values of this iconic institution based in Aubagne.

Every spring in May, the Hiking Festival offers several days of guided walks through the most beautiful landscapes of the Pays d’Aubagne and de l’Étoile. Whether you’re interested in nature, heritage, food or sport, these walks offer a different way to discover the Garlaban massif, the villages and the region’s many treasures.

Humour, shows and a great atmosphere are on the cards at the start of June with the Comedy Fest. Over several days, established performers and up-and-coming talent will take to the stage to make the audience laugh in a friendly atmosphere.

At the end of June, the Grande Braderie brings the town centre streets to life. Local shops, great bargains and a festive atmosphere invite you to stroll around Aubagne whilst enjoying a wide range of entertainment.

Andalusian music, dance and culture take over Aubagne during the Nuits Flamencas. This unmissable festival, held in early July, brings the town to life to the rhythm of flamenco in a warm, summery atmosphere.

If you’re visiting with your family in July, Festimôme is an unmissable event for young and old alike. Shows, workshops and activities specially designed for children make this festival a truly special time to share together.

Throughout July andAugust, the villages across the region celebrate their local festivals in a friendly and festive atmosphere. Parades, processions, funfairs, village dances, concerts, entertainment and fireworks provide the backdrop to these unmissable events of the Provençal summer. It’s an opportunity to share an authentic experience with the locals and discover the local traditions in each of the region’s villages.

Throughout the summer, as night falls, the hills of Garlaban become the setting for theatrical walks inspired by the world of Marcel Pagnol. Combining natural heritage, theatre and the chance to explore the countryside, these evenings offer a unique experience.

In July and August, the cinema moves out of the theatres and under the stars. In a friendly atmosphere, the open-air cinema screenings offer the chance to enjoy a summer’s evening at various venues across the region.

Throughout the summer, ceramicists and santon makers showcase their creations in the heart of Aubagne at the ceramics and santon market. It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover traditional craftsmanship, chat with the artists and take home a unique piece.

Every summer, a major free concert brings together several thousand spectators in a festive atmosphere. It is a much-anticipated musical event that marks the end of the school holidays in the Pays d’Aubagne and de l’Étoile.

Every year in September, the European Heritage Days offer a chance to discover the treasures of the Pays d’Aubagne and de l’Étoile in a different light, through guided tours, events and special openings of various venues.

A tribute to the region’s most famous writer, the Dictée Pagnol brings together young and old to celebrate the French language in a friendly, intergenerational atmosphere.

Set against the backdrop of Roquevaire’s prestigious organ, the Roquevaire International Organ Festival presents a programme of the highest quality every autumn, in September and October, bringing together international artists in an exceptional historic setting.

WithHalloween just round the corner, the Sentier de la Peur promises a great time for the whole family and some thrills in the heart of the countryside. A unique experience that appeals to both children and parents!

Grains de Sel, this November cultural event, celebrates children’s literature and brings together authors, illustrators and families for talks, workshops and performances.

It is impossible to talk about Christmas in Provence without mentioning santons. Every year, the Aubagne Santons and Ceramics Market brings together craftspeople who keep this iconic tradition alive, offering visitors a genuine journey into the heart of Provençal craftsmanship.

Christmas lights, parades, entertainment, shows, concerts and Christmas markets transform the Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Étoile into the perfect destination for experiencing the magic of the Christmas season in Provence with the family.