Tourism in Aubagne

Sightseeing in Aubagne near our campsite

The village of santons de Provence

Aubagne is well known for its production of pottery and ceramics around the Santons de Provence. So you can’t visit Aubagne without stopping off at the Village des Santons en Provence.

This museum is located opposite the Garlaban massif, on the site of the town’s ancient ramparts. A beautiful nod to Aubagne’s history.

The Village des Santons en Provence features 3,000 santons depicting scenes from life in Provence and its traditions, as well as the Nativity:

• A permanent exhibition
• a temporary exhibition that changes with the seasons and events.

It’s a dazzling experience for young and old alike, and it’s completely free of charge.

Marcel Pagnol

The famous writer Marcel Pagnol was a native of Aubagne. So, when you come to visit the town, you absolutely must stop off at the house where he was born, which has now been transformed into a 130m² museum. Here you can retrace the history of Marcel Pagnol and discover personal objects, letters and exclusive photos. Admission to the museum is free for children under 6, and €3 per person for children over 6.

Aubagne, located “under the Garlaban, crowned with goats, at the time of the last goatherds”, was the setting for Marcel Pagnol’s first work, “La Gloire de mon Père”. The town of Aubagne, known as the birthplace of Marcel Pagnol, has strong ties with cinema. In fact, every year the Aubagne International Film Festival is held, run by 3 associations of film lovers.

What’s more, as part of Aubagne’s many festivities, local residents regularly visit the foothills of the Garlaban massif. This gives rise to cultural events, reviving the typical Provencal identity of this small corner of the Bouches-du-Rhône region.

Take a stroll through the town in the southern French sunshine, photograph the emblematic clock tower and stroll through the town center, taking time to discover all the local shops.

Family activities in Aubagne

• Come and have fun with the whole family at Climb Up Aubagne, a real place of life and fun open to children and adults of all levels. You’ll be able to climb on climbing walls for hours on end, testing out a wide range of difficulties.
• Karting Indoor Provence is another place to live, with an indoor karting track, an outdoor park with water games, an indoor and outdoor Laser Ball, a bowling alley, a driving simulator, a billiard table, an e-gaming zone and a relaxation area. Enough to delight young and old alike and enjoy a moment together, whatever the weather.
• If you like walking and hiking with your family, the Garlaban massif in Aubagne will make you feel very small. It’s 714m high and covers more than 8,000 hectares. You’ll even be able to smell the herbs of Provence as you walk, as Thyme and Rosemary are part of the scent.
• You can’t leave Aubagne without stopping off at Marcel Pagnol’s Le Petit Monde. Discover a world created in a bandstand that recreates the life and work of Marcel Pagnol through the eyes of pretty little santons from Provence.
• Finally, for those (rare) rainy days, there are two cinemas in Aubagne where you can watch films and exchange sweet and/or savoury popcorns with your family.

Staying at Le Ceyreste campsite

Camping Le Ceyreste is a 4-star campsite near Aubagne, just a few meters from the most beautiful beaches in Provence. You can stay here for the duration of a trip to the south of France. The campsite is set in the middle of a pine forest, offering a soothing and relaxing setting.

For stays booked in fine weather, take advantage of the campsite’s heated infinity pool for a refreshing swim. The on-site restaurant serves a wide range of hot dishes, pizzas and snacks. In summer, you can enjoy a variety of activities for children, including a bouncy castle. For the rest of the year, you can play pétanque, settle your differences at table soccer and access the playground.

Whatever you do in Aubagne, you’re bound to enjoy it. The weather is mild, the joie de vivre contagious and there are plenty of activities to keep young and old alike entertained. Now there’s no reason not to book your next vacation in Aubagne.