The Heart of Provence
Searching for an ideal home base from which to discover everything Provence offers? Salon-de-Provence is the perfect choice! This delightful "town in the country" is sufficiently large to provide all necessities (hotels, shops, restaurants, and attractions) and is conveniently near all the places you wish to explore. Situated in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of Provence, this charming town boasts a unique and rich cultural heritage, while maintaining the feel of a genuine, working town, less touristy than other locations.
Only 30 minutes from the Marseille airport (MRS), you can arrive and settle in, never needing to move your bags again. In less than 40 minutes you can get to the cities of Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, as well as the picturesque villages of Les Baux-de-Provence, Lourmarin, and Eygalières.
Before heading out, start by exploring the medieval town itself. It has a rich history indeed, as this was home to astrologer and doctor Nostradamus from 1547-1566, as well as his final resting place. It is here that he wrote his “Prophecies” in 1555. His home has been made into a museum where you can attempt to translate what he predicted for the world up to the year 3797! Around town you will see his likeness as a period actor gives guided tours.
In June or July, the city honors its rich heritage with a four-day festival. Dedicated volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to maintain the period costumes in excellent condition, allowing the city to serve as a living history.
Even before Nostradamus arrived, the Château de l’Empéri was erected to watch over the city. Dating from the 11th century, it is the oldest fortress in Provence still standing and one of the three biggest in France (alongside the Palais des Papes in Avignon and Château du Roi René in Tarascon).
Ascend to the summit for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside (Crau Plains). Be sure to visit the garden, designed in 2003 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the renowned doctor famous for his efforts against the plague. It features plants that Nostradamus used in his recipes, arranged in "plessis" (fences made of interwoven branches). Inside the castle is an impressive and extensive military museum. There is also a room devoted to work by the painter Théodore Jourdan. He was born in Salon in 1833 and mainly painted pastoral scenes depicting Arles Merino sheep.
Sit and admire the castle a bit longer over lunch in the square before losing yourself in the labyrinth of cobbled streets. History blends seamlessly with modern times as medieval “trompe l’oeil” patrons hold watch over modern boutiques.
As you wander throughout the town, you can’t help but notice the stately manor homes and large boulevards, not exactly typical in Provence. They were built around the turn of the century, when Salon-de-Provence became the capital of the soap industry. Although we know it as “savon de Marseille”, it was not Marseille but Salon that held the perfect recipe for this honor. Already rich in olive oil, the railroad came to town in 1871, allowing for speedy distribution to the rest of France. Two of the most prestigious companies dating from the early 1900s are still in operation in Salon today: Marius Fabre and Rampal Latour. Each merits a visit, as their look and feel is completely different.
With a population hovering around 45,000 this walkable city has many different monuments, squares and fountains to be discovered. Taking full advantage of its 300+ days of sunshine, the city is set up to enjoy the outdoors. There are ample restaurants under plane trees, inviting you to linger. Be sure to see the Porte du Bourg Neuf (the rampart gate) and the Tour de l’Horloge clock tower. At Place Crousillat you will find the “mossy” fountain or La Fontaine Moussue, where the mushroom-shaped tree seems to weep into the basin below. Dating from the 16th century, it is the town’s unofficial mascot.
The distinct character of Salon is emerging, yet there's still much to explore! The Salon de Provence Air Base has the distinction of being the home of the Patrouille de France, or French Patrol, since 1964. This is the home base and training ground for the precision aerobatics demonstration team of the French Air Force. Salon takes pride in hosting this esteemed group, which embodies the values of teamwork, trust, and excellence in combat aviation maneuvers.
After marveling at the extraordinary precision of this elite team lighting up the skies, you are brought back down to earth with the age-old tradition of the transhumance, when flocks of sheep are moved to the Alps in early summer to graze on fresh grass on the summer pastures. Since antiquity sheep have grazed in Salon’s Crau Verte meadows in winter. Every year at the beginning of May there is a Fête de la Transhumance, where sheep, goats and donkeys parade through the town, accompanied by folkloric groups.
With truly something for everyone - history, architecture, nature, artisans, technology, restaurants and shops - Salon-de-Provence is perfectly perched to be your home base in Provence. Bonne exploration!
Fast Facts:
Distance from:
Avignon - 40 min
Aix- 30 min
Marignane - 30 min
Eyalières - 30 min
Les Baux. 40 min
Lourmarin - 40 min
Population: 45,595
Office de Tourisme: 249 Place Jules Morgan
13300 Salon-de-Provence.
Phone number is 04 90 56 27 60.
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