Ceramics, Marcel Pagnol, architectural history and the Garlaban give Aubagne several distinct themes to explore during a stay. The city offers a permanent ceramics exhibition, cultural events, museums and historic buildings, as well as a landscape attraction above the city. If you are looking for a hotel, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your trip: ceramics, Pagnol’s life story, the city’s history or the view from the Garlaban?
The Garlaban above Aubagne
The summit of the Garlaban is 714 metres high and overlooks Aubagne. From there, you can enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view. Its height and views make the mountain a distinct landscape attraction, different from the city’s museums and historic buildings. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether the view from the summit or Aubagne’s cultural attractions matter more to you.
Ceramics in exhibitions, workshops and cultural events
The Village des Santons en Provence is a permanent exhibition in Aubagne. The Galerie Argilla offers cultural events year-round, including culinary workshops and acoustic sessions. Its programme changes, so check the current dates if you would like to attend an event. Since 2024, Aubagne has been part of the European Ceramic Route, whose programme may continue to evolve.
Another ceramics destination is Poterie Ravel, which has been based in Aubagne since 1837. Workshop tours are offered there every Thursday at 10 a.m. Visitor hours may change, so it is advisable to check the time before your visit. The permanent exhibition, changing events programme and scheduled workshop tour offer different ways to explore the subject of ceramics.
Marcel Pagnol and museum collections
The Maison Natale de Marcel Pagnol museum recreates the family apartment where the writer was born and spent his early years. Access arrangements may change, so check the latest information before your visit. Le Petit Monde de Marcel Pagnol offers private, guided museum tours lasting 45 minutes. Its visitor programme and opening times may also change.
The Musée de la Légion étrangère offers a different type of collection. It displays almost 2,000 objects, as well as photographs and uniforms. Aubagne’s offerings therefore range from a museum presentation focused on a person’s life to an extensive collection featuring different types of objects.
Church and clock tower: different construction periods
The Église Saint-Sauveur was built around a 12th-century Romanesque chapel. The church also houses a 17th-century statue of the Virgin Mary and Child. The main altar comes from the workshop of Pierre Puget. These details show how different periods and artworks come together in one building.
Two historical periods must be distinguished when it comes to the Tour de l’Horloge: the present-day tower was built in 1900. An earlier Tour de l’Horloge formed part of Aubagne’s city walls, built in the 14th century. Those interested in the city’s history will find both a tower from the early 20th century and a connection to its medieval fortifications here.
Practical planning for your stay
When planning specific visits, take account of the relevant dates and access arrangements, especially for attractions whose programmes or opening times may change.
Buses in Aubagne are free for all passengers at all times. As transport policies can change, check this arrangement again before your trip. This lets you include the latest transport information and the dates of individual attractions in your plans without assuming a fixed itinerary for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Les-Pennes-Mirabeau, Saintes-Maries-De-La-Mer, Raphèle-Les-Arles, Carry-Le-Rouet, Istres, Cuges-Les-Pins, Port-De-Bouc, Aureille.
Back to the regional travel guide: Bouches Du Rhone.
