Auriol offers a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors and explore culture: hikes in the Encanaux Gorge wind through unspoiled nature beneath towering limestone cliffs; the town’s history includes old canals, mills and historic buildings. One specific walk follows old canals and the banks of the Huveaune and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are also marked trails through landscapes of rivers, forests, valleys and varied terrain. You can tailor your stay to the time you have and your interest in nature or history.

Hiking among rocks and water

In the Encanaux Gorge, hikes wind through unspoiled nature beneath towering limestone cliffs. You can stop at the Abri du Figuier along the trails. The Vède, a tributary of the Huveaune, rises in the Vallon des Encanaux. If you are interested in how the valley and river are connected, you can see the Vède as part of this river system; the gorge’s high cliff walls add their own distinctive feature to the landscape.

The Auriol–Les Moulins walk takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering a specific but approximate time frame. It follows old canals and the banks of the Huveaune. Check local trail conditions before setting out. Marked trails also pass through landscapes of rivers, forests, valleys and varied terrain. In Auriol, you can also hike, cycle or mountain bike on trails and paths.

The natural setting of Domaine de Roussargues

Domaine de Roussargues offers a different perspective on nature and is accessible from Auriol via the RD45a. Wooded areas and open habitats form a mosaic of varied landscapes. The area is rich in biodiversity and provides a habitat for the very rare red-backed shrike. Unlike the limestone cliffs of Encanaux, the focus here is on the variety of habitats and one specifically named bird species.

Auriol’s history in its museum, tower and canals

The Musée Martin Duby preserves works by local artists, faience, old tools and other objects, as well as santons. One room is dedicated to the Auriol Treasure. The museum building served as a grain store from 1555, a grain hall from 1689, and the town hall from 1759 to 1969. This sequence of former uses gives the building its own historical significance alongside its collection. The Musée Martin Duby is temporarily closed; please check access arrangements before visiting.

Another historic building is the Tour de l'Horloge, which has two clock faces and dates from 1564. The old canals, known as “béals,” are also part of the town’s history. They powered the first mills for sawmilling and the processing of flour, oil, textiles and metal. Auriol’s history can therefore be explored through several themes: the former uses of a public building, a clock tower with a specific date, and the use of canals for mills and crafts.

Plan outings around your time and interests

For planning your day, the Auriol–Les Moulins walk offers an approximate time frame; other options can be compared by activity or landscape. These include hikes in the rocky gorge, marked trails through river, forest and valley landscapes, and cycling or mountain biking on trails and paths. If you want to make your choice based on the time available, the walk’s duration is a helpful guide. For other outings, your preferred landscape or interest in culture can help you decide. Check trail conditions before setting out and confirm access to the Musée Martin Duby before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Carro, Aurons, Senas, Les Baux-De-Provence, Berre-L'étang, La Barben, La Ciotat, Saint-Étienne-du-Grès

For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.