The Lavoir d’Aurons bears the history of the village on its walls; at the Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens, a neoclassical tympanum and a polychrome inscription catch the eye. Together with the walking trail to the Plaine de Sonnailler, Aurons offers different points of interest: village history and architecture, or a route through a varied landscape of plants.

Village History and Buildings

The ruins of Château du Castellas crown a hill and offer panoramic views across the entire village. This vantage point places the individual buildings in the broader setting of Aurons. At the village’s sights, by contrast, you can discover specific architectural and historical details.

Aurons’ communal bread oven dates from the 17th century and is considered evidence of the village’s past and former daily life. It can be visited around the clock. If you are planning your visit specifically around the bread oven, check its accessibility locally. Its date and communal character make it a distinct way to explore village history, alongside the churches and historic buildings.

The Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens stands on Place Louis Estienne, in the heart of the village. Its entrance features a neoclassical tympanum; the church also has the polychrome inscription “Haec est Domus Domini.” The inscription’s multicoloured lettering provides a distinct accent alongside the architectural design of the entrance. The church is therefore both a specific landmark in the village centre and a place to focus on particular details.

At the Lavoir d’Aurons, the building’s design and the village’s history come together in a special way: the history of Aurons is inscribed on the washhouse walls. The lavoir is covered and fully restored, and includes a small fountain. Its wall inscription draws attention to the village’s history, while the fountain and covered washhouse shape the site’s architectural character.

The Chapelle Saint-Martin du Sonnailler offers another historical perspective. It is a single-nave Romanesque chapel dating from the 12th century. In the early 2000s, it was fully restored by volunteers from the Fraternités Franciscaines. The chapel thus brings together two distinct periods: its medieval origins and its restoration at the beginning of the 21st century. “Single-nave” describes its design, with one main nave.

Walking Trail to the Plaine de Sonnailler

The walking trail to the Plaine de Sonnailler starts at the small car park by Aurons town hall and follows the GR6 long-distance hiking trail. Pine trees, argélas, rosemary, rockroses, juniper bushes and oaks line the path. This gives you a clearly named starting point and a route through a landscape shaped by a variety of plants to guide you on this outing.

When planning your day, the options differ mainly in what you would like to focus on: Castellas, the church, the lavoir and the chapel offer specific buildings and historical connections; the walking trail follows the GR6 through the described landscape of plants. You can focus on the architecture and history of Aurons, or include the walk to the Plaine de Sonnailler.

Discover more destinations: Grans, Saint-Savournin, Le Tholonet, Paluds De Noves, Lamanon, La Barben, Allauch, Cornillon-Confoux.

View the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.