Pélissanne can be explored through a variety of historical and landscape themes: church art, everyday buildings, former mills and a walking route through vineyards and olive groves. A Sunday market and sweeping panoramic views add further highlights. If you are looking for a place to stay, you can first consider whether historic details, local produce or outdoor activities will shape your travel plans.

Church Art and Architectural History

The present-day building of the Church of Saint-Maurice was built between 1824 and 1830. Its Gothic bell tower comes from the 17th-century church. The church also houses a wooden triptych altarpiece of Saint Roch from the late 15th century, which is listed as a historic monument. The same building brings together several periods: the present-day church, the older tower and a protected work of art from the late Middle Ages.

The Fontaine du Pélican is the town’s landmark. It was built in 1769 and 1770 in the style of Aix. Its cloverleaf-shaped basin and four-metre-high column made of Cabardel stone give the fountain its distinctive appearance. The Passadouires washhouse offers another glimpse of everyday architecture from the past: it dates from 1853 and has six small basins. The 16th-century Tour de l’Horloge is also one of the monuments you can see on walks around Pélissanne.

Smaller historic sites add to this picture. Parc Maureau was laid out in 1642 under the name Clos Chauffier. The Chapelle des Pénitents gris is considered an important part of the local cultural and historical heritage; its wood panelling and some wall paintings have been preserved. Another trace reaches much further back: the archaeological site of the Chapelle Saint-Laurent de Cabardel preserves evidence of Neolithic settlement around 4000 BC.

Mills, Wine and Market

Moulin Jean Bertrand was built as a grain mill in 1775 and used as an oil mill from 1786. Olive-oil production resumed in the former stable under the name Moulin des Costes. Visitors can learn about the mill’s work and taste olive oils; check the current arrangements on site. This distinguishes the mill’s former use from today’s opportunities to learn about it and sample its products.

The 50-hectare Domaine de Sainte Philomène is set among vineyards and olive groves and produces oil and wine; it is part of the AOC Coteaux d’Aix appellation. Domaine de la Boulie produces wines under the Coteaux d’Aix designation and country wines on about 20 hectares. The area figures and wine designations provide concrete points of comparison, while the two estates differ in what they produce. The 50-hectare Domaine de Sainte Philomène is set among vineyards and olive groves and produces oil and wine; it is part of the AOC Coteaux d’Aix appellation. Domaine de la Boulie produces wines under the Coteaux d’Aix designation and country wines on about 20 hectares. The area figures and wine designations provide concrete points of comparison, while the two estates differ in what they produce.

The Pélissanne market takes place on Sunday mornings; check the date before your visit. As well as fruit and vegetables, it offers Provençal herbs, olives, goat’s cheese, cured meats, olive oil, jam and honey. The selection may vary depending on the vendors and season. The market therefore offers a different way to experience local produce than the agricultural production at the wine estates.

Exploring the Countryside

The Sentier des Vignerons starts at the Cave des Vignerons de Pélissanne and is 13 kilometres long. The route passes vineyards and olive groves, then returns to Pélissanne along shaded paths. The Pélissanne viewing point offers another way to take in the surrounding area: during the day, its 180-degree panoramic view stretches from Montagne Sainte-Victoire to Arles. Access conditions may vary seasonally.

For families, “Intrigue dans la ville” is a fun, educational mystery game that lets you explore Pélissanne and Alleins. The set includes a booklet, a town map, suspect cards, a red filter and a pencil. Availability and contents may change; check before travelling to see whether the set is available. Pélissanne can be reached from Salon-de-Provence on bus routes 4, 8, 14, 52 and 7. Route 7 runs on Sundays only to serve the market. As bus services can change, check the timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Peypin, Aigues-Mortes, Cabannes, Les-Pennes-Mirabeau, Meyrargues, Salon-De-Provence, Alleins, Saint-Cannat

Return to the main travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.