Plan-De-Cuques combines connections to nature with historical and cultural themes. The municipal biodiversity atlas, published in November 2020, puts the share of natural and rural areas at 61 percent; 59 percent of the municipality’s area is designated as zones requiring ecological action. Also of note are the Chemin de Notre-Dame des Anges and the annual Sainte Marie-Madeleine celebration. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the landscape and cultural heritage, and the celebration date, which should be checked each year.

Nature and Landscape

The two nature-related features are on different scales: the figures describe areas within the municipality, while the cliffs of Plan-De-Cuques offer suitable nesting sites for large birds of prey. The connection with nature therefore extends from the landscape as a whole to a specific habitat. For travelers interested in nature and wildlife, these offer two different ways to explore the area.

Chemin de Notre-Dame des Anges

The Chemin de Notre-Dame des Anges was established as a Stations of the Cross route, with Plan-De-Cuques on one side and Gardanne on the other. Its wayside shrines are still visible; some have been restored with support from the department. Along the route, you can admire Jurassic dolomite amid pine forest and garrigue. Thus, religious significance and distinctive landscape features come together along the same path. Travelers who want to combine history and nature in their plans will find a shared focus here, rather than needing to consider the two interests separately.

Sainte Marie-Madeleine: an annual celebration

The Sainte Marie-Madeleine celebration takes place annually in Plan-De-Cuques. The municipality’s 2025 program lists a Mass in Provençal, a solemn Mass with a cavalcade, and a torchlight procession. Lou Grihet contributed tambourine music and dances to the celebrations; the Groupe Saint Éloi brought donkeys and horses. The program thus includes both religious elements and music, dance, and animals. If you plan to travel specifically for the celebration, check the dates and program for the relevant year.

More Culture and Practical Information

The Pôle Culturel Miremont includes exhibition spaces. The exhibition on during your trip may vary, so check the current program before planning a visit. The Office de Tourisme de Plan-De-Cuques can advise you on recommended activities and tourist attractions worth seeing. If you want to include this advice in your plans, check in advance how the Office is currently providing it.

The best time to travel depends on which theme matters most to you. The landscape and the Chemin offer a focus on nature and cultural heritage; a trip for Sainte Marie-Madeleine depends on the program for the relevant year. If you are interested in the landscape and route, you can choose your travel dates more freely according to your personal interests.

Discover more destinations: Ceyreste, Roquevaire, Rousset, Mouriès, Mimet, Le Tholonet, Carro, Saint-Mitre-Les-Remparts

For the broader travel guide: Bouches Du Rhone.