Salon de Provence

On the N7 and the A8, between Aix en Provence (80km) and Avignon (57km).

Discover the pretty town of Salon-de-Provence in the Bouches du Rhône department.

Strategically situated between the Alpilles, the Camargue and the Aix-Marseille route, Salon de Provence is surrounded by magnificent countryside where the olive tree tree is "king"! The oldest part of Salon is built on a small foot-hill, over-looking the narrow streets. You can visit the "château de l'Emperi" which was the former residence of the archbishops of Arles.

Emperi castle

Reconstruit au XIII°, la forteresse médiévale est aujourd'hui en parfait état, entretenue et restaurée avec soin. Après avoir traversé son agréable cour intérieure, vous pourrez visiter le Musée de l'Emperi qui présente 30 salles d'exposition consacrées aux uniformes et à l'art militaire du XVII° siècle à 1918.

Nostradamus lived in Salon-de-Provence

Salon is one of the oldest villages in Provence and it was the village of the famous clairvoyant scholar Nostradamus. His house is in the old district and it is now a museum which details his life and unique personality. His birthplace was Saint Rémy, he died in Salon.

Olive growing

The culture of the olive tree has always been part of Salon's traditions as the manufacture of olive oil and soap known as "savon de Marseille" are naturally part of the village's cultural heritage. "Le musee de Salon et de la Crau" will help you discover all the customs and traditions of the region, including its natural history and rural activities from the past until the present. There is also a long story behind the water flowing from the fountains of Salon...

In the 16th century a certain Adam De Craponne invented and built the irrigation system later used throughout the district... thanks to Mr De Craponne and his ingenious system, the countryside soon prospered and today Salon de Provence is one of the most charming in the area.

A very pleasant town center with many restaurants

Visitors to Salon will be enchanted by the leafy plane trees and picturesque streets in the village centre... so typical of Provence ! You will be welcome to rest awhile in the shade outside the cafes where you can soak up the relaxed atmosphere for which Salon de Provence is famous.

Events, festivals and outings

Salon de Provence offers a wide range of festivals and concerts throughout the year. Salon was even recently named France's most dynamic city! On the Office de Tourisme website, you'll find a handy calendar listing all these events. Salon is a very lively town, with a wide range of cultural events, particularly in the high season.

Our map of Salon de Provence (postal code 13300)

To find your way around Salon de Provence, you can use our interactive map, which you'll find on this page. We've also included our accommodation recommendations so you can locate them before booking your stay in Salon.

What to see

18th century porte de l'horloge. 17th century town hall.
18th century Moussue fountain.
13th century Saint Michel church.
18th century Collegiate church Saint Laurent.
The house of Nostradamus. Grevin museum of Provence.
L'ecole des bergers - School of the shepherds (domaine du Merle).

Leisure activities

Hiking, mountain bike hire, horse-riding.
Tennis, swimming pool, 18-hole golf course.
Advice for aeroplane enthusiasts:
Every Tuesday between midday and 2pm the French airforce hold training sessions...
you can admire superb acrobatics.

Hotels

Brit Hotel

Salon de Provence (Pays d'Aix)

Carte

Recently renovated hotel with 38 air-conditioned rooms, quality bedding, fiber optic wifi, Canal +. Swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, bar, petanque. Free enclosed private parking. Accepted animals.

60€ - 85€

View the site

Accomodations

Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
Campsites.

YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TOWN OF SALON.

You have sent us many questions about Salon de Provence. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions, so that all our readers can find out more. Don't hesitate to write to us if you have any other questions.

What are the inhabitants of Salon-de-Provence called?

The inhabitants of Salon-de-Provence are called "Salonnais" and "Salonnaises". At the last population census, there were around 45,000 inhabitants in the commune, which is gaining inhabitants year after year because life is good in Salon!

Where to walk around Salon-de-Provence?

If you're a keen hiker, why not explore the Massif du Tallagard, a beautiful part of the Bouches-du-Rhône region, and follow the many footpaths available to walkers. Nature is beautiful here, and there are some wonderful views over this region of Provence-Alpes.

What is the motto of Salon-de-Provence?

As far as we know, the town of Salon-de-Provence has no official motto. Its coat of arms is a leopard in a golden field holding between its claws an azure-coloured escutcheon stamped with a fleur-de-lys. This emblem dates from the 16th century and is found on various buildings in the town.

What can you visit in Salon de Provence?

There are many things to visit in Salon de Provence. Don't miss the Maison de Nostradamus, for example, which traces the life of this mysterious figure. We also love the Fontaine Moussue, the Porte de l'Horloge, the Eglise Saint Michel and the Musée de l'Emperi. As you can see, there's plenty to see in Salon de Provence.

What to do in Salon?

In addition to the visits we recommend above, don't miss the town's many weekly markets, which are held almost every morning (except Mondays and Thursdays). In July and August, the Friday evening market is very popular. Otherwise, enjoy the dolce vita on the terraces and in the town's good restaurants, go to the cinema or do a bit of walking. You'll never be bored in Salon de Provence!