Aubagne is the clay city par excellence. It is famous for its old pottery tradition that dates from the Gallo-Roman period. In the narrow streets of the town, shops sell Christmas Nativity figures, ceramics and potteries. The terracotta Nativity figurines are made in numerous workshops in the city.

Founded by the Phocaeans in 600 BC, Marseille is the oldest city in France! Also marked by the passage of the Romans, the city then developed, by a real mix of culture, all around its Old Port protected by its two forts, Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Jean. The very heart of the city, the Old Port is an essential step to soak up the atmosphere of its fish market and its lively quays, especially during the evenings of football matches of the city's team, Olympique de Marseille. This place is also an opportunity to taste the famous local specialty, bouillabaisse. Famous street, the Canebière is also very popular in the city.

Picturesque at will, the Panier district contains typical tall houses with colorful facades and hanging linen. Pretty and old signs adorn some facades. The Vieille Charité, a hospice now housing the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology and the Museum of African, Oceanic and Amerindian Arts, and the Hôtel Dieu are beautiful buildings in Old Marseille.

The city's Museum of Fine Arts is located in the sumptuous Longchamp Palace. Greek and Roman remains are to be discovered in the Garden of the Remains.

Built in the nineteenth century, the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde overlooks the city by 162 meters. From its forecourt, the view of Marseille and its surroundings is panoramic!

Tips from the Camping team:

• Do not hesitate to go to Marseille by train or bus, it is sometimes easier than getting there by car!

Just take the free shuttle 15 from the campsite to Aubagne station (or park at the station's free car park) and then you will find bus and train to Marseille.

In 2013, when Marseille-Provence was European Capital Culture, it opened the MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. Since then, the MuCEM has become one of the world's 50 most visited museums.

Three sites, spread across 44,000 m² opposite the Mediterranean, house the museum's collections and exhibitions:

• The J4, named after the old port jetty on which the building stands, is dedicated to the major stages in the history of the Mediterranean civilisations, with a variety of themes: invention and extension of agriculture, monotheism, citizenship and human rights, travel and great discoveries, etc.
• The Fort Saint-Jean, dating from the 12th century, and its footbridge projecting over the sea, where the visitor can admire the rich collections of popular arts and traditions, and enjoy the Mediterranean garden.
• The CCR, a Centre for Conservation and Resources, based in the La Belle de Mai district near Saint-Charles station, which hosts temporary exhibitions amongst other things.

Anthropology, history, archaeology, art history and contemporary art all come together at the MuCEM, a veritable city of knowledge and interaction, where the public is provided with tools for reflection as well as the permanent and temporary exhibitions: debates and lectures, performing arts, readings, films, documentaries, etc.

An ambitious project with unique architecture, the MuCEM offers the public guided tours, audio-guides, family tours, relaxation areas for fast food or more elaborate meals, and even a cookery school at the Môle Passédat, in Fort Saint-Jean.

Allow half-day for an initial look around the museum… and several more visits to fully explore its cultural treasures!

The adorable little port of Cassis enjoys an exceptional environment by being located between the cliff of Cap Canaille and the famous creeks. It is a real summer resort of charm that we discover with its alleys and squares, its houses with colorful facades, its quays, its terraces of lively cafes and its beautiful beaches.

Many boats from the port of Cassis offer sea trips, especially for the visit of the creeks.

Tips from the Camping team:

• To avoid traffic jams in the city center, park at the free Gorguettes relay car park at the entrance to the city. A shuttle will take you directly to the city center of Cassis and from the Calanques (1.60 € A / R, free under 6 years).
• We will advise you on the restaurants at the Reception to taste Provence in the best way!

Near Cassis, the Canaille mountain and its scenic Corniche de Crêtes coastal road, majestically overhanging the sea, is an unmissable way to admire the beautiful coastal countryside. The high cliffs that plunge into waters offer wonderful viewpoints of the sea, the islands, the creeks and the coast.

It is on the Canaille cape and at the Grande Tête that the cliffs are the most impressive. Being respectively at 362 metres and 399 metres in height, these two steep cliffs are the highest in France! The vertiginous height takes your breath away! Dedicated viewpoints allow to take advantage of the site.

A true jewel in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, the Calanques National Park is renowned for the beauty of its landscapes, its exceptional biodiversity and its cultural heritage. Vast of 8,500 hectares, its land core is spread over three municipalities, Marseille, Cassis and La Ciotat, while its marine heart represents 43,500 hectares. The only national park in Europe to be at the same time terrestrial, marine and peri-urban, it is home to an incredible biodiversity, consisting of nearly 140 protected terrestrial animal and plant species, as well as more than 60 heritage marine species!

Walking in the Calanques massif means discovering breathtaking landscapes, a coastline where urban life is never far away, but where wild and secret coves alternate with trails in the middle of nature conducive to walking. Along the way, you can only be amazed by the majesty of these limestone cliffs plunging into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Visiting the Parc des Calanques also means tasting the joys of swimming in crystal clear waters, admiring the local fauna and flora, and enjoying sports activities such as hiking, climbing, scuba diving, kayaking or stand up paddle!

Tips from the Camping team:

• To avoid traffic jams, park at the free Gorguettes car park at the entrance to the city of Cassis. A shuttle will take you directly from the Calanques (1.60 € A / R, free under 6 years).
• For the creeks on the Marseille side, you will find free parking in Luminy or Les Baumettes to walk down into the Calanques.
• We advise you to equip yourself well: water, hiking shoes, cap, sunscreen… You will thank us ;)!
• Discover great itineraries including the best known right here: Visorando

Situated between Var and Bouches-du-Rhône, the Sainte-Baume Massif is both a major place of pilgrimage and a favourite site for hiking. In the heart of the massif lies the Sainte-Baume national forest, dominated by a high, rocky cliff. Its landscapes are a patchwork of beeches, maples, Scots pines and lime trees. It's a really nice place to cool down in the summer!

It was in one of the massif's caves that Mary Magdalene spent the final part of her life. Nestling deep in the countryside, this place has now become a sanctuary where the saint's relics are preserved. Many pilgrims travel there for private prayer after walking along a footpath for around 45 minutes.

The Sainte-Baume Massif also enchants nature-lovers and ramblers. Be sure to discover the icehouses, a set of gigantic holes dug into the ground where the water turned to ice in winter. The massif is also suitable for mountaineering: climbers should be sure to take the Pic de Bertagne route in order to enjoy an unobstructed view of the Alps and the sea!

Nestled at the foot of the massif is Saint-Pons forest, in the municipality of Gémenos. It contains many springs and a Cistercian abbey built in the 13th century.

Perched on a promontory at an altitude of 250 metres, Le Castellet is renowned for its famous Paul Ricard motor racing circuit where prestigious Formula 1 and motorbike races take place. Yet this village in Var has no shortage of charm and offers many attractions. Nestling in the heart of the Bandol vineyard, its medieval, picturesque and authentic character makes it a great place for a walk. Entrance is via one of the two fortified gates, the Portalet or the Grand Portail, then you go along one of the cobbled, flowery streets. Admire the old stone houses, browse the many craft shops, relax on the shady squares and discover some lovely heritage.

The castle, which now houses the town hall, dates back to the 15th century and its esplanade offers a splendid view of the Sainte-Baume Massif and the vineyards below. Not far away, you will find the Trou de Madame, one of the many openings created in the ramparts, whose name means "Milady's Postern". From there you can enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape. The Church of St. Saviour dates back to the 12th century.

Famous for its relaxed pace of life, the city of Aix-en-Provence is also known for the charm of its old town and renowned Mirabeau square. Decorated with beautiful plane trees, the old town is the perfect place for a stroll: pleasant small squares, numerous mansions of the 17th and 18th centuries, charming fountains, pretty shops, lively cafe terraces, flower markets, but also fruits and vegetables markets filled with the colours and scents of Provence.

The old town also offers visitors the Saint-Sauveur cathedral and its cloister of the 12th and 13th centuries, the town hall with its square and its Horloge tower, the so romantic Albertas square, and its museums, such as Old Aix museum, the Natural History museum and Paul Cézanne's studio.

The city, also known for its thermal baths since the Romanesque period, offers hydrotherapy treatment. Aix-en-Provence also offers a wide range of events, such as the International festival of Opera (Baroque music and Mozart operas), the water festival and Dance in Aix, a contemporary dance festival.

Reaching 1011 metres at the Mouches peak, the Sainte-Victoire mountain, near Aix-en-Provence, has been immortalized in numerous paintings by Paul Cézanne, the famous Impressionist artist. The Cézanne road, which boasts numerous viewpoints, is the best way to admire the Sainte-Victoire massif. The south hillside is particularly steep. These Provence landscapes are all the more spectacular as the majestic Sainte-Victoire mountain is surrounded by red-soiled countryside dotted with vineyards.

For walkers, a footpath takes you right up to the Croix de Provence, a mountain-top cross, at an altitude of 945 metres, a place from where the view of the surroundings is fabulous.