Salon-de-Provence

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Travel Guide > Towns > Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur > Bouches-du-Rhône > Salon-de-Provence

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION		CLOSEST TOWNS
Town	Salon-de-Provence	Grans at 4.9 km (9 min)
Insee code	13103	Pélissanne at 6.3 km (9 min)
Postcode	13300	Lançon-Provence at 8.1 km (10 min)
Latitude	43.6401990	La Barben at 8.5 km (12 min)
Longitude	5.0970220	Lamanon at 8.6 km (11 min)
Altitude	From 53 to 325 meters	Aurons at 9 km (17 min)
Surface	70.30 km²	Cornillon-Confoux at 10.8 km (18 min)
Population	40943 inhabitants	Vernègues at 11.7 km (23 min)
Density	581 inhabitants/km²	Eyguières at 12 km (20 min)
National label		Alleins at 14 km (21 min)
Chief town	Marseille (at 54 km, 37 min)	Sénas at 14.8 km (13 min)
Department	Bouches-du-Rhône	Saint-Chamas at 15.4 km (20 min)
Region	Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur	Search another town

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TOWN PRESENTATION

Salon-de-Provence the "Middle Ages to the present ..."

A measure of 871 mentions a Villa Salon, which is still a farming area of the Carolingian period, belonging to the Abbey of Saint-Sauveur de Marseille.
The site has been occupied Salon ancient human but during the Middle Ages, appears the first known written mention of Salon.
By the 10th century, the Archbishops of Arles built a fortified position (castrum) on the rock of Puech: Castle Empéri. The name comes from the fact that Empéri the overlord of Provence was then the Holy Roman Emperor.
In the 12th century, farmers and traders settled in the castle to protect themselves by building walls including the Tour du Bourg Neuf, Clock Tower, the Tower Galagaspe are still visible.
Michel de Nostradamus, Nostradamus said Salon-de-Provence lives from 1547 to 1566, the church of Saint-Laurent The remains of his tomb.
During the Renaissance, Adam Craponne designs a channel (the channel Craponne arrived in Salon in 1559) to provide water that the city lacks.
By means of levying a canal waters of the Durance, it irrigates the city and the plain of La Crau, it allows in a first industrial development and agriculture, and therefore economic, the city pays him tribute by erecting a statue 1854 (located opposite the town hall).
During the 17th century Town Hall opens its frontage on urbanizing areas outside the medieval city. In 1909, Salon is strongly shaken by an earthquake.
In 1918, Salon de Crau becomes Salon-de-Provence.
Between the 1870s and 1920s, Fair became an industrial city producing quantities of oils and soaps, in the wake of Marseille.
In 1937 the presence of 701 Air Base in 1964 and then install the Patrouille de France Freestyle component provides a more urban and cosmopolitan population.
The Middle Ages and the 19th century left a legacy visible throughout the city.

Salon-de-Provence, a holiday destination:

These days it is good wander around the old center, the rest being renovated and the outdoor cafes, shopping at the multitude and diversity of businesses.
In all seasons Salon-de-Provence offers a wide spectrum of activities: museums, festivals, concerts, exhibitions, markets, cinemas, spas, gastronomy ...
And the opportunity to enjoy many outdoor activities with his campaign: hiking, mountain biking ...

SIGHTSEEING

The Castle Empéri:

To establish their authority, the Archbishops to build the 10th century a fortified position on the rock Puech the heart of the plain of La Crau and the Alpilles housed.
Salon is a strategic trading hub between Arles, Avignon, Aix and Marseille, the existence of "Castrum Exhibitions" is attested from 1144.
Today, the castle of Empéri (name of the Germanic Empire) is a remarkable example of the evolution of the castle architecture from the 13th to the 16th century.
Speakers mass behind the many turreted towers, square tower called "Tower of Pierre Cros" successive courses and chapel illustrate the first season of construction of the thirteenth.
The courtyard symbolizes the search for comfort and aesthetics, animating the Archbishops who occupy it until the dawn of the Renaissance.
Became a national asset to the Revolution, the castle served in the 19th century barracks. Hence the imposing presence and anachronistic construction of the first court.
Badly damaged by the earthquake of 1909, the building benefits in the 1920 major restoration work which gradually restore his noble origin and give it a new role in the city.

The museum of Empéri Crau and the castle of Empéri:

Castle Empéri becomes "Museum of Empéri" thanks to the brothers Bruno.
In 1967, the Museum of the Army becomes owner of the oldest collections Raoul and Jean Bruno, so that is hosted by the Castle Empéri.
Since it became unique place where the public is invited to travel back in the history of France, Louis the 14th in the Great War ...
Soldiers of Fontenoy those of Verdun, all issues are raised by single works, like the bed of Napoleon at St. Helena.
Come to the Castle Museum Empéri is also caught by the charm of this former residence of the Archbishop of Arles, to the elegant Renaissance gallery, or the strength of the medieval defensive architecture.
It finally and also discover the heritage salonais or meet the work of contemporary artists throughout the exhibitions are regularly presented to the castle.
Address: Montée du Puech.

For further information: Tel. : +33 4 90 56 39 23 - +33 4 90 44 72 80 - +33 4 90 56 90 84.

Open daily (except Tuesdays and some holidays) from 10am to 12pm and from 14h to 18h. Warning! Because of the duration of the visit (1:30), the ticket office closes at 11h15 and 17h15. Group tour reservation (French, English).
The Museum of Empéri sometimes temporary closures, to avoid unnecessary travel to visitors, it is best to check before.
Entrance fee (free to the public under the age of 25 years and jobseekers).

Chapel of St. Catherine

Romanesque Chapel of St. Catherine the 12th century.
Tympanum with flared cross whose arms are narrow at the center and wide at the tip.
Archbishop Gibelin Sabran gave custody of the castle of the Templars Show Crau in 1198, they remained there until 1206. The name of St. Catherine is the first time in a catalog of the eleventh, written in Greek. Around the same time, the bones of a woman were discovered by the monks of Mount Sinai, the rumor soon spread that we had discovered the relics of St. Catherine. The Crusaders return to their homes, made known in the West, the history of the Holy and many chapels built in his name.

Saint-Michel

Built at the foot of the castle to the early thirteenth, in the heart of the activity of the city, the St. Michael's Church opens in a square crossed by one of the main roads.
She directs her bedside to the east, a practice particularly widespread, we turn to Jerusalem (and the rising sun) to celebrate mass.
The building shows the characteristics of art Provençal by its tower and the portico of his sobriety carved decorations that are part of the Romanesque style, also explaining the simplicity of his plan (without nave aisle or ambulatory ), and the thick walls and narrow openings. The sober, solid appearance of the church is lit by the warm light of the stone used for the structural work.
From the same period, which adorns the tympanum carved portal evokes the archangel St. Michael crushing the forces of evil symbolized by the snake.
If the general appearance of the building is typical of Romanesque art, the cross-ribbed vaults of the nave and the apse for they illustrate one of the first breakthrough of the Gothic style in Provence.
The church was therefore the subject of several successive building campaigns, even to the addition of a belfry in the 15th crowning the facade and used as the clock until the seventeenth.
The Organ of Saint-Michel.

Collegiate St. Lawrence:

Located "off the walls" and built by the will of the salons, the collegiate church of Saint Lawrence expresses the spiritual power of the archbishops of Arles.
The first stone was laid in 1344 by Jean de Cardona in lieu of a church at which there was a cemetery.
Due to frequent interruptions of building campaigns (pests, invasion of the city by armed gangs, landslides), the building was completed nearly a century and a half later, in the 1480s.
Due to its collegiate, his imposing figure is meant to be a visible sign of the influence of the archbishops of the city, the latter having any authority over the college of canons governing offices.
Gothic art was struggling to gain Provence, Saint-Laurent is inspired yet in its octagonal tower, but especially by the vaulting of the nave on a ribbed, which allows a significant elevation of the building.
The reminiscences of the Romanesque style are still very present: little recess in the stone (thick buttresses, small openings - the latter finding may be explained by the desire to protect the building from the mistral and heat - scarcity carved decorations).
Inside, plan and elevation are remarkable in their balance: nave, without aisles or ambulatory, but flanked by 11 chapels. A note in one of them (North side): a majestic descent from the cross, carved and polychrome Burgundian inspiration and dated from the early 16th century. This work was not originally intended for college, but part of the elements which were filed following the desecration, the Revolution, the church of the convent of the Cordeliers in Salon.
It was the same for the tomb of Nostradamus, visible today in the chapel of the Virgin. The health of the Prophet waned long ago, the great climacteric was upon him, and July 2, 1566 he ended his earthly career. His tomb has been the destination of many pilgrimages. Among the illustrious visitors were two kings of France, Louis the 13th (1622) and Louis the 14th (1660). The latter was accompanied by his mother, Anne of Austria, his brother, the Duke of Anjou, her cousin, Miss Orleans, and Cardinal Mazarin. The tomb was later visitors less respectful.
In 1792, the National Guards who passed by Fair went to church, desecrated the tomb of the prophet and his bones scattered. It is said that the soldier who first violated the tomb was shot a few days later for stealing the silverware, and accomplished the revenge of Nostradamus. On his tomb was engraved the following epitaph: "Here lie the bones of Michel Nostradamus, which the pen almost divine, was worthy of all estimated trace and bring to humans by the influence of the stars, upcoming events over all round the earth. He passed away in Salon de Provence Craux year of grace 1566, the second in July, sixty-two years six months seventeen days. O posters, do not touch the ashes and Envy not the rest Therein ".
The St. Lawrence College has been renovated in 2008.
The Organ of St. Lawrence: The buffet and the instrumental are Baker and Verschneider and date from 1865. This is the first organ built with an electrical system Peschard. There was a change of mixtures and a lift by Merklin in 1974.

Tower and the Clock Gate:

Built on the site of the north gate of the old city walls, the door of the clock marks the passing of the modern city in the ancient city.
It is built in the 17th century, wearing a bell Roland.
Represents a weekly diary every day of the week according to the planets, the Sun for Sunday, Moon is Monday, March is Tuesday, Wednesday, Mercury, Jupiter is Thursday, Friday, Venus, Saturn is Saturday .
The door of the clock has been completely renovated in spring 2003, the Clock Tower is listed historic building, the belfry and the bell are classified historic monument.

City Hall:

Classic style despite the two turrets adorning its facade, the Hotel de Ville was built from 1655 to 1658.
Its direction shows that the city had then released from the belt of fortifications that surrounded the Middle Ages.
On its front, two statues represent Prudence and Temperance.
The color is due to the use of stone Rognes, or St. Lawrence.

War Memorial of Eugene Piron:

On August 9, 1919, the City Council Fair launched a subscription for building a monument to the dead and vote a sum of 10,000 francs for this purpose.
The site is set cliff St. Roch Cemetery, Eugene Piron draft is accepted, here's how the artist himself described his project: "The monument entirely carved in the rock represents a gap that seems to get vault where the dead are deposited. At the entrance of the breach, a bugler sounded the "Sublime Awakening" which brings out in crowds like those who sleep there ...". It is understood, the bugle is the modern version of the angel sounding the Last Judgement and the Resurrection.
The monument was officially opened November 11, 1925 and is widely recognized as unique. It remains unique in its monumentality, its hyper realism but above all his humanity.
Eugene Piron will unfortunately end his life three years later, November 17, 1928. He will be buried in St-Roch at the foot of the work that immortalized him in the same time as all of Salon son died for France.

Porte du Bourg and Nine Black Madonna: The gate of the medieval ramparts shows the importance to the seventeenth. Under the porch of the entrance to the Village Nine, a niche contains a Black Virgin of the thirteenth. The original statue of the Virgin Black child is within steps of the Hall of the Hotel de Ville!
Bandstand: The first bandstand was opened August 19, 1900. In 1895 the City Council gave a favorable opinion to the project to install a new bandstand on the same location as the old. The municipality will undertake to build the kiosk. Opening September 12, 1993.
Area Soap - Villa Armieux - Palace of Justice:

The commercial boom of the 1880s has revealed a new bourgeoisie, whose wealth marks the architectural physiognomy of the city. The traders built their mansions ostentatious adjacent warehouse and offices.
Of all the villas high in the nineteenth, the most original is the Castle Armieux, current courthouse. This medieval castle was built in 1905 by a wealthy merchant of soap in tribute to his wife. This neo-renaissance which dominates at first glance the outline of the Villa Armieux. However, in approaching, elements more "modern" soften the rigor of the building: green glazed tile dome and numerous floral sculptures.
For the opening hours of the Tribunal of Commerce, which moved into its walls, it is possible to admire the beautiful auditorium (now courtroom) Edward Armieux was built for hosting the public who came to attend recitals by his wife singer. All designs inspired to varying degrees, oriental style still popular in the 1900s.
On the Avenue of the Commander Sibour Hotel Couderc, now contained in the premises of the clinic Vignoli, offers a fine example of seaside architecture, with different volumes are underlined by several pieces of ceramic and polychrome terracotta. This Art Nouveau style, very popular in France in the late 19th century, met with great success at the Salon in the interior of the villas: stained glass, paintings, tiles and ceramics. Conversely, he broke through late and modestly in architecture.
Roche Hotel, Boulevard Nostradamus, this title is all the more remarkable, especially for his bow-window at an angle (forming a part jutting balcony closed).
Spearheading the economy of the city, these traders also take an active part in its social and cultural life. Thus, the construction of Armand Theatre, opened in 1884, is due to the will and the funding of a wealthy merchant named Armand, who will leave his fortune elsewhere. During this same period, many "circles" were created, including the Arts, opened in 1886. Circle of Arts and Trades, once the Mecca of the bourgeois class of Salon, set up headquarters in the present building in 1886. Today the association's Circle Arts and Crafts is a center of art and culture which hosts many events (exhibitions, conferences, book day, mind games?).
If the First World War and the crisis of 1929 marked a setback to the decades of euphoria, Living Preserving the architectural heritage of period charm, but also traditional skills.

Detailed information
Transport	Train station of Salon
Information points	Tourist Office of Salon-de-Provence
Leisure centres	Castle Museum of L'Empéri Art et Histoire Militaires, Golf Course of L'Ecole de l'Air, Museum of Salon et la Crau, Racecourse of Deffends
Monuments	Castle of l'Empéri, Church Saint-Laurent, Church Saint-Michel
Performance halls	Espace Charles Trenet

EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS

Festival of Music and in June in downtown and in the old center, run by the Municipal Conservatory.
Music Festival: June 21 On Pelletan place in the bandstand Vincent Scotto, the square Crousillat on the Place de l'Hotel de Ville, on the Cours Gimon, the square of the Centuries, the Revolution Square, the square Morgan on the Place Gambetta ...
Historical Re-enactment: end June Each year in late June, the town plunges into the heart of his story. A popular festival has become an unmissable event which attracts around 20,000 people?? Totally free event, organized by Memory & Legends. This large event traces the transition to Salon-de-Provence of Queen Catherine de Medici, who came to consult with another famous man of his time, the physician and astrologer Nostradamus. The streets are reconstructed, camps, farms, shops and taverns are the streets of downtown atmosphere and colors of the Renaissance. The troops of volunteers and professionals, over 1,000 people in costume, meet and correspond. The parades on Thursday and Saturday nights are always eagerly awaited. The nobles dressed in their finest clothes, the court, soldiers, villagers and peasants, beggars, fire-eaters and witches, waders and fantastic creatures lead viewers to the great show. Performing Arts, circus, street theater, medieval songs, shows chivalry, fighting fencing, race of beggars and peasants, the heart of Salon-de-Provence becomes one huge theater during three days of celebration!
Concert by the Band of the Air: early July to Castle Empéri. This concert sounds to begin the festivities Empéri. Offered by the Air Force, he became a rendezvous expected. Between jazz, classical music and variety. Admission free and without reservations.
Nights bandstand: evenings rock, salsa, tango
Walks Municipal Conservatory of Music.
Shards of Theatre: July. Four evenings combining texts magnificent frescoes and large grating comedy theater, the association's proposed "Theatre courtyard. Information: Tel. : +33 4 90 56 00 82 - Fax: +33 4 90 56 69 30.
Feast of July 14: Concert, ball up the City Hall. Fireworks at the stage of honor.
Aperitif Jazz: Free events in July.
Shards of Jazz at the Castle Empéri: Influences Latin, Oriental, Brazilian and Balkan cheerful hues in July.
Shards of Dance in July.
Market solidarity: in July on the site of the Centuries. Solidarity march organized by the Solidarity Collective. Sale of craft and presentation of the actions of the participating associations.
Farmers' Day: July. Field Day with the traditional craft market. Pony rides, farm animals, fruit tasting, dinner and dancing Provençal specialties. Enquiries +33 6 80 37 03 69 and +33 4 90 56 27 60 (Tourist Office).
A summer at the Cine: end of July. Outdoor screening in the Renaissance Court, Castle Empéri.
Classical Music Festival International Music Salon-de-Provence: late July-early August.
Musical Tour of Cafes and Restaurants: in August. Café and restaurant owners participating in the excitement of the city by putting us in a round of musical evenings.
Festival Scenes Here: late August in the Renaissance courtyard of the castle of Empéri. With local artists and groups, between rock, folk and French chanson.
Strolling of Summer: June to early October. Visit Salon-de-Provence otherwise ... Free. Registration prior to the Tourist Office on +33 4 90 56 27 60. Visit the site visits. Hours Summer Tourist Office: Monday to Saturday from 9h to 13h and 15h to 19h, Sundays from 10am to 12.30pm.
Show Target: early October. The association offers Karwan meet the artists in this festival of street arts as they prepare to invest and enrich the public for two days. Free.

ATTRACTIONS, LEISURES AND ACTIVITES AROUND

From Salon-de-Provence, it is easy to shine every day to other sites to visit ...

Other large cities: Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Marseille, Avignon ...
Natural sites: the Alpilles, the Camargue, the Blue Coast, the Calanques, the Luberon ...
Typical villages: Alleins, Will, Eyguières, Grans, Cornillon-Confoux, Les Baux de Provence, Saint-Remy-de-Provence ...

PHOTOS

Place des Centuries in the old center

Building facade decorated with the picture of Nostradamus

LINKS

www.visitsalondeprovence.com	Tourist Office Salon-de-Provence
www.salon-de-provence.fr	City Council Salon-de-Provence

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WEATHER

Sunday 3 June
Day	Night
Min. 16°C - Max. 28°C

Monday 4 June
Day	Night
Min. 13°C - Max. 27°C

Tuesday 5 June
Day	Night
Min. 13°C - Max. 25°C

RESTAURANTS

	Château de Richebois Salon-de-Provence
	At the heart of Provence, between Luberon and Alpilles, near Arles, Les Baux, Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, the Château de Richebois welcomes you in an elegant and warm. Nestled at the...
	Located in Salon-de-Provence	From 15 € to 50 € per person

	Auberge du parc Orgon
	Restaurant cooking gourmet meals for your business, family, birthday ...
	Located 16.3 km from Salon-de-Provence	From 25 € to 40 € per person

	La Bastide d'Eygalières Eygalières
	Charming hotel with restaurant, in the heart of the Alpines. Terrace, conference and banketting room. Fresh products and organic vegetables.
	Located 16.7 km from Salon-de-Provence	From 25 € to 40 € per person

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BEDS & BREAKFASTS

Mon moulin

9.7

Grans

Perfectly situated for exploring the attractions and tourist towns of Provence, the authentic and original mill oil (olive) of XVII century houses 1st floor 3 rooms for guests overlooking...

Located 4.4 km from Salon-de-Provence

75 € the double room

La demeure

Eyguières

Eighteenth century house with pool situated in a typical Provencal village.

Located 8.1 km from Salon-de-Provence

	2 rue du moulin Mallemort
	In a charming house with garden and terrace in the center of the village of Mallemort and in the heart of Provence. Room access is independent. . Http://www.amivac.com/site13436.
	Located 12.1 km from Salon-de-Provence	From 60 € to 70 € the double room

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VACATION RENTALS

	Villa le clos roman Pélissanne
	160 m ². 3 bedrooms. 3 bed 2 people. 1 bed 1 person. 2 sofa beds. 1 bathroom. 1 WC. Separate kitchen. Stay. Mezzanine. Washing machine. Dryer. Dishwasher. Four. Freezer. Microwave....
	Located 5 km from Salon-de-Provence	From 900 € to 1500 € per week

Les Amandiers

8.8

Lançon-Provence

Bastide Provencale 3 *** clévacances and 2, panoramic view in the heart of Provence: Luberon crossroads, sea, Camargue and Aix countryside! Dominique and Jean-Pierre welcome you in...

Located 6.1 km from Salon-de-Provence

From 330 € to 450 € per week

	Les prés, gîte de France à la campagne Lamanon
	Lodging located between Alpilles and Luberon, on the ground floor of the house owners, private entrance and parking. Kitchen / living room, 1ch (1 bed 140) 1 bedroom (2 beds 90) shower,...
	Located 8.2 km from Salon-de-Provence	From 350 € to 440 € per week

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CAMPSITES

	Camping le Vallon Bonnieux
	Green and family located in the Luberon, very quiet or campers come find peace. The site is surrounded by greenery limitless. Place for meditation. The very warm welcome.
	Located 25 km from Salon-de-Provence	From 12.50 € to 18.50 € per day