The town of Salon is situated in the southern region of Provence, between the two larger towns of Arles and Aix-en-Provence. Surrounded by the beautiful Provencal countryside, yet only a short drive to the beaches of the Mediterranean, the picturesque town is an ideal location to base yourself if you are planning to spend some time exploring the area. Packed with charming historic buildings, intriguing museums and impressive castles, Salon-de-Provence will have something for everyone, no matter what you are looking for in a French holiday.
Most visitors to Salon-de-Provence arrive from the direction of Aix-en-Provence, making their entrance through one of the few standing gates in the original town fortifications. The medieval centre of Salon is full of historic buildings, winding streets and pleasant courtyards, many of which suddenly sprout pavement cafes in the summer months to take advantage of the gorgeous Provencal climate. The best way to explore is just to wander the streets, but make sure you look out for the impressive 17th century clock tower and the so-called ‘mossy fountain’; once the impressive ‘Grand Fontaine’ the stone is now covered with moss and other plants, making it look more like a toadstool than a historic monument!
The main attraction is perhaps the luxurious Chateau de l’Empiri, which was once home to the region’s major religious figures, and now houses a military museum. A more unusual museum in Salon is dedicated to the life of the mysterious 16th century fortune teller Nostradamus, who lived in the town for a short while.
Both Aix-en-Provence and Arles are only a short distance away, either by car or by public transport, and both are very popular with tourists thanks to their historical architecture, artistic past and beautiful open gardens. If you prefer your open spaces a bit wilder, the hills surrounding Salon-de-Provence are perfect for hiking or cycling. There are several trails in the area that take you towards the Alpilles, a small range of hills to the north, or south to the Berre l’Etang, a small inland sea. There are several beaches here too, so pack you swimming costume if you are heading in this direction. The nearby Gorges de Regalon has been a popular destination with hikers, and many of the trails are suitable for children. In fact, kids will love clambering over the boulders in their path, squeezing through narrow gaps and picnicking in a cave.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Salon? Then below is a selection of gites in Salon and villas in Salon that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
