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Gardanne

Tourism and travel guide

In the Bouches-du-Rhône, the town of Gardanne attracts tourists from all over the world. With its stores and businesses, cafés and restaurants, the town centre is pleasant. You can marvel at the frescoes painted on the walls of a church, admire the architecture of an old house…

You take advantage of your stay to listen to your desires and practice new outdoor activities? There are many hiking trails in the vicinity of the town, with itineraries suitable for both children and more experienced walkers. You will also have the opportunity to try your hand at many other activities in the Bouches-du-Rhône. How about climbing, for example? Would you like to take advantage of your future vacations to try tree climbing?

Take advantage of your stay in Gardanne to visit local producers, directly on their farms, or on the various markets organized in the region. Gardanne’s markets invite you to discover a wide range of local produce, local products and many other items (flowers, plants, clothes, shoes, accessories, tools, etc.). These markets take place three times a week: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings. You can also discover the Biver market, held every Thursday morning opposite the church.

Would you like to enjoy dinner or lunch in a restaurant? Are you looking for stores to buy the ingredients to concoct a tasty meal with local products? Do you want to relax with a shopping spree? You will find the services expected in Gardanne.

Would you like to take advantage of your vacation to visit historical remains and monuments? You will be able to admire the historical monuments of Gardanne (King René‘s hunting lodge…). In Provence you will also find churches, museums, castles, monasteries… Medieval villages also welcome visitors.

In town or in the countryside, quality accommodation awaits you in Gardanne or nearby. Discover a selection of accommodation to spend your stay in the Bouches-du-Rhône: guest rooms, campsites, hotels… You can get in touch with the Tourist Office for ideas of visits available all around…

Hiking and outdoor activities

Would you like to take advantage of your vacation to indulge your passion for nature? There are numerous hiking trails in the Gardanne area, with itineraries suitable for children and more experienced walkers alike. The Pavillon de chasse du Roi René, located on the road between Gardanne and Luynes, is an ideal starting point for a walk through pine forest and garrigue.

A few kilometers from Gardanne, the Indian Forest tree-climbing course awaits you in the neighboring commune of Bouc bel Air, at Decathlon Village.

The hills of the Massif de l’Etoile are ideal for hiking, mountain biking and climbing. We invite you to find out about the conditions of access to the massif, particularly during hot or windy spells. You can consult the forest weather forecast online: https://meteofrance.com/meteo-des-forets

Heritage and historical monuments

Would you like to take advantage of your vacation to visit historical monuments ? You can visit the Pavillon des Quatre Tours, better known as the Pavillon de chasse du Roi René in Gardanne. This imposing building is believed to have been built in the 16th century. The building cannot be visited, but the park is open to the public all year round and offers picnic areas.

A 16th-century mill stands at the top of the Cativel hill, once home to Gardanne’s first village.

You can also follow in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne, who rented an apartment at 27 cours Forbin in Gardanne in 1885 and 1886. A dozen paintings bear witness to the painter’s stay in Gardanne.

Guided tours are organized by the Gardanne Tourist Office to discover the secrets and treasures of the town.

The Gréasque mine museum

The town of Gardanne has prospered thanks to its coal basin and coal mining. The Gréasque mine museum is a reminder of this industrial past.

Several major themes are covered during your visit: the history of coal mining, working conditions, the evolution of tools and systems, geology, risks and safety measures in the mines…

Guided tours of Gardanne’s various industrial sites are also available:

  • The Altéo plant, which produces alumina;
  • Pôle Yvon Morandat, with its mine shaft sinking to a depth of 1,100 meters;
  • The Riederer workshop, renowned for its pastries, confectionery and chocolates.

Visiting Gardanne: practical information

You can prepare your stay or your visit by contacting the Gardanne Tourist Office:

In town or in the country, quality accommodation awaits you in Gardanne or nearby. Discover a selection of accommodations for your vacations in the Bouches-du-Rhône region: bed & breakfasts, campsites, hotels…

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