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Gémenos

Tourism and travel guide

At the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif, Géménos is an authentic Provençal village and an ideal place to spend a vacation in Provence.

Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted in Géménos: numerous hiking trails wind through the valleys, offering breathtaking views of the Huveaune Valley, Aubagne, and Marseille. These dirt paths can also be tackled by mountain bike. Equestrian centers offer horseback rides in the surrounding areas. Moreover, Géménos is a paradise for climbing lovers, who can either try out this sport or take on the big routes at the Pic de Bertagne topped with its radar dome. Paragliding experiences are available in the nearby commune of Cuges-les-Pins.

Water activities are accessible for day trips. You can enjoy the beaches of Cassis or visit the seaside resorts of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer or La Ciotat, which are not far away.

Provençal culinary specialties are a tourist attraction in their own right. The restaurants in Géménos serve local specialties, and the Provençal market on Wednesday mornings, held under the Halle des Arcades, allows you to discover the flavors of Provence: olive oil, fruits and vegetables, honey, sweets, goat cheese, and more.

Old churches, washhouses, fountains, covered markets, abbeys, and monasteries… You can take advantage of your vacation to explore the cultural and historical heritage. Aspiring cowboys can also spend a day at the OK Corral amusement park.

Organize your vacation by contacting the Géménos Tourist Office.

Do you want to stay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur? Discover a selection of accommodations to spend your vacation in the Bouches-du-Rhône: bed and breakfasts, hotels, campsites…

Marcel Pagnol’s Provence

Writer and moviemaker, Marcel Pagnol has been with his works a true ambassador of Provence. La gloire de mon père and Le Château de ma mère, in particular, relate his childhood at La Treille in the Garlaban massif. From Vallon de Passe-Temps to La Grotte de Grosibou, from Aubagne to La Treille, follow in the footsteps of Marcel Pagnol.

The hills of the Garlaban massif also offer numerous outdoor activities (mountain biking, hiking, climbing, horseback riding…).

The Sainte-Baume Massif

Between the Bouches-du-Rhône and the Var, the Sainte-Baume massif culminates at more than 1150 meters. The massif is a great playground for nature lovers. For example, you can walk, cycle, climb, paraglide, hang gliding… The fauna and flora are remarkable, with numerous animal species: spotted woodpecker, Tengmalm’s owl, wild boar, grey flycatcher, orpheus warbler, Bonelli’s eagle, European roller, diving ring, wild bunting…

The Sainte Baume also has an incredibly dense past. Mary Magdalene, a character from the Gospels, is said to have spent the last years of her life meditating and praying in a cave at altitude, transformed into a cave dweller. The town of Saint-Maximin, which has a monumental basilica housing some of Mary Magdalene’s relics, is also a major tourist destination. At the bend of a path, you may come across partially buried dry-stone constructions. These coolers used to produce ice for the bourgeoisie of Aix-en-Provence, Marseille or Toulon.

Museums in the Bouches-du-Rhône

The sea, nature and culture contribute to the tourist offer of the Bouches-du-Rhône, with many museums of different sizes, covering all themes. You can visit, for example, the museum of the old Saint-Chamas, the museum of art and military history of the Emperi in Salon-de-Provence, the Museon Arlaten in Arles, the Ciotaden museum in La Ciotat, the museum of building machinery and public works in Mallemort…

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Une publication partagée par Mucem (@mucem_officiel)

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Une publication partagée par @blandine_kap

The Saint-Pons Park

A few kilometers past the village of Géménos, along the road to Sainte-Baume, you will discover the magnificent Saint-Pons Departmental Park. Watered by the Fauge River, it offers a refreshing oasis with its forest.

Nestled in the valley, you can admire an old Cistercian abbey, which is linked to a medieval legend. Many ruins are hidden within the park, testifying to the prosperity of an area where water is always abundant.

The Saint-Pons Park

Do you want to visit Géménos? Looking for accommodation or activity ideas? The Géménos Tourist Office provides all the useful information:

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