Salon-de-Provence
Salon-de-Provence likes to call itself the crossroads of Provence, and it's not entirely wrong. Within 50 kilometres are Arles to the west, Avignon to the north, Aix to the east and Marseille to the south. A holiday in Salon-de-Provence offers fantastic nature experiences in the very lush and mountainous surroundings. The city is located in the heart of an olive area and is France's largest olive oil market. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the Provençal hinterland and the area offers numerous outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, horse riding, fishing, mountain biking, swimming or golf. Perched on top of a small hill, the medieval neighbourhood is dominated by a rugged-looking castle, the Château de l'Emperi, former residence of the Archbishops of Arles. Built between the 10th and 16th centuries, the castle is in perfect condition today. The castle houses the largest military museum in France. Salon-de-Provence is one of the oldest cities in Provence. The old town is extremely charming with narrow, winding streets, idyllic squares surrounded by shady plane trees in a warm and typically Provencal atmosphere. This is where the astrologer and mystic Nostradamus lived and wrote his famous book of predictions. His house in the old town houses a small museum about his life and times. Also in the old town is the beautiful Romanesque Eglise St-Michel, built in 1220-1239. The church has two towers, one of which was built together with the church, while the other was only added in the 15th century. Just outside the old town centre is the church of St. Laurent, built between 1344 and 1480, and the remains of the original citadel. It is in the church of St Laurent that you will find the tomb of Nostradamus. 
Inspiration for your holiday:Attractions:The entrance portal to the 18th-centurybell tower. Town Hall from the 17th century. La fontaine Moussue from the 18th century. St Michel church from the 13th century. St Laurent church from the 15th century, where Nostradamus is buried. Château de l'Empéri, which houses France's largest military museum. Le musée Grévin de Provence: history museum, war museum and wax museum. 
Activities in Salon-de-ProvenceWindsurfing (Camarque). Golf - There is a wealth of golf courses in the Bouches du Rhône area and several in the neighbouring departments of Gard and Vaucluse. The French Golf Union has a website where most courses are presented. Unfortunately, the website is in French. Go to Guide de golfs and search here under the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region: http://www.ffgolf.org/. |