Opio(France) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Aubagne, the best area to stay is the historic Old Town (Vieux Aubagne), where cobbled streets and 18th-century architecture reflect Provencal charm. Stay at Hôtel de la Paix, a boutique hotel housed in a restored 17th-century manor, offering authentic local cuisine like Aubagnais ratatouille and Provence olive oil cakes.

For a deeper cultural immersion, choose accommodations near Place du Marché, the heart of local life, where weekly markets showcase regional specialties such as lavender honey, herb-infused cheeses, and saffron-dusted bread. Many hotels also organize guided walks through Aubagne’s Roman ruins and nearby Montagne Sainte-Victoire, immortalized by Cézanne’s paintings. Staying here ensures proximity to art galleries, traditional festivals, and the renowned Festival de la Chanson de Provence.

Visitors to Aubagne can immerse themselves in the annual Fête des Saisons, a vibrant celebration of Provençal agriculture featuring traditional plowing demonstrations, artisan markets, and live folk music. Locals showcase handmade crafts like lavender sachets and olive oil soaps, often teaching guests how to weave traditional straw hats using age-old techniques.

Another must-try is a hands-on cooking class with a local chef, where you’ll learn to prepare iconic dishes such as Ratatouille d’Aubagne and fougasse aux anis (anise bread). These workshops take place in family-run kitchens, often overlooking the Durance River valley.

For history lovers, a visit to the Abbey of Saint-Martin, dating back to the 12th century, offers insights into medieval religious life. The site houses rare 15th-century manuscripts and stunning Romanesque frescoes. Don’t miss the seasonal Cézanne Trail, which retraces the famous painter’s footsteps through the nearby Montagne Sainte-Victoire landscape.

For families visiting Aubagne, Les Jardins de la Vanoise is a top choice — a sustainable resort nestled along the Durance River, featuring a children’s play zone, indoor heated pool, and guided nature trails perfect for young explorers. The property hosts weekly "Nature Discovery Days" with scavenger hunts, birdwatching, and storytelling sessions in Provençal dialect.

Another excellent option is Chalet Alpin Family Lodge, a cluster of spacious chalets with fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and private terraces. It’s just minutes from the Aubagne Ski Center and offers complimentary shuttle service to local attractions. Weekly activities include snowman-building contests, ice sculpting workshops, and French-language story hours for kids.

Both resorts prioritize safety, accessibility, and child-centered programming, making them ideal for multi-generational stays and outdoor adventures in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

The best time to visit Aubagne is during spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C — ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring outdoor sites. Spring brings the blooming of Provence lavender fields, filling the valleys with a fragrant haze perfect for photography.

Autumn marks harvest season, with lively events like the Wine Festival and Olive Oil Market, where visitors can taste fresh Aubagne red wine and cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. These months also offer fewer crowds, allowing quieter access to landmarks such as the Abbey of Saint-Martin and Durance River trails.

For winter sports enthusiasts, December to February provides access to the Aubagne Ski Center, though travelers should be prepared for variable weather and potential road closures due to snow. Overall, spring and autumn deliver the most balanced mix of climate, scenery, and cultural events.

Must-try dishes in Aubagne include Ratatouille d’Aubagne, a slow-cooked vegetable medley infused with Provençal herbs and served with a garlic-herb emulsion; Fougasse aux Anis, a flaky, anise-scented bread often enjoyed warm with olive oil; and Jambon de Provence, a dry-cured ham aged for months, known for its rich, sweet flavor.

Don’t miss Lavender Honey Cake, made with locally harvested lavender honey, offering a delicate floral sweetness. Restaurants like Le Petit Bistrot d’Aubagne and La Table du Val serve authentic family-style meals featuring seasonal ingredients and house-made preserves.

Visit the Place du Marché on weekends to sample freshly baked bread, artisanal jams, and local white wine directly from farmers. Pair your meal with a glass of Aubagne Vin Blanc, produced in nearby vineyards, for a true taste of Provençal terroir.