The Château de l'Empéri in Salon de Provence

Discovering Salon-de-Provence from the Château de l'Empéri

From Empire to Archbishops: A Symbol of Authority

The Château de l'Empéri stands sovereign above the roofs of Salon-de-Provence’s old town. This formidable medieval fortress, carved with an imposing silhouette, is anchored upon the rock of Puech, commanding a privileged vantage point over the vast expanse of the Crau plain, nestled between the Alpilles range and the Camargue. A true bastion of authority since its birth in the 10th century, this citadel was first tied to the Holy Roman Empire—from which its name is derived—before becoming the prestigious seat of the Archbishops of Arles, who, in the 13th century, bestowed upon it its resolute and austere character.

The rooftops of Salon de Provence from the Château de l'Empéri © VF

The gates of the castle are open to the public. The journey through its grounds weaves gracefully between intimate retreats and grand open vistas. It leads visitors across courtyards enclosed by towering stone walls and supported by majestic vaults, through a traditional medieval herb garden, and finally onto sun-drenched terraces. These heights overlook the amber-tiled roofs of the historic town below, offering a sweeping gaze toward the western horizon and the vast plain of the Crau.

Inner courtyard of the Château de l'Empéri in Salon-de-Provence © VF

Military Memories at the Musée de l’Empéri

Today, the heart of the fortress houses the "Musée de l'Empéri." Dedicated to the rich tapestry of French military history, it showcases the extraordinary collections assembled by the Brunon family and acquired in 1967 by the Musée de l'Armée at the Invalides. Uniforms, armaments, and artifacts form a seamless chronicle spanning from the Ancien Régime to the First World War, with a poignant focus on the Napoleonic era.

The medieval gate of Bourg Neuf - Cours Victor Hugo in Salon de Provence © VF

A Living Stage for Culture and Festivity

In the modern era, the castle has embraced a new calling, becoming a vibrant sanctuary for the arts. As the warmer months arrive, it resonates with concerts and cultural gatherings, including a renowned music festival and the "Renaissance Festivals," which bring to life the historic 1574 visit of Catherine de' Medici and the French Court to the most famous of Salon’s residents, Nostradamus.

Nostradamus was born in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where a fountain in the old town honours this local figure.

The mossy fountain and terraces in Salon de Provence © VF

The Medieval Town and the Provençal Art de Vivre

The medieval town where the enigmatic astrologer lived and worked until his final days unfolds around the castle in a tapestry of winding lanes. This historic maze is punctuated by golden ochre facades and tranquil, tucked-away squares, shaded by the lush canopies of venerable plane trees—so welcoming that it is impossible to resist pausing to take in the atmosphere.

The Clock Tower gate in Salon de Provence © VF

Salon-de-Provence proudly displays a profound connection to its heritage and folklore, most vibrantly celebrated during the "Semano Prouvençalo" at the end of June, which marks the radiant arrival of the summer season.

A Most Privileged Location

Ideally nestled between Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, and just a short journey from the Luberon, the Alpilles, the Camargue, and Marseille, Salon-de-Provence and its surrounding region offer a rare setting and a beautifully balanced base from which to explore the treasures of western Provence.

Extend your stay

Guest houses to extend the getaway

These properties listed on the Portal are within 25 km as the crow flies of the location featured in this getaway. Visit their websites to plan your stay.