Parc de Saint-Pons, Gémenos

During your stay in the PACA region at our Aubagne campsite, be sure to visit the Parc de Saint-Pons in Gémenos. This beautiful natural area is just 10 km from our campsite in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, and 27 km from Marseille.

The rich biodiversity of Parc de Saint-Pons

At the foot of the Pic de Bertagne, the Parc de Saint-Pons reveals the wealth of Mediterranean flora.

The vegetation typical of southern Provence, with its garrigues, holm oaks and pine forests, gives way to a forest of beech, hornbeam, lime, maple and yew at the bottom of the valley.

Water is the secret of this enchanting place. The Fauge, born at the far end of the Parc de Saint-Pons, supplies a network of streams that irrigate the many trees.

The spring collects rainwater and runoff from the Sainte-Baume massif. The spring never runs dry.

A discreet fauna thrives in the heart of this lush Bouches-du-Rhône forest. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the muscardin, cincle plongeur, roe deer or Bonelli’s eagle as you stroll through the Parc de Saint-Pons in Gémenos.

Trails and paths allow you to discover all the natural treasures of the Parc de Saint-Pons.

A collection of monuments and remains in the heart of the forest

In the Parc de Saint-Pons in Gémenos, admire a medieval building full of charm: the Cistercian abbey of Saint-Pons de Gémenos. Founded in the early 13th century, it was home to nuns who established a religious community here, taking advantage of the abundant water in the PACA region to retreat and devote themselves to prayer.

Not far from this abbey, you can see other remains such as the Saint-Martin chapel, the Cuges and Foulon mills, as well as the remains of the Paradou paper mills and the Blancherie farm.

Another reminder of the economic life that once took place in Gémenos’ Parc de Saint-Pons : the ice houses. Take a hike along the “chemin des glacières” and you’ll discover the ground cavities used to store ice in winter, before the arrival of refrigerators.

A medieval legend

The Parc de Saint-Pons in Gémenos is one of those places where an urban legend is whispered. In the Middle Ages, a group of knights returning from a crusade stopped off at Saint-Pons Abbey to spend the night. One of them fell madly in love with the beautiful Blanche de Simiane and tried to win her over. But Blanche, having taken a vow of chastity to devote herself to God, fled over the bridge and into the river. It is said that, since then, the red color that can be seen in the bed of the Fauge is her flowing blood…

Parc de Saint-Pons in Gémenos: practical information

To get to Parc de Saint-Pons in Gémenos from our campsite in Bouches-du-Rhône, take the D2. You’ll need to drive just 10 km to reach this beautiful natural area. The park is close to the village of Gémenos and 30 minutes from the city of Marseille.

In the Parc de Saint-Pons, you’ll find picnic tables, a bowling green and toilets. You can also visit the Maison du Parc to find out more about the site.

Please note that access to forest areas is regulated. Dogs must be kept on a leash (but are not allowed everywhere) and mountain biking is not permitted.