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The Bouches-du-Rhône region is teeming with picnic spots: Pagnol’s beloved hills, secret coves, shady parks and castle gardens. And all of them can be reached from the campsite in just a few minutes. Follow the guide and discover our favorite picnic spots in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
Domaine de la font de mai – Aubagne
Just a stone’s throw from Youcamp, set up your picnic facing the hills immortalized by Marcel Pagnol. Here, you’ll enjoy taking the time to enjoy your picnic under a pergola or in theshade of an olive tree, lulled by the song of the cicadas and the scents of the garrigue. What’s more, this 100-hectare estate is home to a beautiful Provencal country house, orchards, an interpretation trail and even donkey rides. After enjoying a snack in this pleasant picnic spot in the Bouches-du-Rhône, it’s time for a digestive stroll! And from the belvedere, you’ll be delighted to see that the view opens out onto Aubagne and the golden Garlaban hills!
Practical information:
Getting there The estate is 10 minutes from the campsite, accessible by car or on foot from the center of Aubagne. Free parking is available on site.
Its assets It’s an ideal place for a quiet picnic, to enjoy an exceptional view of the Garlaban and discover Pagnol’s Provence through themed trails.
Good to know Access is free all year round, but certain activities such as donkey rides and the refreshment bar require booking in high season.
Parc jean moulin – Aubagne
Located in the heart ofAubagne, Parc Jean Moulin is a breath of fresh air just a stone’s throw from the city. Its ten hectares of lawns, shady paths and sculptures make it an ideal spot for picnics with family and friends in the Bouches-du-Rhône region. It’s particularly popular with children, who dart from one game to the next, while adults enjoy a quiet moment in the shade, seated around picnic tables, sandwich in hand. And to feed your imagination, you’ll be delighted to learn that the park features sculptures such as a marble wave or a petrified tree. Have fun finding them first!
Practical information
Getting there The park is located at 713 avenue du 21 Août 1944, 4.8 km from the campsite, about 10 minutes by car. Easy access and parking.
Its assets A large family-friendly space, enhanced by contemporary sculptures that add an artistic touch to this picnic spot in the Bouches-du-Rhône region.
Good to know Tables, games, fountains and sanitary facilities are available. The park regularly hosts festive events such as Festimôme and the Fête des Familles.
Parc départemental de Saint-Pons – Gémenos
At the foot of the Sainte-Baume mountain range, the Saint-Pons departmental park is a veritable treasure trove of freshness, an ideal picnic spot in the heart of the Bouches-du-Rhône countryside. In this valley where the river Fauge meanders, the clear water accompanies the song of the leaves and the murmur of the hundred-year-old beech trees. Tables are set up in the shade, next to paths lined with the remains of abbeys, mills and forgotten chapels. After lunch, the walk continues through clearings, stone bridges and enchanted forests. A timeless atmosphere, perfect for reconnecting with nature and savoring a moment of absolute peace.
Practical information
Getting there The park is located on the Départementale 2, Parking du Parc de Saint-Pons, 13420 Gémenos, about 10 km from the campsite (22 minutes by car). The entrance is clearly signposted and free parking is available.
Its assets An enchanting picnic spot with river, forest and historic heritage, perfect for a peaceful interlude at the foot of the Sainte-Baume.
Good to know Sanitary facilities, petanque court and park house at the entrance. Dogs allowed on leash as far as the Tompines meadow. Mountain biking prohibited in the valley.
Parc du château de la Buzine – Marseille 11th district
Away from the hustle and bustle of Marseille, the Château de la Buzine park unfurls nearly four hectares of peaceful, inspiring nature. This wooded estate surrounds a 19thᵉ century château made famous by Marcel Pagnol, who evoked it in his Souvenirs d’enfance and became its owner. Here, this picnic spot in Bouches-du-Rhône takes on the air of a literary siesta, in the shade of Lebanon cedars or century-old arbutus trees. Below, a waterfall murmurs through the foliage, while paths wind around the valley. A gourmet and poetic stopover, all just a few kilometers from the Garlaban campsite.
Practical information
Getting there The park is located at 56 traverse de la Buzine, 13011 Marseille, about 6 km from the campsite (about ten minutes by car). The entrance is close to the château, with easy access and parking nearby.
Its assets A natural setting and a romantic atmosphere around a castle steeped in history, with shady paths, a waterfall and areas ideal for quiet picnics.
Good to know Free access every day: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter, until 8 p.m. in summer. Picnics permitted. For private events (photos, film shoots…), please contact the château on 04 91 45 27 60.
Calanque de Sugiton – Marseille
Just 30 km from the campsite, access to the Calanque de Sugiton is well worth the effort. From Luminy, it’s about an hour’s walk along a rocky path through garrigue, pine forest and open sea views. Once you’ve arrived at your picnic spot in the Bouches-du-Rhône, you’ll discover a raw setting: two creeks lined with pebbles, rocks on which to lay your towel, limpid water with deep-blue reflections. Opposite, a large elongated rock nicknamed “the torpedo boat” seems to guard the area. Here, you can picnic on the warm stone at the foot of the cliffs, in a simple, mineral and wild atmosphere!
Practical information
Getting there From Youcamp, it’s about 26 km (40 minutes by car) to the Luminy university campus, where the hike begins. The trail starts behind the architecture school and follows a signposted path to the calanque.
Its assets A spectacular natural setting for a wild picnic, between rocks, discreet coves and deep blue sea. Unspoilt, undeveloped atmosphere.
Good to know Access is restricted in summer, and requires online booking between July and September. Bring good shoes, water and a bag for your garbage, and leave early: shady spots are rare and very popular.
A tour of our favourite picnic spots in the Bouches-du-Rhône and just a stone’s throw from the campsite camping in the Garlaban is coming to an end. Now it’s up to you to choose your favorite green haven!