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Starting from our campsite in Aubagne near Marseille, discover the Marcel Pagnol circuit through the hills ofAubagne and immerse yourself in the author’s world. The emblematic sites invite you on a memorable visit to the heart of Provence, combining hiking and literary discoveries.
The Marcel Pagnol circuit is both a cultural and historical walk, inviting you to follow in the footsteps of the “enfant du pays”, exploring the places that cradled his childhood and inspired his works. The walk starts in the heart ofAubagne, allowing you to discover the places and memories of Marcel Pagnol, while admiring the spectacular views of the Provencal hills. It’s a real immersion in authentic Provence, where charm is revealed with every trail you follow.
Visit Aubagne: Marcel Pagnol’s birthplace
Would you like to visit Marseille, Aubagne or Cassis? After a moment of relaxation in one of our ecolodges or cabanons, head for the start of the Marcel Pagnol tour, which begins at 16 cours Barthélémy, where Marcel Pagnol was born on February 28, 1895. This tour of the house where he was born allows you to feel the atmosphere of his childhood in Aubagne: the dining room, where laughter and discussion resounded, the kitchen where Augustine prepared delicious dishes, and the bedroom where young Marcel took his first steps. A portrait gallery, letters and a video projection enhance the visit, revealing intimate family memories and allowing visitors to follow in the footsteps of the little Pagnol.
Le Mas de Massacan: Ugolin’s house
Take the Chemin de Ruissatel trail and follow in the footsteps of the film Manon des Sources (1952). This trail on the Marcel Pagnol circuit offers a breathtaking view of theAubagne countryside. Along the way, you’ll discover the Mas de Massacan, the mansion that embodies Ugolin’s home in the film. This place immerses you in Pagnol’s cinematic universe, while offering a beautiful hike through typical Provence landscapes.
Angèle’s farm
The hike continues on the Marcel Pagnol circuit, and you reach the ruins of Angèle’s Farm, nestled at the foot of the Saint-Esprit bars, in the Marcellin valley. This site bears witness to the filming of Angèle (1934), evoking the traces left by this glorious era in Marcel Pagnol’s cinema. By following this trail, you’ll discover another facet of Pagnol’s work, reliving the atmosphere of the filming in this unspoilt Provencal landscape.
La Bastide Neuve
After a well-deserved lunch break, you take the Marcel Pagnol circuit trail through the Passe Temps valley to Bastide Neuve. This is an opportunity to relive the annual Pagnol family epic: Joseph, Augustine and the children pulling the cart loaded with personal belongings, on their way to the vacation home. This hike to the Bastide is full of memories, allowing you to walk in the author’s footsteps, and soak up the sunny atmosphere of Provence.
Lili’s birthplace
Descending the Chemin des Bellons, you come to La Treille. Here, you’ll stop in front of the house where David Magnan, better known as Lili, Marcel’s faithful companion, was born. These memories of friendship are at the heart of many pages in Pagnol’s books, and this visit is an important part of the tour. As you walk this Marcel Pagnol circuit trail, you are literally following in Lili and Marcel’s footsteps.
La Pascaline
A bend in the path brings you to La Pascaline. It was here, in 1956, that Marcel Pagnol began writing his childhood memories on a simple school notebook. This visit is an opportunity to discover a stage of the Marcel Pagnol circuit steeped in literary history, as you follow the author in his writing process, between personal memories and literary creations.
La Treille: the Marcel Pagnol circuit loop
The Marcel Pagnol tour continues in the village of La Treille. You’ll visit La Fontaine de Manon, enjoy a delicious meal at Le Cigalon restaurant, and finally pay your respects at Marcel Pagnol’s grave. This final stage of the tour brings it full circle. A visit to La Treille is an invitation to continue discovering his works.
Theatrical strolls at Font de Mai
This summer, while staying at our campsite in Aubagne, head to the Font de Mai for a hike punctuated with anecdotes about Marcel Pagnol’s filming and creative moments. Following in the author’s footsteps on the Marcel Pagnol circuit, you’ll discover emblematic scenes re-enacted by the Compagnie dans la Cour des Grands. This theatrical tour is an opportunity to relive the magic of the filming, while enjoying magnificent views over Provence.
Plan a stay at our 3-star campsite and enjoy the Marcel Pagnol circuit in the surrounding area.