Aurons

Population : 522

Bouches du Rhône Department

Aurons is a lovely village dating back eleven centuries, perched on a hill and surrounded by peaceful countryside. It is well situated, just a few minutes from Salon de Provence, and very close to the Lubéron and the Alpilles. It is well worth a detour.

The village is built in a spiral around a hill crowned by an old château (le Castellas) of which only ruins now remain. From the top there is a wonderful panoramic view of the whole area. Beneath the statue of Notre Dame d’Aurons, there are caves which regularly house craft exhibitions.

As you stroll along the steep little streets which wind their way through the village, you will be amazed by the architectural harmony of Aurons and the care with which each house has been preserved. Almost all of them are built of stone and have been lovingly restored.

This unity gives the village a wonderful distinctive character - the houses, both large and small, all fit in with one another. Some of them reveal glimpses of walled gardens and pleasant terraces. Everywhere flowers and abundant greenery decorate old painted doors and shutters which have been marked by time and the sun.

Don’t miss the little cobbled square at the lower end of the village. This is the Place Louis Estienne, at the centre of which there is an amazing plane tree. It has a trunk 2 metres in diameter from which four massive branches form four more trunks. On your right is the parish church and opposite you a well.

Behind this is the boulodrome where the regulars can be seen enjoying a game.

If you continue your walk you'll come to a washhouse, several old wells and little shady squares where you may see one or two little cats dozing… quite relaxed and enjoying life in such a peaceful and pretty village.