Auriol
Between Saint Zacharie (4 km) and La Destrousse (2 km). Auriol Exit on the A52 freeway.
Discover Auriol, a small town in the Bouches du Rhône between Marseille and Saint-Maximin
Auriol is an industrial town midway between Marseille and Saint-Maximin on the banks of the Huveaune river.
When you arrive in the village one of the first things you see are the hundreds of small house built along the flanks of the valley, this is the most recent part of Auriol and of little interest to tourists.
The centre of the village of Auriol
Better to take the direction of the village center, leave your car in the "place des platanes" and discover the village on foot. Once you have crossed the small concrete and wrought iron bridges which straddle the Huveaune river, delight in walking around the narrow streets of the village, charged with history.
A "republican" church
In the center the clock tower with its two sun dials dates back to 1564. On the front of the Parish Church you will find the inscription "République Française-Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité". This Republican saying dating back to 1880, bears witness to the difficult past relationships of the church and state in France.
Fountains and remains of a large castle
Further on in the Sainte Barbe place the fountain offers wonderful fresh water from the surrounding hills and you can admire the XVII° and XVIII° century belfrey. The medieval rock in old Auriol still mounts guard over the remains of its powerful castle.
The Auriol massacre
The village is also infamous for the political assassination of 6 people on the night of 18 July 1981. Jacques Massié, a leader of the SAC, was murdered along with all the members of his family, including his 7-year-old son. The SAC was subsequently disbanded by François Mitterand, provoking an affair of state.
Walks around the village of Auriol in the Sainte-Baume region
The village has a number of walks on offer, including the discovery of the glaciers, the Infernets cave, a Neolithic settlement, the small hamlet of Moulin de Redon, and the Régagnas massif.
Our interactive map of Auriol (postcode 13390)
To find your way around Auriol, you can use our interactive map, which you'll find on this page. We've included all the village's points of interest as well as our accommodation recommendations (hotels, B&Bs, etc.). So you can locate them before you book your holiday in Auriol.
What to see
The XVII° and XVIII° belfrey.
Clock Tower.
Chapel Sainte Croix
Leisure activities
Walking/Hiking in the Sainte Baume range. Boulodrome.
Summer Events.
Hotels
Small, central hotel with a restaurant. Very convenient for short stays in Auriol. Hôtel Le Commerce features a terrace and a furnished patio. The air-conditioned rooms include a flat-screen cable TV. They are en suite and equipped with a bath or shower, hairdryer and toilet.
Accomodations
Hotel.
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE VILLAGE
You have sent us a number of questions about the commune of Auriol. Here are our answers to help all our readers.
A good restaurant to eat in Auriol?
If you're looking for a good restaurant in Auriol, we have two addresses to recommend: "Le Bistrot Cocotte" and "L'entracte". They serve inventive Provencal cuisine that's sure to delight your taste buds! We look forward to hearing from you!
Distance and route between Aubagne and Auriol
As the crow flies, there are about 12 km between the towns of Aubagne and Auriol. It will therefore take you just under a quarter of an hour to link these two towns by car. You can also cycle from Aubagne to Auriol along the country roads.
What's the weather like in Auriol in October?
The weather in Auriol is still fairly fine in October. Expect temperatures between 12 and 20 degrees and sunshine three days out of four. It's a pleasant time of year to discover Provence without the crowds and heat of summer. Aim for the beginning of the month for the best possible weather.
Where to stay?
You'll find our recommendations for accommodation in the town of Auriol a little further up this page. We update our recommendations every year to give you the best possible advice.
Where is the village of Auriol?
The small town of Auriol is situated in the Vallée de l'Huveaune in the Bouches du Rhône département in the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region. Auriol is halfway between Marseille and Saint-Maximin, and the nearest villages are Roquevaire and Saint Zacharie.
How many inhabitants are there?
The town of Auriol has a year-round population of 11500. The number of inhabitants has risen sharply over the last thirty years due to the economic attractiveness of the region. The population is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Roquevaire (4 km) , Saint Zacharie (4km), La Bouilladisse (4km) et Peypin (6km).