Map of La Barben

How long does it take to visit La Barben?

The length of your visit depends on your interests. If you only want to see the castle and its gardens, allow about two hours. Le Rocher Mistral, the theme park located in the castle, offers shows that last half a day.

For the animal park, allow at least 3 to 4 hours for your visit. The site covers 33 hectares with 9 kilometers of trails. Some visitors spend the whole day there to enjoy the activities and picnic areas.

If you want to combine the castle and the zoo in the same day, set aside a full day. The two sites are close to each other, just a few minutes' drive apart. The Saint-Sauveur chapel and the Adane spring can easily be added to your itinerary.

For a leisurely visit to the village itself, an hour is more than enough. La Barben remains a modest-sized village with around 800 inhabitants. Most of the attractions are concentrated around the castle and its surroundings.

Where can I download a map of La Barben in PDF format?

You can download the village map in PDF format directly from this page. Simply click on the “Download map” button located just below our interactive map. This document will allow you to consult the map even without an internet connection during your visit.

The PDF map includes all the points of interest marked on the online map. You will find the location of the castle, the zoo, the chapel, and the available parking lots. The distances between the different sites are also indicated to help you plan your visit.

This paper format is particularly useful when traveling around the village. You can print it before you leave or consult it on your smartphone. The document remains in optimal condition even after printing.

Where is the tourist office?

The Massif des Costes Tourist Office manages tourist reception in La Barben. It is located in Pélissanne, a neighboring town 4 kilometers away. You will find it at Parc Roux de Brignoles, 13330 Pélissanne.

The telephone number is +33 (0)4 90 55 15 55 for any inquiries. The office is open Monday to Friday with varying hours depending on the season. A touchscreen terminal is available 24 hours a day outside of opening hours.

This office serves five towns in the Massif des Costes: Alleins, Aurons, La Barben, Pélissanne, and Vernègues. The team can advise you on accommodation, restaurants, and activities in the area. You can also find brochures and buy some local products.

The website massifdescostestourisme.com gives you access to information before your visit. On site, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi. The advisors speak several languages and know the region inside out.

Where to park in La Barben?

Parking in La Barben can be difficult in high season, especially near tourist sites. Fortunately, the two main attractions have their own free parking lots. Our interactive map on this page shows the exact location of all the parking lots in the village.

The animal park offers a large free car park with around 500 spaces. You can access it directly via the Route du Château from the D572. This car park can fill up quickly on summer weekends and during school holidays.

Le Rocher Mistral (castle) also has its own free car park with 450 spaces. Access is via the same D572 departmental road. A recent dispute with the local council temporarily disrupted access, but the situation has now returned to normal.

Parking options in the village itself remain limited. There are a few spaces near the town hall and the Saint-Sauveur chapel. Arrive early in the morning if you want to be sure of finding a parking space.

Motorhomes are not allowed to park overnight in the zoo car parks. For this type of vehicle, ask the tourist office about suitable areas in neighboring towns.

What are the must-see places?

The Château de La Barben has dominated the village since the 11th century. This former medieval fortress belonged to King René and then to the Forbin family for 500 years. Today, the castle is home to the Rocher Mistral, a theme park dedicated to the history of Provence with 11 shows and activities.

The castle's French gardens alone are worth a visit. They are said to have been designed by Le Nôtre, Louis XIV's famous landscape architect. From the terraces, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Touloubre plain.

La Barben animal park is the largest zoo in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is home to more than 650 animals of 130 different species, including giraffes, elephants, rhinos, lions, and cheetahs. The park is involved in several endangered species conservation programs.

The Saint-Sauveur chapel stands near the castle on a rocky promontory. This small 11th-century Romanesque church offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The last Marquis de Forbin bequeathed it to the municipality.

The Adane spring remains one of the village's most secret and wild places. This mysterious spring was already known to the Romans for its therapeutic properties. Its pure waters once fed the mills and a laundry that can still be seen today.

The village organizes a Provençal market on Thursday and Saturday mornings. This is an opportunity to discover local products and the local atmosphere. The votive festival takes place on the first weekend of August with traditional entertainment.

How to get to La Barben?

By car, La Barben is located near several major highways. From Marseille, take the A7 motorway towards Lyon, then exit 15 “Salon centre.” Follow the signs for Pélissanne, then the signs for La Barben via the D572 departmental road.

From Avignon, take the A54 towards Arles/Barcelona, then exit 15 “Salon Pélissanne.” The journey takes about 50 minutes. From Aix-en-Provence, allow 20 to 30 minutes via the N296, then the D2N via Saint-Cannat.

The village is located about 8 kilometers east of Salon-de-Provence. The distances from the main cities are: 47 km from Marseille, 60 km from Avignon, and 80 km from Nîmes. La Barben's central location makes it a convenient stop on a tour of Provence.

By train, the nearest station is Salon-de-Provence, about 10 kilometers away. From this station, you can take a taxi or an on-demand bus. Line 9 serves the “La Barben - Zoo” stop but requires advance booking on 04 42 46 06 66.

Public transport to La Barben remains limited outside of the on-demand transport service. The car remains the most convenient way to visit the village and its surroundings. Several private hire vehicles also offer transfers from Marseille or Aix-en-Provence.

What are the best hotels in La Barben?

The village of La Barben has few accommodation options directly on site, mainly guest rooms and rural gîtes. La Micocoule offers guest rooms with free private parking and Wi-Fi in a family-friendly and authentic atmosphere. Le Mounestier, a former 5th-century Benedictine monastery, offers spacious cottages less than 2 kilometers from the castle, with a capacity of 2 to 6 people in an exceptional historical setting. For more hotel options, head to neighboring towns such as Pélissanne or Salon-de-Provence, located a few kilometers away. The Abbaye de Sainte-Croix in Salon-de-Provence, a magnificent 4-star establishment housed in a renovated 12th-century abbey, offers elegant rooms, a spa, and a gourmet restaurant in a peaceful and refined setting. Le Mas de Fauchon in Saint-Cannat, 7 kilometers from the zoo, charms visitors with its quiet rooms in a pine forest, its pleasant swimming pool, and its restaurant offering quality cuisine on the terrace. These establishments combine modern comfort and Provençal charm, while remaining close to the tourist sites of La Barben.

Also worth reading to help you plan your stay in La Barben:

• the village of La Barben

• La Barben Zoo

• La Barben Castle and Rocher Mistral