Cabriès
13 km south of Aix en Provence via the A8 or the N7.
Discover the village of Cabriès in the Bouches-du-Rhône
Cabriès is a large, typically Provençal village perched on a rocky outcrop between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. Here you will find charming medieval streets winding between old houses, giving the village a lot of character.
The Château de Cabriès and its Mélik Museum
The Château de Cabriès dates back to the 9th century and was restored and rebuilt in the 18th century. Edgar Mélik, a great master of painting, bought this castle, a veritable eagle's nest, in 1934. Today it houses the Mélik Museum, which presents numerous prestigious exhibitions to the public (Picasso, Dali, César, etc.).
From the castle terrace, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama stretching from Sainte Victoire to Pilon du Roi, via Mont Ventoux. As you can see, a visit to the castle is a must.
A charming old town
As you stroll through the narrow streets of the old village, you will discover a real Provençal nativity scene and beautiful historical remains. Beautiful old houses lined up around small squares, shutters faded by the sun, old wooden doors, stone walls worn by time, and small cats lounging peacefully will accompany you on your walk.
In summer, the village invites you to taste authentic Provençal specialties. Don't miss the traditional Provençal daube, the picturesque pieds et paquets, and of course the famous aioli. All washed down with a good local rosé... in moderation, of course! Tourism has developed around activities such as hiking, vineyard tours, and good restaurants.
The Château de Calas
In the hamlet of Calas, don't miss the Château de Villeneuve-Esclapon. It is an 11th-century sheepfold that was converted into a hunting lodge in the 13th century. In the 18th century, the owners Cipriani, Boyer, and Dauphin transformed it into a castle with a crenellated keep and corner towers. Louise Garavaque inherited the estate in the 19th century and then bequeathed it to the Villeneuve-Esclapon family, who moved there in 1960. Today, the castle is open to the public for shows and events. The park hosts the vintage car festival, among other events.
What to see
18th century Château de Cabriès chapel.
19th century Calas church. 9th century Château de Cabriès.
12th century Chateau de Trebillanne XII° today the "Maison des associations".
Melik Museum.
Leisure activities
Hiking.
Market, Saturday morning.
Pottery market in May, antique market.
Garlic festival mid-July and "aïoli celebration" end of August
Festival end of July with "pieds et paquets" tasting.
Hotels
Superb hotel with a lovely pool and a gourmet restaurant. The rooms are comfortable and nicely decorated, and the staff are very attentive. You will love your stay in Cabriès.
Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
Your questions about Cabriès
You have sent us several questions about Cabriès. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions to inform all our readers.
How do I get to Cabriès?
Cabriès is mainly accessible by road. Take the A8 motorway or the N7 from Marseille or Aix-en-Provence. The RD 9 connects Vitrolles and Aix-en-Provence directly. The RD 60A connects Les Pennes-Mirabeau and Bouc-Bel-Air. Half of the Aix-en-Provence TGV station is located in Cabriès. Bus lines 211, A2, and 500 serve the station from the village. The TGV station is located about 15 kilometers southwest of Aix-en-Provence and 20 kilometers north of Marseille. The bus journey takes about 50 minutes with connections.
What is the population of Cabriès?
The official population of Cabriès was 10,070 at the last census. The population density is 257 inhabitants per square kilometer. The inhabitants are called Cabriessiens and Cabriessiennes. The demographic trend shows steady growth since 1968. The town particularly attracts executives and people in mid-career aged 35 to 55, who represent more than 28% of its total population.
What events are there in Cabriès?
Cultural events punctuate the year in Cabriès. The August festival opens on Friday with the traditional Aïoli at 12 noon in the La Bastide Bourrelly park. Concerts enliven the evenings for three days. Events also include a pistou soup competition on Saturday. A free tasting is offered on Sunday at noon on the Place Albert Florens. The program includes rides and a refreshment bar on the Plaine Saint-Martin.
In December, Cabriès hosts a Christmas carol concert at the Maison des Arts with the theme “Christmas in the Mediterranean.” This free festival is part of a tour of 59 concerts in 34 municipalities. The ceramics festival brings together 27 professional artisans.
Where is Cabriès?
On the map, Cabriès is located 13 kilometers south of Aix-en-Provence. The village is located between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. It occupies a rocky outcrop between the Arbois plateau and the Étoile mountain range. Cabriès is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, the Bouches-du-Rhône department, and the Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolitan area.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Bouc Bel Air (4 km), Gardanne (10km) and Aix en Provence (15 km).