Grans

Grans is a small, quiet village in the middle of the Bouches du Rhône department, between Salon de Provence and Istres. You'll immediately fall under the spell of Grans. Its typically Provençal village houses are harmoniously laid out, giving the village plenty of character.

As you wander through the narrow streets of Grans in the old part of the village, you'll come across five magnificent fountains and discover some remarkable suites of ornate facades (late 18th-early 19th century), notably Cours Camille Pelletan, Place de la Fontaine d'Or and Rue du Four. These fine bourgeois homes once belonged to wealthy olive-growing landowners.

Grans is proud of its rich heritage, which has been carefully restored, and is committed to preserving its traditions: the Oil Mill, located in the centre of the village in a superb 17th-century building, produces an excellent oil made in the traditional way. The flour mill is also still in operation. Set in the lush green Touloubre valley, it grinds organic flour using traditional methods, with its huge millstones driven by the river. It dates back to the 16th century.

The Mary Rose fountain and the Touloubre river are perfect places for a stroll. Around the village, there are signposted footpaths and bridleways of around 20km, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the countryside and the peace and quiet that reigns here.

Both away from the crowds and close to the main roads, Grans is an excellent base for exploring the region. Within a radius of less than 1 hour, you can visit Aix en Provence, Arles and the Camargue, St Rémy de Provence, Les Baux de Provence and the Alpilles, not forgetting the famous villages of the Luberon. You're just a stone's throw from the sea, so you can enjoy boating, windsurfing, fishing competitions, Provençal jousting tournaments and the many summer festivals.