Velaux

Discover the charming town of Velaux in the Bouches-du-Rhône

Velaux is a beautiful old Provençal village perched on a hilltop overlooking the western foothills of Aix.

It is strategically located in the middle of the Aix-Marseille-Salon triangle and is surrounded by beautiful green countryside and vine-covered hillsides. Velaux is therefore fortunate to combine the tranquility of the countryside with its proximity to the region's major urban centers.

From the plain, you can see the village in the distance, perched slightly higher up and spread out on a gentle slope. Gradually descending towards the plain, recent houses dot the hillside, reflecting the strong population growth in Velaux.

Cobbled streets and a pretty square

After a few hairpin bends, you will arrive at the village on Place François Caire, the village's main square. Delightfully shaded and adorned with a beautiful fountain, this is the place where everything happens. Here you will find the town hall, bakeries, grocery store, tobacconist, newsagent and, of course, the bar.

Children play in the square, a few cats stretch and prepare for their afternoon nap, and old men chat on a bench, canes in hand. Sitting on the café terrace, you can watch the little scenes of everyday life that make up village life. The square is surrounded by cobbled streets that climb up the narrow, winding streets of the village.

Old houses and church

On the right, you can visit the beautiful church, then as you stroll around, you will come across some beautiful old houses with doors weathered by time.

You will notice a beautiful villa (a sort of small castle) that has been well restored and carefully enhanced on Rue du Château d'If.

The “Le Donjon” Museum

On Rue Tour, you can visit the Musée de Velaux “Le Donjon,” which brings together the history of Velaux: archives, old tools, period Provençal costumes, and archaeological artifacts.

It should be noted that excavations have uncovered a Celto-Ligurian sanctuary dating from the first millennium BC with superb sculptures, including a two-headed Hermes and the Seated Hero, on display at the Borély Museum in Marseille. The Salian sanctuary of Roquepertuse has made Velaux famous throughout Provence.