La Fare les Oliviers Market
Weekly traditional market in the heart of La Fare-les-Oliviers.
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La Fare-les-Oliviers
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ℹ️Practical info — La Fare-les-Oliviers
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Castellas ruins in the early morning to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the view over the Berre lagoon.
- Watch out for the narrow streets in the old village core; it is best to park on the edge of the center and explore the alleys on foot.
- Since the town is known for its olive oil, look out for tastings at local mills, especially during the autumn harvest.
- Use local bus routes if you want to visit the larger towns in Provence without worrying about parking.
🍽 Food
🍽
Provençal Olive Oil
Taste high-quality local olive oil at one of the traditional oil mills (Moulins) in the area.
🍽
Tapenade and Fougasse
Buy fresh fougasse from a bakery in the village center, which pairs perfectly with local olive paste.
🍽
Aïoli
Order this traditional Provençal dish featuring garlic mayonnaise and vegetables at a classic bistro in the town center.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Weekly Market
Visit the local market for fresh fruit, vegetables, and regional specialties directly from the producers.
🛍
Regional Wines
Look for wines from the Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence appellation in local wine shops.
🧘
Hiking Trails in the Hills
Enjoy a quiet walk through the Mediterranean scrub and olive groves surrounding the village.
🧘
Saint-Jean Chapel
A peaceful historic spot convenient for a short break away from the bustle.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
3
La Fare-les-Oliviers owes its name to the sprawling olive groves that encompass the village and have shaped the agricultural identity of the commune for centuries. The town rests in a pretty setting at the base of a gentle hill, conveniently located between Aix-en-Provence and the large Étang de Berre lagoon. Looming high above the historical center are the imposing ruins of the Castellas, a 10th-century medieval fortress originally constructed to defend the valley. Another architectural highlight of the village is the Pavillon de La Fare, an elegant 18th-century structure that reflects the historical affluence of the surrounding estates. The narrow, winding alleys of the old village are lined with classic Provençal stone houses clustered around the central Saint-Sauveur church. Leading directly from the town outskirts, marked hiking trails offer excellent opportunities to explore the wild Mediterranean scrubland (garrigue), providing elevated viewpoints over the Étang de Berre and the distant Mount Sainte-Victoire. Olive oil production remains a point of intense local pride, and the town's cooperative mill invites visitors to sample their highly esteemed extra virgin olive oil. The village presents a highly authentic Southern French experience far from tourist routes.
- Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
- Top sights: Canal de Marseille · Ferme Velauxienne · Ferme-grenier fortifiée de Coudouneu
- Nearby: Velaux (6 km)
- Population: ~9.039
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 8 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 21 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 45 | 35 | 38 | 47 | 43 | 28 | 16 | 21 | 54 | 73 | 87 | 45 |
Geography
Facts
- Population: 9,039 (2021 data)
- Elevation: ranges from 27m to 223m
- Total area: 13.98 square kilometers
- Postal code: 13580
- Part of the Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolis
- Home to the historic 10th-century Castellas fortress
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town La Fare-les-Oliviers (6)
Frequently asked questions
What is the town's most famous product?
As the name suggests, the town is famous for its high-quality olive oil (AOC Aix-en-Provence).
Are there historic buildings in the center?
The Pavillon de la Fare is an 18th-century hunting lodge protected as a historic monument.
Can you go hiking in the area?
Yes, the Arbois plateau features numerous hiking trails with typical Provençal vegetation.
When is the weekly market held?
The market is held every Saturday morning in the town center, offering local specialties.
How far is it to Aix-en-Provence?
The town is about 25 km west of Aix-en-Provence, roughly a 30-minute drive.
La Fare-les-Oliviers: where is it located?
La Fare-les-Oliviers is located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
La Fare-les-Oliviers: what is there to see?
Highlights include Canal de Marseille, Ferme Velauxienne, Ferme-grenier fortifiée de Coudouneu.
La Fare-les-Oliviers: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
La Fare-les-Oliviers: why is it worth visiting?
La Fare-les-Oliviers owes its name to the sprawling olive groves that encompass the village and have shaped the agricultural identity of the commune for centuries.
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