Cabriès sits on a rocky outcrop, with the old castle overlooking the picturesque village. Narrow streets and an unusual bell tower shape its character. When planning a trip, the main points of interest are the village’s history, art and Provençal culture: local themes range from works by Edgar Mélik and Gallo-Roman remains to a recurring blessing of horses. This gives you a way to decide whether you are most interested in art, history or traditional events.

The Castle, the Village and the Musée Edgar Mélik

The Musée Edgar Mélik is housed in the north wing of the former fortified castle. Its collection consists mainly of 86 oil paintings on canvas, wood, stone and cardboard, as well as drawings on paper. The different supports offer a tangible point of interest for anyone curious about painting and materials. The museum also explores art history, Provençal culture, new technologies, natural sciences, tribal ethnology and archaeology. Several fields of knowledge are represented, so a visit is not limited to art history.

The Château de Cabriès is also part of the cultural offering. Its permanent exhibition features works by Edgar Mélik as well as Gallo-Roman remains discovered in the commune. Artistic works and archaeological finds provide different ways of approaching local history. If you are interested in the area’s past, you can consider these themes alongside the striking castle that shapes the village’s appearance.

The Musée Edgar Mélik offers workshops for children. Tours in French and English can be arranged by appointment. If you would like to plan a tour, confirm the date and the language you want before your trip. The offerings also differ in how you prepare: the workshops specify their audience, while the tours require prior arrangements.

Another activity is the treasure hunt in Cabriès and Calas. It is listed for players aged seven to 99. Before your trip, check whether the accompanying booklet is available. The treasure hunt and the museum offerings appeal to different interests: one is a game listed for a wide age range, while the other focuses on art, culture and other fields of knowledge.

Tradition and Churches

Every Easter Monday since 1958, several hundred riders have gathered at Notre Dame de la Salette for the traditional blessing of the horses and riders. The event takes place on a specific date each year; confirm that year’s programme before your trip. This is a different planning consideration from a museum tour: the blessing is tied to a public holiday, while a tour requires prior arrangements.

The Church of Sainte-Marie-de-la-Nativité is another part of the area’s history: it is listed as a historic monument. Together with the castle, the museum and the Gallo-Roman remains, it contributes to a cultural focus encompassing art, archaeological finds and architectural history.

When choosing activities, you can distinguish them by what they offer: the museum’s activities combine art and a range of subject areas, and the permanent exhibition also includes archaeological finds. The horse blessing is a recurring event tied to Easter Monday, while the treasure hunt—with its stated age range—offers a different way to explore.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Paul-Lès-Durance, Salon-De-Provence, Ceyreste, Saint-Étienne-du-Grès, Moulès, Le Rove, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, Fuveau.

Go to the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.