Salon-de-Provence

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Administration
Commune of Salon-de-Provence
Location
Coordinates	43° 38' N, 5° 06' E
Country	France
Region	Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Department	Bouches-du-Rhône
Arrondissement	Aix-en-Provence
Canton	Salon-de-Provence
Intercommunality	Communauté d'agglomération de Salon - Étang de Berre - Durance
Mayor	Michel Tonon (2001-2008)
Statistics
Population² ()	37,129
Miscellaneous
INSEE/Postal code	13103/ 13300
¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 mi² or 247 acres) and river estuaries.
² Population sans doubles comptes: single count of residents of multiple communes (e.g. students and military personnel).

Salon-de-Provence is a town and commune of the Bouches-du-Rhône département in southeastern France. It is the location of an important air base.

1 History
2 Sights
3 Famous past residents
4 Sister Cities
5 External links

[edit] History

Salon was a Gallo-Roman oppidum well positioned on the salt trade routes between Adriatic, Atlantic and Mediterranean seas, hence its name. This region was under the Phocaean influence since 6th century BCE.

Its principal claim to fame is as the place where Nostradamus died and is buried. For four days every June or July, the city celebrates its history during the time of Nostradamus, attracting tourists.

[edit] Sights

[edit] Château de l'Emperi

The castle, which was the biggest in Provence during the XII and XIII centuries and was earlier mentioned in the 10th, still dominates the old town. It was the preferred residence of the bishops of Arles, during the Holy Roman Empire, hence its name. It became the property of the city after the French Revolution. After damages caused by the 1909 earthquake, it has been restored and now hosts a museum of military history. Every summer, it hosts an international classical music festival.

[edit] St Michel Chapel

St Michel, inside

Built during 13th century, this chapel boasts a remarkable Romanesque tympanum featuring the paschal lamb.

[edit] Fontaine Moussue

The Fontaine Moussue by night

This fountain has existed since the 16th century. During the 20th century, limestone concretions and vegetation developed, giving the familiar mushroom aspect.