Things To Do in Salon de Provence

Salon-de-Provence's unofficial mascot is Fontaine Moussue on the place Crousillat just outside the Porte de l'Horloge. Covered by a thick mound of moss and resembling a giant mushroom, this much-photographed fountain dates from the 16th century. It is surrounded by plane trees planted to commemorate events over the centuries. One was planted in 1799 to mark the end of the Revolution; another was planted in 1919 to mark the end of World War I.

Both of the remaining soap factories in Salon-de-Provence are open for visits; you can also pick up high-quality soap products in their on-site boutiques. At Marius Fabre, 148 avenue Paul Bourret (tel. 04-90-53-24-77; www.marius-fabre.fr), four generations of the same family have been making soap since 1900, and this history is shown in its attractive museum in addition to tours of its artisan factory. Open times vary, but are generally Monday to Friday 8:30am to noon and 1:30 to 5:30pm; admission is 3.50€ to both museum and factory, or 2.50€ for just the museum. Savonnerie Rampal, 71 rue Félix Pyat (tel. 04-90-56-07-28; www.rampal-latour.com), is slightly closer to the town center and also features a boutique stocking an enormous range of natural and organic products. Boutique open hours are Monday to Friday 8am to noon and 2 to 6pm. Tours need to be arranged in advance.