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Salon de Provence, France | |
| Best known as the home of Nostradamus, Salon is not far from Aix-en-Provence. | ||
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Salon-de-Provence is located about 35 kilometers (22 miles) northwest of Aix-en-Provence (map). It's an easy half-day trip. The town is dominated by the Château de l'Empéri, on top of the Montée du Puech. The château has a long history, with construction starting in the 10th century and continuing until the 19th century. The château served as the residence of the archbishops of Arles. Today it houses the Musée de l'Empéri, a museum focused on the history of the French army, from the 1600s until the 20th century. Its collections include weapons, flags, uniforms, and paintings.
One of Salon's best known citizens is Michel de Nostredame (1503 - 1566). He was born in Saint-Remy de Provence, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Salon, but lived his last 19 years in Salon. Known as Nostradamus, he was a physician, pharmacist, astrologist, and seer. As a physician, he was involved in seeking ways to prevent and cure the plague, which killed his first wife and two children. Nostradamus is best known for his Prophecies, first published in 1555. His contacts and patrons included Catherine de Medici, King Charles IX, and Rabelais. His supporters believe that he predicted a number of significant world events, including the French Revolution, the rise of Hitler, and World Wars I and II. Most scholars feel that his prophecies were vague and open to broad interpretation, and do not believe that he actually predicted the future. His followers continue to believe in him, however, and some come to Salon to be inspired. The Maison de Nostradamus, at 11 rue Nostradamus, is the house where Nostradamus spent his last 19 years, until his death in 1566. Today this is a museum focused on Nostradamus. Visitors can experience sound and light tableaux, an audio-guided tour, and temporary exhibits. Salon is also known for the lovely clock tower. This astronomical tower, the first public clock in the town, was begun under the reign of Louis XIII and finished under Louis XIV (17th and early 18th centuries.
If you are interested in the famous soaps of Provence, Salon is also a center of soap making, with a couple of houses that can be visited.
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Above, Statue of Nostradamus, outside of his house, now a museum.
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