Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume Flea Market

A flea market at 670 metres

Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume is one of the Var's most original villages: at 670m altitude on its namesake plateau in the Sainte-Baume massif, it enjoys a microclimate much cooler than the plain and coast. A favourite summer retreat for people from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and Toulon seeking cool. Each year, the village holds its summer flea market for permanent residents, second-home owners and hikers passing through the nearby protected forest.

The village is inseparable from the Sainte-Baume relict forest — one of the finest Mediterranean beech stands, listed and protected — home to the millennial Mary Magdalene pilgrimage grotto and the 360° Saint-Pilon pass. This natural-spiritual heritage gives the flea market a unique mountain-Provençal atmosphere.

A characterful flea market

Festival committee / town-hall organisation. Stalls in the centre or an arranged square. Sellers mostly permanent or second-home residents, with a few touring dealers. Mountain-village mood: calmer, more authentic, with that special air quality that makes midsummer days pleasant.

What to find

• Clothes, toys, books, crockery
• Second-hand hiking and mountain gear
• Antiques: rustic items, mountain furniture
• Occasional local crafts
• Bric-à-brac and curiosities
• Mountain books and hiking guides

Plan-d'Aups, hunting and nature

A perfect base for the Sainte-Baume massif. Hike to Mary Magdalene's grotto (1h30 return from the Hostellerie), climb to Saint-Pilon pass (+45 min), discover the relict forest with old beeches and yews. Add the Saint-Maximin Basilica (15 min by car) for a spiritual counterpart to the grotto.

Access

From Saint-Zacharie via D80 (15 min) or Aubagne via D2 (30 min). Street parking. Bring a light jacket even in summer — the plateau is cooler. Cash and sturdy bag. Summer is hiker season — arrive early, parking fills up.

Extending the day

Forest hike, grotto visit, lunch at the Hostellerie. Neighbouring Saint-Zacharie, Gémenos, Auriol extend the day. Total change of scene from the plain — it almost feels Alpine.