Located on the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle in Aubagne, Le Petit Monde de Marcel Pagnol brings the writer’s world to life through a detailed display of traditional Provençal santons.

Around 200 hand-crafted figurines recreate scenes from Pagnol’s stories, set within a miniature landscape of farms, villages, and countryside inspired by the region. The attention to detail makes it easy to recognize characters and understand how closely his work is tied to everyday life in Provence.

Aubagne is one of the main centers for santon and ceramic production, thanks to the rich local clay, and this exhibition is one of the best places to see the craft at its most expressive.

If you visit in summer or December, the esplanade outside fills with a large market dedicated to santons and ceramics, where local artisans sell their work. Throughout the year, you can also explore workshops across town to see how these figures are made.

👉 Don’t just stop at the display. Walk around Aubagne to find smaller santon ateliers, where you can see artisans working and often find more unique pieces than at the main market.