L'Etang des Aulnes

Since 1988, Aulnes Lagoon estate is the property of the General Council of Bouches-du-Rhone, which is responsible for the restoration, management and protection of this unique place. The foundations of this 300 hectare area, located in the heart of the Crau, date from 1213. Its setting is quite remarkable: a large driveway lined with oleanders and pine trees leads to a park with lawns leading down to a lake. The opposite bank, still wild, remains a refuge for migratory birds. A place of artistic residence from winter to summer, the area is transformed to accommodate different summer concerts including: - The Roi des Aulnes festival - The Aulnes Rouges pop, rock and other festival - The international Piano Festival of La Roque d'Anthéron A brief history: The history of the area began in the 13th century with the sale of the Dole Elmes lagoon and land from the Temple house. Over the centuries, sales were concluded on the condition to build a farmhouse. In 1749, the owner Mr Bichairon bought the two farmhouses, the lagoon and the land: the estate was thus built. The battle that preserved the estate: Thirty years ago, long before the Department acquired it, a development project at the Aulnes lagoon planned to build 2,000 homes, shops, a school and a police station. During the deliberations of the council of April 12, 1972, the project was voted 11 in favour and 9 against. After unsuccessfully seeking the annulment of the vote at the regional prefect, four councillors decided to follow Claude Vulpian, who was the first deputy, and made an application to the Administrative Tribunal of Marseilles on the grounds of ultra vires. After several steps, they won the case on January 30, 1974. The decision of April 12, 1972 was void of form. The estate was saved from construction and classified as a protected area.