Could the Taoumé peak be named after Square du Taoumé or is it the other way around? The Square du Taoumé sits in a location steeped in Provençal history. Although not much is known about the square itself, we can discover some interesting facts about the area. The Taoumé gîte lies in the Bastide des Escourches area. This is near another gîte. The estate has 4 gîtes and 5 guest rooms. It also has a seminar room. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool and large outdoor spaces.
The Square du Taoumé is less than 20km from Marseille’s city center. It is also close to beaches, coves and nature. The gîte is ideally located away from the city. It has 5 bedrooms and two terraces. These terraces overlook the forest. It is a great place for family meetings.
Let’s talk about Marcel Pagnol a bit. He was born in Aubagne. You can visit a reconstruction of Teacher Joseph’s staff apartment there. You’ll also find pictures and illustrations. Pagnol’s birthplace is a short distance from the Domaine de la Font de Mai. Here, you can see the “Puits de Raimu”. This is where Pagnol filmed “La Fille du Puisatier” in 1940. Raimu, Fernandel, and Josette Day starred in the film.
After a 45-minute walk from Domaine de la Font de Mai, you’ll reach the Ridges of Saint-Esprit. Pagnol bought these sites and Marcellin’s Valley. This area covers 25 hectares. He planned to build a “Hollywood Provençal” there. He wanted to shoot his films there. With his friend Marius Broquier, he built movie sets. Some of these remains can still be seen today.
The movie Angèle was filmed in Marcellin’s Valley in 1934. Fernandel and Orane Demazis starred in it. On the Ridges of Saint-Esprit, Pagnol built the village of Aubignane. He used it to shoot Regain in 1937. The film was adapted from Jean Giono’s novel. From the Pass of Aubignane, you can view the places Pagnol described in his childhood memories.
As a child, Marcel joined his father and uncle Jules. They hunted with Lili des Bellons. They often shared meals during hunting parties. The Taoumé peak is a major place of childhood memories. Climbing it is recommended for experienced walkers. The famous cave of the Eagle Owl is on the Taoumé Peak. It is known as the “Grotte du Grosibou”. Marcel and Lili des Bellons sheltered here during storms.
Looking at the panorama, you can see the Caves of the plagued. These were hunting places for Joseph and Uncle Jules. You can also see the first houses of La Treille village. Manon’s Cave is where Manon and Baptistine lived in the 1952 film. Trails from Manon’s Cave lead to Garlaban. Pagnol made Garlaban famous.
Located in Marseille’s 11th district, La Treille is fifteen minutes from Aubagne. In the narrow streets, imagine Marcel strolling on the square. Picture him walking the Bellons path and running to the “Bastide Neuve”. So while we might not know much about this particular Square du Taoumé, its surroundings resonate with the tales of Pagnol and old Provence.