Entremont (oppidum)
Historic Site in Aix en Provence
Entremont, an archaeological site spanning 3.5 hectares (8.6 acres), sits three kilometers south of Aix-en-Provence on the southern edge of the Puyricard plateau. In ancient times, this oppidum served as the capital of the Celtic-Ligurian confederation of Salyes. Established between 180 and 170 B.C., it came into being slightly later than other oppida like Saint-Blaise (inhabited from the 7th to the 2nd centuries B.C.). Following its capture by the Romans in 123 B.C., the site was abandoned and supplanted by Aquae Sextiae, the new Roman city founded at the base of the plateau, now known as modern-day Aix-en-Provence. By 90 B.C., Entremont’s former oppidum stood deserted.
The archaeological site comprises two distinct settlement areas encircled by ramparts. Originally, archaeologist Fernand Benoit designated the higher summit area as “Ville Haute” and the lower area as “Ville Basse.” However, subsequent analysis revealed that the latter was an extension of the former, leading to their current designations as “Habitat 1” and “Habitat 2,” respectively.
Artifacts unearthed from the site are exhibited at the Musée Granet, showcasing an array of statues, bas-reliefs, and notably striking severed heads, providing insight into the historical significance and cultural heritage of Entremont.
The Entremont (oppidum) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Aix en Provence!
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Visiting Entremont (oppidum)
June to September: every day except Tuesdays
October to May: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and the first week-end of the month.
Schedule: from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm; from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm (from April to August) from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (from September to March).
It is closed: 1 January, 1 and 8 May, 1 and 11 November, 25 December.
Nearby Attractions
- Atelier de Cézanne (1.6) km
Historic Building and Arts Venue in Aix en Provence - Pavillon de Vendome (2.3) km
Historic Building in Aix en Provence - Cathedrale Saint-Sauveur d'Aix-en-Provence (2.3) km
Cathedral in Aix en Provence - Musee des Tapisserie (2.4) km
Museum in Aix en Provence - Tour de l’Horloge in Aix-en-Provence (2.5) km
Tower in Aix en Provence - Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Aix-en-Provence (2.5) km
Town Hall in Aix en Provence - Place des Prêcheurs (2.7) km
Square in Aix en Provence - Place et Fontaine d'Albertas (2.8) km
Fountain in Aix en Provence - Fontaine de la Rotonde (Fountain of the Rotunda) (2.9) km
Fountain in Aix en Provence - Cours Mirabeau (2.9) km
Historic Site and Street in Aix en Provence
