On April 8, 2024, La Poste will issue a stamp on the occasion of the Spring Philatelic Fair. It will be available in preview from Thursday April 4 to Saturday April 6, 2024. Salon-de-Provence in Bouches-du-Rhône will host this event.
It will be good to stroll through Salon-de-Provence during the Spring Philatelic Fair, because this city has many surprises in store... Starting with the Château de l'Empéri which, from its terrace, offers an exceptional view of the city. Vanguard of the neighboring Alpilles, this stone vessel, one of the three strong castles of Provence still standing, protected the residence of the archbishops of Arles for more than ten centuries. Once a stopover for the popes and kings of France, it has housed, since 1967, in its rooms with spectacular vaults, the collections of one of our most beautiful Army museums.
In 1547, Nostradamus (1503-1566) settled in Salon-de-Provence. Author of numerous works, this physician-philosopher, who has the ear of Catherine de Medici, is best known for his Prophecies. A visit to his house, transformed into a museum, is an opportunity to meet this brilliant mind who profoundly marked his time. Another celebrity of the place, Adam de Craponne (1526-1576) ensured its prosperity. Its ingenious canal system, making it possible to irrigate the entire country, marks the beginning of the industrial and agricultural development of the city. Salon is developing with the trading of oils, and in particular olive oil, essential for the manufacture of Marseille soap. From 1752, it was the beginning of a golden age which reached its climax at the end of the 19th century, as evidenced by the important architectural heritage of the soap makers' district.
The Clock Tower (17th century) marks the entrance to the city. The real joy is to wander, from alleys to shaded squares decorated with fountains, including the charming Mossy Fountain. And if a whirring noise tears you from your reverie, look up: the famous Patrouille de France, stationed in Salon-de-Provence, is undoubtedly in the process of performing its aerial prowess. She too is the pride of the Salonnais.
