Place Joseph Rau, just to your right, is a classic Provençal square in the heart of downtown Aubagne. Quiet and peaceful in winter, it transforms in summer into a large open-air terrace, set among charming houses with colorful shutters. Its name refers to Joseph Rau, but it actually honors Dominique Raud—a local man who took part in the storming of the Tuileries in 1792, fighting against the royalist coalition, and who was killed during the uprising. On your left is Place de l’Observance, which gives you a lovely view of a very unusual bell tower that also bears the name "Observance". It’s known as the triangular bell tower of the Observance—and yes, it really does have only three sides! This rare architectural detail always surprises passersby, especially when you learn that it’s one of the only surviving parts of a large convent complex built in the 17th century by the Franciscans. An architectural feat and a true piece of local history, this bell tower now forms part of the Chapel of the Observance, which you’ll see a little further along.