Who would’ve thought that Provence has its own Designer Factory Outlet? I knew Paris has La Vallee Factory Outlet. So when my sister’s mother in law offered to drive me to Provence Factory Outlet I was surprised and delightedly took up the offer. My first few days in town and my first day trip was to Factory outlet. I couldn’t be more excited!
So where is this Factory Outlet?
McArthurGlen Factory Outlet or Village des Marques as the locals called it, is located in Miramas, at the crossroads of 3 major motorways. It is 40 minutes from Marseille airport and 50 minutes from Marseille, 40 minutes from Aix-en-Provence, and 90 minutes from Montpellier. So if you happen to holidaying in Provence area, this Factory Outlet is worth a visit!
How to get there by public transport
- Daily bus services to McArthurGlen Provence Designer Outlet run from Miramas city centre and Miramas train station (Gare de Miramas). Lines available are 10 and 11. From Aix-en-Provence and Salon-de-Provence, you can take the 25th line, until Village de Marques station.
- From Marseille Train Station (Gare Saint Charles) take the regional train (TER) to Gare de Miramas and from there take the bus line 25 which stops at Village des Marques station
The stores
McArthurGlen have more than 100 shops to choose from. The stores are somewhat second tier from Factory outlet such as The Mall in Florence and Bicester Village in London but nevertheless it does have interesting shops and the price is good. Among the interesting shops are Prada, Armani, Boss, Coach, Michael Kors, Columbia, Samsonite, Salomon, Timberland and etc. More here and if you come during France Summer Sale and Winter sale, you will get additional discount on top of the Factory Outlet price. France summer sale starts from 22 Jun to 19 July and Winter sale start from 12 Jan to 8 Feb. Regular opening hours is from 10.00 to 20.00 and they close on Sunday.
The are several restaurants inside should you need a break from all those shopping. We had lunch in Burger Federation which serves tasty gourmet burgers. There is also starbucks and Amorino gelato (my kids’ favourite). There is also free wifi, free toilet and kids playground.
I made a second visit here in July when Hubby came. I picked him up at Marseille airport and it was such a hot day and when I gave him option to do Marseille city tour or shopping in Factory outlet he chose the latter one lol. And boy he was lucky when we went, the summer sale has started and he got a very good deal and ended up shopping more than me.
