Literal translation
to make a figure
Meaning
to stand out, clash with the rest
Explanation
In Provençal, la figuro means shape, appearance, like the Italian figura. Faire figuro thus means standing out visually, and the phrase took on a negative sense, describing something conspicuous, not very attractive, that clashes with its surroundings: a fast-food chain in a Provençal village fait figure. Italian shares the same expression, fare figura. In Provençal, the face is also called la fàci, giving regional French la face.