Montagne Sainte Victoire
This trail takes you on a tour of the hills overlooking the Lac du Bimont.
Regarded as a 'classic' walk and from the summit cross you are rewarded with 360 degree views of the Luberon, Mount Ventoux, the Alps and Cap Canaille.
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What to see
Sights in Provence
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Mont Sainte Victoire
This pyramidal peak features in over 60 of Paul Cezannes paintings. The light and the colours are a dream for artists, and non-artists can also enjoy the scenery via the lattice of walking trails that cross the mountain slopes.
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Carriere de Bibemus
An old quarry, the Carrieres de Bibemus lies on the western slopes of Montagne St Victoire and is a place that inspired Paul Cezanne through out his life.
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Chateau de Vauvenargues
This austere castle has a rich Provencal history but it is perhaps best well known for being the burial ground of Pablo Picasso. He bought the chateau in 1958 when he found out that the area had been much loved by Paul Cezanne. He stayed there between 1959 and 1961 and the castle still holds some of his personal belongings.
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Shan-Art Gallery
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
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Musee Granet
This is Aix's fine art gallery, housed in the 17th century Palais de Malte. The collections includes works by a variety of European painters, including two by Rubens and a small selection of Paul Cezanne.
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Saint-Jean-de-Malte Church
This charming little church is located in the centre of Aix en Provence, alongside the Musee Granet.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Aix-en-Provence
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
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Le Comptoir du Clos
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
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Villa Gallici Restaurant, Aix en Provence
A quiet atmosphere, beautiful grounds and wonderful flavours can be found at Villa Gallici Restaurant. Part of the 5 star Villa Gallici hotel you can indulge in lunch or dinner at this top quality restaurant.
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Le Art Restaurant
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
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L'Esprit de la Violette Restaurant
This one Michelin star restaurant sits within a beautiful garden just outside the walled city.
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Rendez-vous bio Restaurant
Fresh hearty meals prepared with love. Vegetarians catered for at this restaurant come deli come bio food shop.
What to do
Things To Do in Aix-en-Provence
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Aix Yoga Center, Aix en Provence
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
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Aix Golf Course
Open to all, this small golf club offers a clubhouse, restaurant, driving range, putting green and 6 holes. It is home to an academy that offers lessons at all levels.
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Le Train Touristique d'Aix-en-Provence
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
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Club Hippique d'Aix Marseille horse riding
The Club, established in 1932 has a long and interesting history. Situated on the banks of the river l'Arc over 30 acres, 5 minutes away from the city centre the Club Hippique Aix Marseille offers a full range of facilities.
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Country Club Aixois Tennis, Aix en Provence
Plenty of clay tennis courts are available at the Aix Country Club. It provide lessons and coaching, and there is a pro shop too. Other facilities include a pool and a gym.
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Sainte-Victoire Aquatic Centre, Venelles
This leisure centre has two indoor pools, a 50 metre outdoor heated swimming pool, with terraces and beaches, and water sports.There is also a weights room and dance studio.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Aix-en-Provence
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Une Sieste en Luberon B&B, Bonnieux
Located a 5-minute walk from the heart of Bonnieux, this charming guest house features 3 comfortable rooms suitable for families as every room has a mezzanine for 2 children.
Directions
From the car park at Bimont walk along the dam and continue straight for another 200m until you see the sign for Refuge Cezanne, then take this trail to your left.
The trail is a GR route but is poorly marked. You can either follow the GR route using an IGN map or continue along the forrest road that will lead to the Refuge Cezanne. The forest road will give you a great view of the Montagne Victoire and will take roughly 1.5 hours to reach the refuge.
Once at the refuge follow the trail directly north (red markers) and after 1km the trail splits, the left route marked 'facile' with red dots. The right trail is more demanding. Follow the red dots to the left and eventually you will join the Sentier Imaucha and another hour of walking will see you at the cross.
Follow the Sentier Imaucha ridge for two more hours to return to the car park, this route is easy going with great views, just remember to look at the path aswel as the views to avoid falling over.