A lovely walk which includes a chance to see Cézanne’s Windmill, to discover the ancient ruins of the Roman aqueduct and its waterfall and the Zola dam. In the distance you can see Mont Sainte-Victoire.
Access : Arriving from Aix-En-Provence on the D17 (Route Cézanne), at the first car park on the right after the castle.
(D/A) From the car park, tackle the road to the right on the D17 (Route Cézanne) and, at the fork, stay on the left of the road until Cézanne’s windmill. Turn left, walk past the windmill. When alongside the cemetery, pass by the road headed right and left and continue ahead to on the Chemin de Doudon. Turn left at the gate, cross the fence and continue for approximately 210 m.
(1) Head left along the poorly marked trail (Yellow dots on a stone) which climbs up through the rocks, then back down to meet up with a path to the left. Head down this path (Red markings) as far as the ancient ruins of the Roman aqueduct and its little waterfall. Cross the water and climb the winding footpath ahead, passing behind Tholonet castle and arriving at an intersection. Take the stairs down to the small road below (at the information board).
(2) Turn right (Green markings). At the next intersection, turn right crossing the fence and head due north along a steep hill as far as the next intersection.
(3) Continue in the same direction (still marked with Green) on the trail that turns left soon afterwards, and heads down towards the log cabin (with picnic tables) and the Zola dam. Cross the dam, head uphill along the safety fence and follow the trail which heads south. Once this path turns left towards the east, look out for a trail ahead between rocky bars (with Green dots).
(4) The path heads downhill and joins a trail. Follow this to the left as far as the next intersection.
(5) Turn right (Yellow markings). Pass in front of the Doudon Aqueduct. Follow the path downhill to the right, heading west. It opens out further on to meet up with point (1).
(1) Return to the start along the first path of the walk.
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 180m
1 : km 0.59 - alt. 221m - Car park
2 : km 1.64 - alt. 184m - Barrage romain
3 : km 2.14 - alt. 200m - Crossroads after Tholonet castle
4 : km 2.93 - alt. 288m - Crossroads before the dam
5 : km 3.88 - alt. 235m - Barrage Zola
6 : km 4.64 - alt. 296m - Crossroads after the dam
7 : km 5.31 - alt. 284m - Turn right, yellow markings
D/A : km 6.94 - alt. 180m
The car park is located after Tholonet castle, to the right when arriving from Aix en Provence.
There are picnic tables just before you arrive at the dam.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Global average : 4.83/5
Number of opinions : 2
Description quality : 5/5
Routemap quality : 4.5/5
Walk interest : 5/5
Global average : 4.67 / 5
Date of walk
: 19/09/19
Description quality
: Very good
Routemap quality
: Good
Walk interest
: Very good
We really enjoyed this walk and there is something for everyone. It starts with a pleasant climb up through the trees, and emerges into high land with vivid red soils and green vegetation. The views at the dam are very good. The starting point has a large free car park.
The instructions are fine but lose a little in translation from the French but its Ok if you keep attentive (example:- at one point the route is described as going behind a castle, but not the sort we get in the UK - the original word 'chateau' would be better. Also some low barriers across the tracks are described as 'gates').
Overall a good walk and well worth doing - recommended.
Glad to hear it! Thanks for your feedback
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 05/11/18
Description quality
: Very good
Routemap quality
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
Loved this walk! So fun for kids too, it was a bit longer than described but otherwise it’s a perfect description!
A beautiful hike up one of the highest mountains in the Provence: the magnificent Sainte-Victoire. Enjoy 360° views as far as the Alps and the Ventoux. The Priory alone is well worth the effort.
A physical loop hike along Sainte-Victoire, a climb to Prieuré Sainte-Victoire / Croix de Provence through Bau Cézanne and going back through "le Gouffre de Garagaï" and "les deux Aiguilles".
A loop hike on the south side of Sainte-Victoire Montagne allowing access to the ridge via the Marbrière and the Brèche du Clapier (gap). The walk along the ridge towards the Croix de Provence offers splendid views. Descent via the Priory, the Pas du Berger and the Cézanne Shelter.
Sainte-Victoire is a highlight of Provence for hikers and climbers.
Before you start, make sure access to the massif is allowed because a regulation is applicable from 1 June to 30 September which and can limit access hours. See the link below:
http://www.paca.gouv.fr/files/massif/
An energetic loop in Sainte-Victoire leaving from the Saint-Ser car park. The climb up goes via the east of the Bau de l'Aigle and the descent back down is via the 'Pas du Clapier'.
For more walks, use our search engine.
The GPS track and description are the property of the author.