Sainte-Victoire from the Aurigon car park near Le Tholonet

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A magnificent hike following the closure of the Bimont dam for over a year during the week. Superb views, to be enjoyed clockwise as you climb towards the Bimont dam.

11/09/2024: Closure of the Imoucha trail for 3 months, from 1 October to 31 December (2024 and 2025). Hike not possible during these periods. See practical information.

Details

n°802689
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.11 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 705 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 702 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 937 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 249 m
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Photos

Panoramic view from the priory terrace
Last look at the ridge
Cézanne's refuge
The descent

Description of the walk

Park in one of the car parks at a place called L'Aurigon.

(S/E) From the car park, head towards the traffic lights (road reserved for residents) and continue, turning right. Leave a track on your right and continue to an intersection about 50 metres further on.

(1) At the intersection, turn right onto theGR®653Aand follow the green signs towards the Bimont dam. This part is not very interesting but it will take you to the dam. Continue to follow the green signs.

(2) Leave the track by turning right, then rejoin it and follow it to the right. You will come to another intersection.

(3) Leave the track and continue on the right onthe GR®653Ato reach the dam.

(4) At the start of the dam path, take a small path to the right of the low wall, the Sentier Imoucha. Stay on this path, following the blue signs. You will reach the Pas de l'Escalette.

(5) Continue straight ahead, pass Pas du Moine and reach the Prieuré crossroads.

(6) Turn right at the low wall to head towards the priory, continuing to follow the blue signs. At the Priory (closed until September 2018), there is a variant ofthe GR® with white and red markers for a return trip to the Croix de Provence.

(7) After enjoying the magnificent view, return via the same route to Pas de l'Escalette.

(5) Turn left (red signs) towards the Cezanne refuge. Take care on the descent as the rock is smooth and slippery. Cross to the other side of the mountain and enjoy the beautiful views with Montagne Sainte-Victoire on your left. You will reach the Cezanne refuge (which is closed).

(8) Turn right into the trees onto theGR®653A(and follow the green signs) and follow the direction of the Bimont dam on a wide track.

(9) At the hairpin bend, leave theGR® and continue straight on to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 254 m - Parking de l'Aurigon
  2. 1 : km 0.6 - alt. 264 m - GR653A crossroads, on the right
  3. 2 : km 1.38 - alt. 337 m - Track junction, on the right
  4. 3 : km 2.01 - alt. 377 m - Track junction, on the right
  5. 4 : km 2.77 - alt. 355 m - Turn right onto the Imoucha Trail - Barrage du Bimont
  6. 5 : km 5.97 - alt. 683 m - Pas de l'Escalette
  7. 6 : km 6.65 - alt. 865 m - Crossroads of the priory
  8. 7 : km 7.03 - alt. 937 m - Croix de Provence
  9. 8 : km 9.24 - alt. 444 m - Refuge Cézanne
  10. 9 : km 10.31 - alt. 368 m - Carrefour GR straight ahead. Passage near the - Bayon (torrent) Affluent de l'Arc
  11. S/E : km 12.11 - alt. 254 m - Parking de l'Aurigon

Notes

Closure of the Imoucha trail, more info here.

Please note: in mistral or wet weather, the route is dangerous. There is no water, you will sometimes need to use your hands, and the descent from Pas de l'Escalette is particularly slippery.

Please note: The Prieuré de Sainte-Victoire has reopened, but access is restricted; please consult this page for more information.

Worth a visit

Aix-en-Provence, of course.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 17 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
barbara06600
barbara06600

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

This is a challenging hike due to the significant elevation gain and some slippery sections. However, it is well worth the effort! The views are magnificent.
Walking at a steady pace, we completed it in 4 hours.

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Christ Off
Christ Off

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb circular that allows you to climb higher and higher, gradually discovering the view of our beautiful Provence region.
The final ascent is quite technical but achievable.
This is a very popular route, which has unfortunately worn down the rock, making it slippery. You will therefore need to be well equipped with suitable footwear.
Given the length of the route, remember to take plenty of water with you.
The view of the priory and the cross is well worth the effort of the climb.
Be careful on the descent, which is very technical.
It is possible to do the circular with children who are used to hiking.

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Mijo34
Mijo34
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful, physically demanding hike with superb views.
The route is well marked, except for the last section after leaving the GR trail, so be sure to follow the app.
The descent from the Pas de l'Escalette is a little steep.

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jallardet
jallardet

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike with no technical difficulties, starting in the forest and continuing to the Bimon dam, then taking the Imoucha trail to the Croix de Provence and returning via the Pas de l'Escalette fork (slip-resistant slabs in case of rain). Passing near the Cézanne refuge before taking a wide path back to the car park.
The advertised distance is accurate (12.8 km) but the measured elevation gain is slightly higher (750 m).
Be careful of the sun in summer (risk of sunburn +++) and the risk of dehydration.
NB: hike completed by following the route in real time via the app (very handy++)
Thanks to the author of this hike and the Visorando team!

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j-marc
j-marc

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful, physically demanding hike. We did it on a Sunday, so obviously there were a lot of people, especially on the way up to the priory.

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mantix
mantix

Regarding the Priory of Sainte-Victoire, please note that the site is open unless otherwise stated on the website of the Friends of Sainte-Victoire. In addition, volunteers from this association offer guided tours and open the chapel and cloister on Sundays and Thursdays, in the morning and until early afternoon, unless circumstances prevent them from doing so.

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KAUFF
KAUFF

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful route, magnificent.
The markings are sometimes faded, and be careful at the end of the route as it is slippery on the rocks.
The priory is worth visiting, and it is possible to spend the night in the refuge. The chapel is open on Thursday mornings and weekends. There is no drinking water along the route.

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milada
milada

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 19, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant discovery of Montagne Saint Victoire despite the slightly grey weather. The route is very well described.

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bert13720
bert13720

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 10, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful hike, not suitable for beginners

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quito84
quito84

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 10, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Very beautiful hike and very beautiful panoramic views.

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Jean-Bernard
Jean-Bernard

There you go. Thank you for the information.

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henri57
henri57 ★

Hello,

Thank you for the information you have provided about this hike.
We hope that the author will take this into account and update their description.

See you soon!

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hervevisorando
hervevisorando

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 28, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A magnificent hike, despite the wind (I think it's best to avoid days when it's very windy).
The description could be improved. For example, at point 9, you leave the GR trail but also the green signposts.
Thank you for this beautiful hike.
See you soon!

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chabre05
chabre05

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 14, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Hike with magnificent views of Sainte Victoire. A wonderful experience.
On the advice of a member of staff at the Maison de la Sainte Victoire, we
did the route in reverse. As a result, the hike had more views of the
mountain, which was really beautiful.

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MACQUIN
MACQUIN

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 18, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

thank you for guiding us on the route. The hike was indeed difficult... rocks, stones... both on the way up
and even more so on the descent, which should only be attempted in good weather due to the very steep terrain and slippery rocks.

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