Venelles walks

A short fitness trail, suitable for walking, running or mountain biking, on the outskirts of Venelles. Wide paths, fairly shaded and with good views.

A very pleasant, easy route through the Collet Blanc forest in Venelles. With little elevation gain, most of the hike is through the woods, which is pleasant in summer. There are so many paths that you can easily shorten or lengthen the hike to suit your preferences. Lovely view of Sainte-Victoire from the small pass of Collet Blanc.

A circular loop in the communal forest, where you will encounter the canals that irrigate Provence. You will test the echo in an access gallery to the current canal, reach the small pass, and return via the old canal. You will also discover the Parrouvier fir trees, which are exceptional at such a low altitude and regenerate naturally.

An almost flat cycle route, ideal for a leisurely ride. A pleasant, shaded route running alongside the canal where the water flows gently, passing through wooded areas and offering magnificent views of the Aix countryside.

Starting from Meyrargues, this hike offers superb views of the castle overlooking the village and the Durance valley. It takes you along the picturesque Pas de l'Étroit. The horizon is dominated in turn by the Luberon, Sainte-Victoire and finally the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps.

Short hike in the heath, on the heights of Meynargues, passing by a beautiful viewpoint over the Durance valley and the Grand Luberon, and ending with a visit to the village centre and a discovery of the remains of a Roman aqueduct.

Easy walk on little-used tracks and paths.

Discover La Quille (or Quiho in Provençal), an ancient abandoned village, topped by an oppidum and the ruins of a castle. With panoramic views of the Trevaresse mountain range, Sainte-Victoire, the Durance valley, the Provence canal, the Alpilles, Le Grand Luberon, the Pre-Alps... and beyond. A little further on is the Sainte-Réparade Chapel, before climbing a little higher up the hill. This route offers numerous viewpoints over the Durance valley.

There are several paths leading to the ridge overlooking Vauvenargues to the north. This one is very easy and takes you to the Tête du Marquis, a peak named after the Marquis who lived in the château long before the Picasso family. This hike can be done on foot, on horseback, by mountain bike or by electric bike.

Une magnifique promenade sur l'un des plus hauts massifs de Provence qui convient pour une sortie du club de randonnée en autocar (le départ du parking du barrage de Bimont et l'arrivée à Vauvenargues). La montée au Prieuré et à la Croix de Provence se fait par le sentier Imoucha et la descente par le sentier des Venturiers. De sublimes paysages de Paul Cézanne en 3D au sommet : la basse Provence jusqu'à la mer et l'étang de Berre, le sommet du mont Ventoux, les contours des Alpes au Nord.Attention. Un randonneur signale le 17 septembre 2024 :- Fermeture du Sentier Imoucha pour travaux du 01/10/2024 au 31/12/2024 et du 01/10/2025 au 31/10/2025.- Fermeture du Prieuré pour travaux jusqu'au 31/12/2024.

A wonderful outdoor excursion, perfect for a family day out and accessible to all fitness levels. In the heart of nature, this hike offers a peaceful getaway, where enchanting landscapes and easy trails allow you to recharge your batteries with ease.

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.

This short loop from the Bimont dam allows you to visit Roques Hautes. It is very accessible, even for families. You will see a marble quarry, numerous busy meadows and, of course, a beautiful view of the Sainte-Victoire mountain. There are a few changes to the route in the reserve, see the notices

A family outing, a cultural outing, an architectural outing... and a culinary outing if you like! Fountains, cathedrals, churches, museums, theatres, hotels, squares and other attractions... The main things to discover when you come to Aix-en-Provence, a city of water, art, history and well-being!

If you have limited time to visit the centre of Aix-en-Provence, this route, organised and recommended by the Tourist Office, allows you to see the main highlights.This circular route starts at the Tourist Office, located just a stone’s throw from an easily accessible car park.

The route is flat and located between the Durance and the former gravel pits. This wet and well-shaded area around large bodies of water is ideal for wildlife, including beavers, nutria, herons, swans, cormorants, egrets and ducks. Observation posts have been set up.

This hike offers breathtaking, legendary views of Lake Zola, with the Montagne Sainte-Victoire painted by Cézanne in the background. Marked paths alternate with wild trails.

This short hike offers a circuit that alternates between cliff tops and narrow valleys. After thefirst part, which offers a panoramic view of the entire hike and a passage over the Zola Dam, thesecond part immerses you in the Petite Mer valley (along the La Cause stream) and its dam.

A short circular walk taking you to the ruins of the Roman dam and then along the Zola dam. Comment on Monday, 24 March 2025. >Please note: the path between (1) and (3) is private property: there is a barrier and no trespassing. Go via the cemetery.

A beautiful hike starting from Le Tholonet, mostly off the beaten track. You walk along the small Cause stream in the Petite Mer, then continue on to the Zola Dam and the Bimont Dam. Return to Le Tholonet, passing close to Cézanne's mill.

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.

A walk that allows you to explore the Petite Mer with its hydraulic structures – the Roman dam, the old dam and the Zola Dam – to enjoy beautiful views of Sainte-Victoire and to get a closer look at the Bibémus Quarries.

Whether you want a leisurely family outing or a brisk run, this circular allows you to escape Le Tholonet on tracks and paths with little traffic, offering views of Montagne Sainte-Victoire.

A splendid hike away from the main trails on the heights of Lake Zola, which we will circumnavigate, as well as along both banks of the River Cause, which feeds the dam. Along the way, an ancient Roman dam, magnificent views of the lake and the Sainte Victoire massif, and the discovery of numerous shelters and caves. Finally, a short detour to the Bibémus quarries and their ochre-coloured carved rocks. Please read the ‘Practical Information’ section carefully.

An easy walk starting from Le Tholonet, allowing you to see the two dams and walk through the woods with a view of Sainte-Victoire and the entire surrounding valley. Easy to follow as the route is on main paths

A superb hike, best enjoyed in spring: the Zola and Bimont dams and the old Roman dam are magnificent.

Starting from Aix-en-Provence, a pleasant walk south of the Arc with some lovely views

A walk starting from the centre of Aix-en-Provence and following the course of the Torse river. Half urban, half nature. Discover little-known ruins.

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.

This very easy hike takes you in the footsteps of the viewpoints painted by Cézanne. The route takes you around the Sainte-Victoire National Nature Reserve. Along the way, you will see the Bimont dam, the Doudon aqueduct and an old marble quarry.

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.

Starting from the Aurigon car park, near Le Tholonet, this is a pleasant, easy walk to the Bimont Dam, following the GR®2013 trail which passes by the old marble quarry. After visiting the dam site, the route then joins the GR®653A trail, which passes by the Cézanne Refuge and the ruins of the Chapelle du Trou. Magnificent views and a varied landscape throughout the walk.

An exceptional hike at the bottom of Lake Bimont to be done before the dam is filled in 2019. Views of the most beautiful side of Sainte-Victoire, a beautiful climb, a magnificent panorama of the region, a walk at the bottom of the lake, old stones bearing witness to times gone by. Important: The end of this route, part of which is marked on the map in the lake, could be completed until May 2019, before the lake was filled. Read the practical information below. 11/09/2024: Closure of the Imoucha trail for 3 months, from 1 October to 31 December (2024 and 2025). Hiking is not possible during these periods. See practical information.

Hike through a landscape of rocks and vegetation dotted with ochre and red earth. The first part of the route follows a very wide path in the footsteps of Cézanne, offering extraordinary views of the Sainte-Victoire mountain (south-west side, the most painted by the artist), the Refuge Cézanne and the ruins of the hamlet of Le Trou. The second part is shaded, on a small path, shorter and wilder.

A pretty green area nestled between Aix-en-Provence, Bouc-Bel-Air and Gardanne.

This trail is an alternative known to local hikers for reaching the Saint-Antonin car parks when they have just completed a circular in Sainte-Victoire: it avoids following the brown-marked route, passing through the Col de l'Oppidum (alt. 580 m), then descending a very steep and rugged path. There is a 40-metre less elevation gain, and when you are in a hurry to get to the car park or tired, taking this Trou trail is a good option, especially in bad weather.

Discover Pertuis’s natural surroundings and venture into the hills to the north-west of the town.

A walk to discover the historic centre of this small Provençal town, which still has some beautiful old houses, fountains and pretty squares.

A hike that takes you up to the Sainte-Victoire priory and the Croix de Provence from the Plan d'En Chois car park.

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 pleasant walk with views of La Croix de Sainte-Victoire. The Bouquet car park can be busy during peak periods. It is therefore advisable to choose your timing carefully and not hesitate to set off early. Stop off at the Cézanne refuge before setting off along a wide path through groves of young oak trees and well-maintained olive groves. 07/11/2024: Hikes temporarily inaccessible: the black and green trails on Sainte-Victoire are closed by municipal decree due to rockfalls. See practical information.

It is a superb, very enjoyable hike with magnificent views, though it remains quite technical with tricky sections; there are always people at the Croix de Provence and the Prieuré de la Sainte-Victoire.

Hike along the ridge, with panoramic views of the Durance valley, vineyards, forests and Provençal mountains: Ventoux, Lubéron, Sainte-Victoire, Sainte-Baume, Alpilles and, in the distance, the peaks of the Alps.

A short hike, but with a decent bit of elevation gain nonetheless, beneath the Croix de Provence. It’s a good warm-up before tackling the Croix de Provence, which stands on the Sainte-Victoire ridge at an altitude of 948 m above the Priory, restored and maintained by the Friends of Sainte-Victoire since 1955.

La meilleure manière d'apprécier la Montagne Sainte-Victoire n'est pas nécessairement de monter au sommet mais peut être bien de rester à son pied. La boucle décrite ici, à l'aplomb de la Croix de Provence, vous fera découvrir la Face Sud sous tous les angles, de près et avec du recul. L'itinéraire est varié, vallonné avec de superbes vues.

This short hike runs along the steepest slopes of the mountain, where you will be dazzled by the mineral colours of the rock. You will discover the ruins of a medieval Celtic-Ligurian fortified settlement abandoned around the 10th century on the Untinos oppidum, and the return route offers magnificent views of the ochre ridges in the foreground of Sainte-Victoire.

The tour of the Cengle plateau is an easy circular hike around the Cengle plateau, a veritable balcony offering splendid and unusual views of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. You can also start from Beaurecueil (car park at the start of the path) or from the Bouquet car park on the CD 17 before Saint Antonin. It should also be noted that this area is much less frequented than the rest of the Sainte Victoire massif.

A circular loop in Sainte-Victoire. Ascent to Prieuré Sainte-Victoire / Croix de Provence via Écaille de Tortue and Gouffre de Garagaï, return via Gouffre de Garagaï and 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.

A magnificent and very challenging route in the Sainte-Victoire massif from the Deux Aiguilles car park, via La Marbrerie to access the Pas du Clapier, then on to the Pic des Mouches, descending via the La Tine trail and then climbing back up to the Baudino Refuge via the Chapelle de Saint-Ser.

A short, challenging hike, starting from Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon towards the Barthélémy Baudino Refuge, passing through La Marbrière and then the Pas du Clapier. There is a cave along the way. The return route goes round La Torque hill, then follows beautiful DFCI tracks at the foot of Sainte-Victoire. Magnificent scenery throughout the route.

Spectacular route on the southern slope of Sainte-Victoire, arriving on the ridge path via the Grotte des Hirondelles and descending via the Pas de l'Escalette and the Refuge de Cézanne.

A challenging and demanding route that sometimes straddles the line between hiking and light climbing.The route involves a triple ascent of Sainte-Victoire via the three marked trails to the south-west of the massif: the Black, Green (Forcioli) and finally Yellow trails.Then continue along the ridges to the east, crossing the plateau’s characteristic sharp limestone pavement, to the Brèche du Clapier.(__Please note: see important warning in the description__)

Circular loop around La Marbrière. A challenging and demanding route, sometimes straddling the line between hiking and light climbing. Route involving a west-to-east traverse of Sainte-Victoire via high-altitude paths and, at times, completely off-trail. Pas de l’Oppidum and Pas du Chat are also on the itinerary. 07/11/2024: Hikes temporarily inaccessible: the black and green routes on Sainte-Victoire are closed by municipal order due to rockfalls. See practical information.

An easy walk along a wide DFCI track.

A circular route on the southern slope of Sainte-Victoire, passing through the Col de Vauvenargues and the Col de Saint-Ser, then descending to the Ermitage Saint-Ser and the Refuge Baudino. The Saint-Ser black trail is closed from 1 February to 15 July 2023 (between 4 and 5). See practical information.

This large circular starting from Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon takes you through several characteristic places: the old marble quarry, the Barthélémy Baudino Refuge, the Hermitage of Saint-Ser and the pass of the same name, then the ridges on the way back to the Priory, the descent to the Pas de l'Escalette and the Cézanne Refuge and, finally, the Oppidum Untinos.