Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Around Aix-en-Provence
Mountains immortalised in oil and watercolour by Cézanne, wineries and some fabulous
lunches are just a short drive from Aix.
Sights & Activities
Montagne Ste-Victoire
MOUNTAINS
East of Aix towers Cézanne's favourite haunt, the magnificent silvery moun-
tain ridge of Montagne Ste-Victoire, with its dry slopes carpeted in
garrigue
(scented
scrub), lower lush pine forests, burnt-orange soil and Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence vine-
yards. Many hike the mountain's north side, but the south side, though steeper, is quite
beautiful. If you take the D17 along the south side, pick up info on hiking and biking at
the
Maison de Ste-Victoire
( 04 42 66 84 40;
www.grandsitesaintevictoire.com
;
10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10.15am-7pm Sat & Sun)
in St-Antonin-sur-Bayon. Their restaurant
has sandwiches (€3.50). The mountain is closed July and August due to the threat of forest
fire (though roads remain open). Driving the loop around Ste-Victoire is gorgeous; or
catch bus 110 (
www.lepilote.com
) from La Rotonde to Payloubier/St-Antonin-sur-Bayon.
Château de Vauvenargues
CASTLE
On the north side of Montagne Ste-Victoire, the D10 passes
Vauvenargues
, home
to 14th-century Château de Vauvenargues, where Picasso is buried. The red-brick castle,
bought by the artist in 1958 and his home between 1959 and 1961, still belongs to the Pi-
cassos. It opened its doors to visitors for a few special months in 2009 to raise money for
its restoration, nearing completion at time of research. It is once again closed to the pub-
lic, but views of it from the sweet village, with Ste-Victoire in the background, are spec-
tacular.
Aqueduc de Roquefavour
Take the D64 13km east of Aix, to stroll through the trees beneath Aqueduc de Roquefa-
vour, the world's largest stone aqueduct, built in 1861 to transport water from the River
Durance to Marseille. Afterwards lunch at Hôtel-Restaurant Arquier (
Click here
)
.
HISTORIC AQUEDUCT
