The quarries of Bibémus Aix-en-Provence

The quarries of Bibémus are among the most beautiful sites of Aix-en-Provence. Located on the other side of the plateau which is set up in the valley of the Tholonet, Bibémus stands for a rocky platform whose 7 ha have long represented a working area for the extraction of stones.

The farms date back to Antiquity and were used for the construction of the city in the 17th and 18th centuries. The specific structure of the rock of Bibémus gives it this golden color very brilliant.

As a point of interest : Going into an abandoned career, a foreign visitor discovers a whole other universe ... He penetrated into a setting that was both luminous and green ... He felt almost like he was in paradise!

The quarries of Bibémus are equipped with hanging cliffs which give place to niches, hollows and to-peaks. As far as the vegetation is concerned, nature is formed by pines, arbutus, oaks and cistus.

In 1888, this famous square for its "unique" side was the main muse of the painter Paul Cézanne. He found there his inspirations, besides, he was not the only one ... many artists and photographers reproduce every corner of this splendid stone quarry.

If you are passing through Aix-en-Provence, do not hesitate to visit its Town Hall which is clad in an attractive and golden color due to the stones of the quarry. The site of Bibémus is today classified "property of the city of Aix-en-Provence" since 1998.

It is a decision taken by the American Georges Bunker confident that there will be no commercial exploitation, but that the place will be protected as a public site to pay tribute to the great painter Paul Cézanne.

How to reach the park of Bibémus? It is necessary to take the bus n ° 4 from the Rotunda and then to stop in the parking of the Three Good Gods. Also, it is necessary to wear shoes suitable for walking. Trails can be difficult for people with disabilities.