The Sainte Victoire in Aix-en-Provence

The Sainte Victoire mountain is situated between Aix-en-Provence and Pourrières. It is like a sort of link between the Var and the Bouches-du-Rhone. This great massif has a very good reputation which is recognized throughout the world ...

Sainte Victoire was the favorite muse of the painter Paul Cézanne who did not deprive himself of immortalizing this place on more than 40 paintings. Nowadays, it is possible to go hiking on the mountain to learn more about the artist's favorite places and why not to visit his abandoned workshop in his state since his death.

The great chain of the Sainte Victoire is also an extraordinary paradise for those who are passionate about hiking. It is indeed labeled “Grand site de France” and has marked trails of about 250 km of all levels.

Even those who are not regular visitors will also find what they are looking for there. They will have the chance to go on the adventure for several days in order to assess their independence and their potential as a walker. If you too, you need to measure your level, know that less difficult tracks are dedicated to the initiated people. Moreover, shelters and lodgings are present on the premises to welcome you for a stage of one night.

So as to get the chance to savor the hike with serenity and to contemplate the landscapes without losing a crumb, professionals can accompany you and make you discover magical places well hidden in Sainte Victoire.

Here is a small topo of the hikes that you will be able to realize: the site advances 27 pleasant and well-marked trails that are labeled PR. The one that is at the beginning of Pourrières leads exactly to the bottom of the Sainte Victoire. Nevertheless, you can always inquire at the Office of Tourism of Aix or the house of the holy Victoire on Bayon which will be in charge to communicate to you the topos in order to more elaborate hikes.

Situated at the foot of the Sainte Victoire massif, Pourrières is a small Provencal village where Cézanne spent some time on vacation with his grandparents. The area advances easier access to the mountain. That is why, the painter has had several opportunities to be able to immortalize the mountain and its environment. Built in August 2000, the Grand Site Sainte-Victoire has an extensive land area of ​​34,000 hectares, of which 6,000 are among the preserved sites.