The Sainte Victoire
The Sainte Victoire mountain is the symbol of Cézanne’s Provence and reaches an altitude of 1011 metres. Hiking trails criss-cross the massif, offering a wonderful playground for nature lovers.
Discover our suggestions for walks to admire the most beautiful views of this sublime site.
The backdrop to the Pays d’Aix, the muse of Cézanne, the Sainte Victoire deserves its reputation. Its 35,000 hectares of biodiversity and landscapes shaped by forestry, farming and pastoral activities have earned it Natura 2000 status and recognition as a Grand Site de France since 2004.
Sainte Victoire walks
This incredible natural paradise lends itself to hiking, mountain biking and climbing. The northern side in particular, with its limestone plateaus where there are many starting points for walks (there are many car parks) and charming villages. Not to be missed are Le Tholonet, Beaurecueil, Saint Antonin sur Bayon, Puyloubier, Pourrières and Vauvenargues with its castle that belonged to Picasso.
This is also the side where the vineyards stretch out, to be discovered during a tasting, a bike ride or for an unusual film evening: some estates offer open-air screenings in summer.
The Sainte Victoire is also home to a rich religious heritage, from the Sainte Victoire priory to the Saint-Ser Hermitage, not forgetting the Croix de Provence.
A little higher up, at the Pic des Mouches, you can admire an extraordinary panorama, on a clear day, as far as Mont Ventoux, the sea and the Alps. The Pic des Mouches is also a departure point for paragliders, as is the Pas de l’Escalette at 610 m altitude.
Going to the Sainte Victoire
From the Escaletto Aix en Provence hotel, it takes about 20 minutes by car to reach the Bimont dam, 45 minutes to the Bibemus car park, 25 minutes to the Roques Hautes departmental estate and 30 minutes to the Maison Sainte Victoire in Saint Antonin sur Bayon.
Please note: before visiting the massif, check the access conditions. The massif is not accessible in very hot or windy weather.
