The Quarries of Bibémus and Cezanne

Un îlot de nature paisible à quelques encablures de la ville. Sa roche ocre a donné son caractère à la ville et de nombreux motifs à Cezanne, dont la fameuse Montagne Sainte Victoire.

Nestled between Aix-en-Provence and the Sainte-Victoire mountain, this site is an integral part of the history of both the city and the mountain. The stone tells of time immemorial when numerous marine animals lived in the quarries. Traces of tools and quarry faces bear witness to the city's foundations from the Roman era to the 20th century. Finally, the landscape, tinged with ochre, green, and blue hues, recalls that the famous Aix-born painter Cézanne once made it his studio.

To visit Bibémus is “to speak of nature in a painting by Cezanne”.

➜ Guided walking tour
➜ Language: in French
➜ Duration: approximately 2 hours
➜ Walking shoes recommended
➜ Animals are not allowed

Access to the site:
● With your own vehicle: Meet 20 minutes beforehand at the Parking des 3 Bons Dieux (GPS coordinates: 43.53491, 5.47560), then drive to the site (access to the site by car is regulated – there is a barrier on Chemin de Bibemus). In case of even a slight delay, please contact the service provider.
● By taxi, bicycle or on foot: Notify the guide. Meet 10 minutes before in the parking lot at 3080 Chemin de Bibemus, at the DFCI barrier (GPS coordinates: 43.53115, 5.50058).
● In case of delay, the guide reserves the right to refuse you access to the tour. No refund will be possible.

Reservations can be made with the travel advisors at the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office or on the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office website.

⚠️ From June to September, the Bibémus quarry site may be closed* by prefectural decree depending on the weather conditions of the day.
Check the evening before on myprovence.fr/enviedebalade (Sainte-Victoire and Concors), or on +33 (0)8 11 20 13 13 (premium rate number).
Steep route requiring good mobility and walking shoes.

*In the event that access to the Bibémus quarries is impossible due to fire risk, we offer you the option of postponing the visit or receiving a refund.