The Heritage Roads

	1 - Land and Heritage		2 - Land and Heritage
	3 - Hilltop villages		4 - Water in Provence
	5 -Energy and history		4 vineyards outings
	All tours

For all technical information (rates, addresses, dates...) please download the brochure (.pdf)

Tour 4: Water in the Aix Region

Take the D10 towards Vauvenargues, then when leaving Aix, turn right into Chemin de Bibémus

Aix en Provence

Zola Dam & Bibémus quarries
Built by Emile Zola’s father François (1795- 1847), this was the first arch dam. It held back the runoff water from the north of the Sainte-Victoire, channelled by the Infernet.
However, the project lasted a long time: in 1838 Colonel Marquis de Gallifet claimed his rights and lord and owner of the Infernet water and opposed the Zola dam project, adopted by the City of Aix.

Take the D10 towards Vauvenargues, then right: Bimont Dam St-Marc-Jaumegarde.

Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde

Bimont dam
Main feature of the Aix branch of the Provence Canal. This dam, built by Joseph Rigaud between 1946 and 1951, can store 40 million m3 of water from the Infernet and the Verdon. It is used to supply water to the large industrial and urban centres of the Valley of the Arc and Marseille.

Follow the D10 towards Vauvenargues.

Vauvenargues

Vauvenargues
Situated in a valley bounded by the Ubacs mountain and the Concors to the north, and to the south by the Sainte- Victoire, Vauvenargues boasts the impressive 17th century castle of Clapiers-Vauvenargus. The castle is owned by the Picasso family: the painter is buried in its grounds.

Then take the D11 by Grand Sambuc towards Jouques.

Jouques

By Grand Sambuc

Water at Jouques: Fountains, water supplied to hydroelectric plants from the Durance and the Verdon, water supplied to of Aix in the 1st century BC. Built by Sartorio.

Follow the D561 towards Peyrolles and then Meyrargues by the RN96.

Peyrolles

Plantain lake
Pedalo boats for hire / Fitness trail Come and enjoy a unique leisure area in a green and shady setting! Activities: Picnics, swimming, beach volley, beach soccer, bowls, ping pong, jogging or cycling around the lake on special paths, play areas and paddling pool. Important: the banks can be steep and dangerous.

Follow the D561 towards Meyrargues.

Meyrargues

This little town crowds around the base of an imposing castle, with a monumental staircase and an open courtyard. Originally built in the Middle Ages, it was transformed in the 17th century. In a valley behind the castle, there still stand three arche.

	Card : "Pass for Aix" pass
	Online Brochure: The Aix region, source of inspiration (practical information)
	List of tours starting from the Tourist Office of Aix en Provence