Aix en Provence - Saint-Marc Jaumegarde - Vauvenargues - Jouques - Peyrolles - Meyrargues
 For all technical information (rates, addresses, dates...) please download the brochure (.pdf)
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| Tour 4: Water in the Aix Region |
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Take the D10 towards Vauvenargues, then when leaving Aix,
turn right into Chemin de Bibémus
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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.
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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.
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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.
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