The Bibemus quarries and Cezanne
Presentation
FRENCH GUIDED VISIT.
A quiet natural haven just a step or two away from the city. The ochre rock bears the marks of time. Here Cezanne painted many of his masterpieces: the spot provides an exceptional view over Montagne Sainte-Victoire.
Nestled between Aix-en-Provence and Montagne Sainte-Victoire, this site is a key part of the history of the city and its mountain. The stones speak of distant times, when a host of sea animals lived in the quarries. Remains of tools and rock faces show traces ranging from the city's foundation in Roman times until the 20th century.
Lastly, the landscape with its ochre, green and blue colours is a reminder that the famous Aix painter Cezanne made it his "studio".
During a visit to Bibémus you can “talk about nature in a Cezanne painting”.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION :
- Walking guided tour with a certified guide
- Reservation required at the tourist office or on line
- Language : french
- Duration : about 2h
- Walking shoes advised
ACCESS TO THE SITE :
- There is no regular public transport going to the site of Bibemus quarries - Own car / taxi recommended.
- With your own vehicle : Meeting 20 min before at the Parking des 3 Bons Dieux (Coord. GPS : 43.53491, 5.47560), then convoy by car to the site (the site’s access by car is regulated – presence of a bollard on Chemin de Bibémus). In case of lateness, even slight, please call the activity provider.
By taxi, on-demand bus, bike or foot : Warn the guide (by text) – Meeting 10 min before on the parking at 3080 chemin de Bibemus by the gate DFCI (Coord. GPS : 43.53115, 5.50058 ).- On-demand bus : information and booking on https://www.aixenbus.fr/fr/NOL-Le-Bus-a-la-demande.html
- IMPORTANT : As the on-demand bus option is not guaranteed, we recommend you to book the transport BEFORE purchasing the tickets for the activity - once purchased the activity is non modificable, non cancellable, non refundable.
In case of lateness, the guide may refuse you the access to the visit : no refunds would be possible.
WHEN DOES IT TAKE PLACE :
- On Saturday at 10 am, from February 7 to November 14, 2026
- On Friday at 6 pm, from April 3 to Septembre 15, 2026
- On Friday at 5 pm, from October 2 to October 30, 2026
RATES
- Adult :18 €
- Free for City Pass Aix en Provence owner
- Free for children under 7 years old
CAUTION : This visit can be cancelled in case of closure* for forest fire prevention : From June to September, the Bibemus quarries site is subject to restrictive regulations.
Access to the daily schedule visiting the website myprovence.fr/enviedebalade, (view Sainte-Victoire). The information is updated the day before, at 6 pm.
*If access to Bibémus quarries in impossible, due to fire risk, we will offer you the option of postponing your visit orreceiving a refund.
- No pets allowed
- Tested by our advisory team
- Included
- From :
- 18 €
- Duration :
- 2h
- Visit language :
- French
- Means of transport :
- walking
- Number of participants :
- Guaranteed departure from 1 person
- 30 participants maximum
- Type of activity :
- Guided tour
- Included in :
- To take with you :
- Shoes, clothing suitable for the activity
- Water bottle
- Hat or cap in summer
- Other information :
- Tested by our travel advisors
- Pets are forbidden
- Important information :
- Subject to forest opening regulations (fire risks)
- Access :
- from the village or the place visited
- place accessible only with one's own vehicle