|
|
Aix Itineraries |
Aix Martigue Itinerary |
Aix St-Remy Itinerary |
Aix Verdon Itinerary |
Aix Historic NE |
Aix Historic NW |
Aix Historic S |
Aix Historic SE |
This itinerary visits 7 villages to the north and northeast of Aix-en-Provence. The route is a loop, with a total distance of 85 km (about 2 hours driving time).
Route Map
Route. [10 km, 17 min]
Depart Aix to the north, on ancient Route des Alpes (D96), either crossing the A51 autoroute or taking part of the A51 to Venelles.
Venelles
On a busy road now, but inhabited from the 4th-century BC by the Celto-Ligurian Salyens, then the Gallo-Romans. The Venelles le Haut church has works by 19th-c sculpture F. Chabaud. A great view from the observation point on the roof of the Voûte Chabaud.
Location: 8 km north of Aix-en-Provence center.
Route. [12 km, 13 min]
North on the D556 about 3.5 km, left at the roundabout onto the D561 towards Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade. Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade
Agricultural town. The Romanesque Chapelle Sainte-Réparade was restored in the 17th century. Ruins of the Chateau du Puy. Nearby sites include the picturesque hamlet of Saint Canadet, Chateau de Fonscolombe, Chateau d'Arnajon, ancient mills.
Location: 15 km north of Aix-en-Provence; 7 km southwest of Pertuis; south side of the Durance.
Route. [11 km, 17 min]
Return east on the 561 to the roundabout junction, then north on the D556; continue across the Durance to Pertuis.
A sizable little town, once fortified, with narrow streets, vaulted arches, many 16th-19th century fountains. Office de Tourisme in a 12th-c donjon. A big Friday-morning market.
Location: 20 km north of Aix-en-Provence; north side of the Durance.
Route. [10 km, 16 min]
Return south from Pertuis, crossing the Durance to the same roundabout junction (D556/D561). Left (east) on the D561 to Meyrargues. Meyrargues
Village south of the Durance on the edge of a large wood, between Luberon and Sainte Victoire. Its 10th-century chateau dominates the village. With a Roman aqueduct; 18th-c stone column holding Notre-Dame de Lourdes; 18-c Greek-style St-André church.
Location: 15 km northeast of Aix-en-Provence; 7 km south of Pertuis.
Route. [5 km, 7 min]
A short hop east on the D96 to Peyrolles-en-Provence.
Fortified Medieval village, now a small farming and wine-growing town. 12th century Chapelle du St-Sèpulcre.
Location: 15 km northeast of Aix-en-Provence; south of the Durance.
Route. [5 km, 5 min]
East from Peyrolles. At the first roundabout (500m) go right (southeast) on the D561 to Jouques.
Medieval village built along the Réal river. Medieval castle Chateau d'If overlooking the village; outdoors monumental staircase; streets for exploring.
Location: 20 km northeast of Aix-en-Provence; 5 km east of Peyrolles-en-Provence.
Route. [17 km, 21 min]
East on the D561. In 1 km, right (south) onto the D11, a small twisty and beautiful drive through the woods to join the D10 and into Vauvenargues from the east side. Vauvenargues
Picturesque little village, with an imposing 16th-century chateau, a park, and the final residence of Picasso and his wife Jacqueline.
Location: 12 km east of Aix-en-Provence, on the D10, north side of Sainte Victoire mountain.
Route. [16 km, 23 min]
Go west on the D10, a pretty road past the Lac du Bimont and along the north side of Sainte Victoire, to Aix-en-Provence.
|
