The ochre molasse quarries of Bibemus used to supply the pale stone that is so characteristic of numerous monuments in the city of Aix en Provence.
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Situated between the route du Tholonet and the route de Vauvenargues, Bibémus refers to a rocky plateau, part of which was used as a stone quarry for a long period.
Use of the quarries goes back to ancient times and the stones were used to build Aix in the 17th and 18th centuries. In Cezanne's era, the quarries were practically abandoned. The painter rented a small hut there where he could keep his canvases and even sleep if he needed to. There he painted 11 oils and 16 watercolours in this landscape where mineral and vegetable complement each other.
As well as the viewpoint of Mont Sainte-Victoire and the nature portrayed in the painter's works, the site contains the very unusual motif of the orange rocks in geometrical shapes, from which Cezanne drew striking works that heralded Cubism and are renowned the world over.
Guided tour compulsory (reservation at the Tourist Office and on reservation.aixenprovencetourism.com). Unaccompanied tour not allowed.
The site is located in the middle of nature, steep path requiring a good level of mobility. Walking shoes recommanded. The Tour takes around 1 hour.
Use of the quarries goes back to ancient times and the stones were used to build Aix in the 17th and 18th centuries. In Cezanne's era, the quarries were practically abandoned. The painter rented a small hut there where he could keep his canvases and even sleep if he needed to. There he painted 11 oils and 16 watercolours in this landscape where mineral and vegetable complement each other.
As well as the viewpoint of Mont Sainte-Victoire and the nature portrayed in the painter's works, the site contains the very unusual motif of the orange rocks in geometrical shapes, from which Cezanne drew striking works that heralded Cubism and are renowned the world over.
Guided tour compulsory (reservation at the Tourist Office and on reservation.aixenprovencetourism.com). Unaccompanied tour not allowed.
The site is located in the middle of nature, steep path requiring a good level of mobility. Walking shoes recommanded. The Tour takes around 1 hour.
Situated between the route du Tholonet and the route de Vauvenargues, Bibémus refers to a rocky plateau, part of which was used as a stone quarry for a long period.
Use of the quarries goes back to ancient times and the stones were used to build Aix in the 17th and 18th centuries. In Cezanne's era, the quarries were practically abandoned. The painter rented a small hut there where he could keep his canvases and even sleep if he needed to. There he painted 11 oils and 16 watercolours in...
Use of the quarries goes back to ancient times and the stones were used to build Aix in the 17th and 18th centuries. In Cezanne's era, the quarries were practically abandoned. The painter rented a small hut there where he could keep his canvases and even sleep if he needed to. There he painted 11 oils and 16 watercolours in...
Payment methods
Payment methods
Payment methods
Bank/credit card
CashOpenings
Openings
All year 2025 - Open everyday
Guided tours only, no independent visits.
⚠ ⚠ Cancellation or modification of the visit possible in case of bad weather.
From June to September: the site may be closed by prefectural order depending on weather conditions. Check the evening before your visit at cg13.eway.fr , Concors Sainte Victoire zone , or by phone at +33 (0)8 11 20 13 13 (EUR0,06/mins).
⚠ ⚠ Cancellation or modification of the visit possible in case of bad weather.
From June to September: the site may be closed by prefectural order depending on weather conditions. Check the evening before your visit at cg13.eway.fr , Concors Sainte Victoire zone , or by phone at +33 (0)8 11 20 13 13 (EUR0,06/mins).
All year 2026 - Open everyday
Guided tours only, no independent visits.
⚠ ⚠ Cancellation or modification of the visit possible in case of bad weather.
From June to September: the site may be closed by prefectural order depending on weather conditions. Check the evening before your visit at cg13.eway.fr , Concors Sainte Victoire zone , or by phone at +33 (0)8 11 20 13 13 (EUR0,06/mins).
⚠ ⚠ Cancellation or modification of the visit possible in case of bad weather.
From June to September: the site may be closed by prefectural order depending on weather conditions. Check the evening before your visit at cg13.eway.fr , Concors Sainte Victoire zone , or by phone at +33 (0)8 11 20 13 13 (EUR0,06/mins).
Location
Location
Environment
Environment
- Forest location
- Town outskirts
Access
Access
- By car: “3 Bons Dieux” car park (free). Departure for the shuttle bus for visiting carrières de Bibemus (GPS 43° 32' 6.96 N – 5° 28'32.29 E).
