Montaiguet, Collines de Gardanne

The Massif du Montaiguet forms a small semi-circular massif, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Aix-en-Provence to the northwest and the town of Gardanne to the southeast. It is delimited to the North and East by the A8 highway, to the South by the RD6 road and to the West by the RN8 road.

This hill-shaped massif, oriented northeast / southwest, is carved with numerous northwesterly facing valleys, situated between Vallée de l’Arc and the Gardanne catchment area. It comprises chalky plateaux bordered by cliffs, plus several dips where crops grow. It rises to an altitude of 346 metres and its lowest point is situated to the North, at just 145 metres.

Part of Provence's coastal climate zone, the Massif du Montaiguet benefits from a typical Mediterranean climate, with prevailing Mistral winds due to its orientation. …

Montaiguet forms part of the small, natural region of Bassin de l’Arc. It is fairly thinly forested (50 %), with mainly dense and irregular populations of Aleppo pines mixed with evergreen oaks and durmast oaks on the North-facing slopes and in the valleys. The areas previously devastated by forest fires (in particular those of 1979 and 2005) are mainly covered with garrigue and re-planted trees.

Bordered by several urban centres (Aix-en-Provence, Gardanne, Luynes and Bouc-Bel-Air), the fringe areas and even central areas of the Massif du Montaiguet are relatively densely populated further to the extension of peri-urban business parks and ever-increasing social demand on woodland. However, the multiplication of individual houses in the massif appears to have stabilized in the last twenty years or so.

This massif is coveted for both its scenery and sporting opportunities, in particular by the inhabitants of Aix-en-Provence, but it also suffers from the effects of human activity. Montaiguet is of ornithological interest, with the presence of three remarkable species: the eagle owl, the common scops owl and the little owl.

The Collines de Gardanne (Gardanne Hills) form a small massif (5,800 acres) situated in the eastern half of the Bouches-du-Rhône region, to the southeast of Aix-en-Provence, between the Arbois, Sainte-Victoire, Regagnas and Etoile chains.

It comprises a set of hills of low average altitude and with gentle slopes. …

Average temperatures are fairly warm, but vary pretty widely throughout the year, with frequent frosts in winter and intense heat in summer. Rainfall ranges from around 600-700 mm/year. Although it is not exactly aligned with the Rhône valley, the Collines de Gardanne massif is frequently swept by the Mistral wind.

Forming part of the small natural region of Bassin de l’Arc, the massif is densely forested (74%) despite its high urban development, with 80 % Aleppo pines, plus around 20% evergreen oaks and rare garrigue.

Ibis Budget Aix en Provence Meyreuil Le Canet 1

Meyreuil

Located at 12 km from Aix city center, on the way to Nice N7. The smart choice for both business and leisure travellers. Our modern, comfortable and air conditioned room can accommodate up to 4 people, with a shower, toilet, and flat-screen TV, all at an affordable price. And in the morning, help…

Campanile Aix en Provence Meyreuil East

Meyreuil

For a short break or a longer stay in Aix-en-Provence, the Campanile hotel combines all the assets, including the location near the city centre (10 minutes by car) and facing Montagne Sainte-Victoire.
The hotel was renovated in February 2017 and is only 30 km from the Cassis calanques (rocky…

Ibis Budget Aix en Provence Est Sainte Victoire

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Located at 13 km from Aix city center, on the way to Nice N7. The smart choice for both business and leisure travellers. Our modern, comfortable and air conditioned room can accommodate up to 4 people, with a shower, toilet, and flat-screen TV, all at an affordable price. And in the morning, help…

Château Simone

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On the northern slope is a soil of limestone scree, in a cirque surrounded by forests, protected from wind and burning sun: a very unusual microclimate.

QuiQui Lamothe

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QuiQui Lamothe is a wedding dress designer in Aix. We aim to help the bride design the dress of her life! Our designer works with such natural fabrics as cotton, linen, silk and raffia so that the future bride will feel totally at ease.

Arc walk

Aix en Provence

A walk along the banks of the Arc which flows to the south of the city. The walk follows the meanders of the river and includes play areas for children, a fitness trail, and meadows shaded by large trees near the water.
It covers an area of 100,000m2. History: The municipality purchased the…

Where to eat

Food guide restaurant

Auberge Provençale

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A former coaching inn located 10 minutes from Aix-en-Provence, this restaurant has been renowned for over 25 years and offers tasty dishes cooked with fresh local products.
Renovated with taste, this traditional building has retained all its charm, exposed beams and fireplace with wood fire.

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Come to Meyreuil, a pretty little village to the south of Aix-en-Provence, and discover the Gril Campanile hotel facing Sainte Victoire mountain. Landscaped gardens to walk in and relax.
Traditional cuisine. Unlimited buffet.