The best walks and hikes around Lac Du Bimont

The Lac Du Bimont area offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 300 routes available. These range from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging mountain ascents, catering to all fitness levels.

Hikers will experience diverse and captivating landscapes. The region is characterized by the striking turquoise waters of Lac Du Bimont, continuous panoramic views of the iconic Sainte-Victoire mountain, and a varied ecosystem including fragrant garrigue, beautiful pine forests, and small wetlands.

Yes, there are many easy routes suitable for families. For a pleasant, shorter walk, consider the Lake Bimont – Amazing view loop from Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde, which is 4.3 km long and takes about 1 hour 14 minutes. This trail offers varied terrain with lovely lake views.

The area is rich in natural and historical points of interest. You can see the impressive Bimont Dam, an 87.5-meter-high structure, and the nearby Zola Dam. For those interested in history, the ancient marble quarry of Roques-Hautes is also along some trails. More adventurous hikers can aim for the Croix de Provence, a mythical summit offering expansive panoramic views.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the hiking trails around Lac Du Bimont and the Sainte-Victoire area. However, it's important to keep them on a leash, especially during certain periods or in specific zones, to protect local wildlife and ensure the safety of other hikers. Always clean up after your dog.

The best time for hiking around Lac Du Bimont is typically spring and autumn. During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the natural scenery is particularly vibrant. Summers can be very hot, making early mornings or late afternoons preferable, while winters are generally mild but can have cooler, wetter conditions.

Yes, many routes around Lac Du Bimont are circular. A popular moderate option is the Amazing view – Lake Bimont loop from Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde, a 7.3 km trail offering expansive views. Another great choice is the View of the Bimont Dam – Dam wall loop from Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde, which is 5.9 km and provides close-up views of the impressive dam.

The trails in Lac Du Bimont are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2,600 reviews. Hikers often praise the continuous panoramic views of Sainte-Victoire, the tranquility of the natural reserve, and the diverse terrain that includes beautiful garrigue and pine forests.

Absolutely. For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, routes leading to the Croix de Provence offer significant elevation gain and stunning rewards. An example is the difficult Sainte-Victoire Priory – Croix de Provence loop from Château de Vauvenargues, which covers 15 km and involves substantial ascent.

Parking is generally available at various access points around Lac Du Bimont, particularly near Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde and the Barrage de Bimont. These areas serve as common starting points for many of the popular trails.

While direct public transport to the immediate trailheads can be limited, it is possible to reach the general area of Aix-en-Provence by public transport. From Aix-en-Provence, you may need to arrange for a local taxi or consider carpooling to reach the specific starting points for hikes around Lac Du Bimont.

The natural environment around Lac Du Bimont supports a variety of flora and fauna. You might observe numerous bird species, including tichodromes, sparrows, wrens, and robins. Rock swallows can be seen nesting near the dam's buttresses, and praying mantises inhabit the garrigue thickets.