East of Aix rises Cézanne’s favorite haunt, the magnificent silvery ridge of Montagne Ste-Victoire, its dry slopes carpeted in garrigue (scented scrub), bristling with pines, crossed by stone-walled paths and concealing sites such as the 17th-century Ste-Victoire Priory. The burnt-orange soil supports Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence vineyards, and hiking, mountain biking and other activities can be arranged through the Aix tourist center. Many hike the 1011m-mountain’s north side, but the south side, though steeper, is quite beautiful.
If you take the D17 along the south side, pick up info on hiking and biking at the Maison de Ste-Victoire in St-Antonin-sur-Bayon. There's also a restaurant-cafe here. The mountain can be closed from June to September due to the threat of forest fire (though roads remain open). Driving the loop around Ste-Victoire is gorgeous, or catch bus 110 from La Rotonde in Aix to Payloubier/St-Antonin-sur-Bayon.
