Bouc-Bel-Air - Provence Web


Français	Magazine	Departments	Villages	Map
	Hotels	B & B	Rentals	Camping

Bouc-Bel-Air

Population : 12.430 inh.

Department of the Bouches du Rhône

13 km south of Aix en Provence via the A8 or the N7.

Bouc Bel Air is an agreeable village strategically situated between the two largecities of Aix en Provence and Marseilles. A typical Provencal village, it is built around a rock and an ancient 12th century chateau and it offers a panoramic view of the countryside.

From the look-out point, you have a beautiful view of Mount Sainte Victoire, "la chaîne de l'Etoile" and the "Monts Auréliens". In the village, you can leisurely walk around the peaceful streets and you will soon be seduced by the pleasant Provencal atmosphere.

The village is lucky to have an exceptional site that you must not miss: the Albertas gardens.
True works of art, these gardens are beautifully laid-out and magnificently maintained.

They have been inspired by the classic gardening tradition "à la française" in the style of "Le Nôtre", "d'Argenville" as well as the Italian style which has had a major influence on Provence, and particularly the region of Aix.

Terraces, ponds, statues, lush vegetation and plants of all variety make this an enchanting spot...
The gardens are open to the public every afternoon during the summer, including week-ends and public holidays in May, September and October. (other periods : by appointment)

Sites to see :

Parish church Saint André.
Bastide de la Salle.
12th century Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Espérance.
The Albertas Gardens, decorated with ponds
and 18th century statues, inspired by Le Nôtre.
Arts and crafts : visits to ceramic and earthenware pottery studios.

Leisure activities :

Hiking.
Tennis. Golf. Swuimming pool. Boulodrome.
Two sports complexes.
Market, every Thursday and Sunday morning.

Antique fair, every 2nd Sunday of the month.
Festival during the last week of June
and the first week-end in August.
December : autumn painting exhibition.
Numerous sporting events during the year :
mountain biking, triathlon, car-racing, horse-racing, cycling...

Tourist facilities :

Hotel-restaurant.
Camp sites. Holiday cottages (gîtes).
Bed and Breakfast.

Neighbouring villages :

Gardanne (5km), Cabries (4 km), Simiane Collongue (4km), Meyreuil (9km)