Belcodène

Belcodène: a charming Provencal village between Aix and Marseille

Nestled in the heart of the Bouches-du-Rhône region, Belcodène reveals its charm 16 kilometers southeast of Aix-en-Provence. This Provençal village of 1,919 inhabitants, perched at an altitude of 400 meters, is ideally situated between Mont Sainte-Victoire and the Sainte-Baume massif. Its mining past, unspoilt nature and hiking trails make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Halfway between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, Belcodène offers a typically Provencal haven of peace.

An authentic village in the heart of Bouches-du-Rhône

Belcodène's picturesque alleyways invite you to stroll between traditional stone houses and shady squares. The weekly market brings the central square to life every Wednesday morning, bringing together local producers and artisans.

The village's Provencal architecture can be seen in the colorful shuttered facades and period fountains that tell the story of the village. The panoramic viewpoint from Place de la Laïcité offers a beautiful view of the surrounding hills.

Village life is in full swing around the local shops: the artisanal bakery, the grocery store and the central café are popular meeting places for Belcodénois, perpetuating the convivial spirit of Provencal villages.

The town's mining history

Coal mining has had a profound impact on Belcodène since the 16th century. The Rocher Bleu shaft, an emblematic site, takes its name from a characteristic blue stone found in the underground galleries. This mine was the main extraction site in the region.

Mining activity reached its peak in the 19th century, with daily production exceeding 25 tonnes. Miners extracted the precious fuel that fed the local lime kilns and industries in Marseille.

The presence of former limestone quarries today bears witness to this rich industrial history. These converted sites are now home to a network of mushroom beds, perpetuating the tradition of subsoil mining in a more contemporary form.

Village heritage and points of interest

The highest point, Castellas, dominates the village with its ruined medieval tower, offering exceptional views of the Etoile mountain range and Montagne Sainte-Victoire. Heritage lovers will appreciate the Saint-Clair chapel, a small 17th-century architectural gem.

Signposted footpaths around the village lead to remarkable natural sites such as the grotte du Tonneau, witness to prehistoric occupation attested by the discovery of numerous flints. The Arques ravine, meanwhile, reveals wild landscapes dotted with pines and centuries-old oaks.

The Place de l'Ensoleïado is home to a monumental freestone fountain, a popular meeting point for locals during summer festivities. A heritage trail takes in the remains of the ancient Provencal bastides dotted around the town.

Outdoor activities and hiking

The 320 kilometers of marked trails around Belcodène reveal an unspoilt natural environment. The diversity of routes will delight beginners and experienced hikers alike, with gradients ranging from 100 to 800 meters.

The Grand Vallon massif offers exceptional panoramic trails. A 6-kilometer thematic trail traces the history of coal through old mining galleries.

For mountain bikers, 30 technical trails criss-cross the hills between Belcodène and Peynier. Detailed maps are available free of charge from the tourist office, which also organizes guided outings every weekend from March to October.

Nearby accommodation and hotels

Travelers have plenty of options for staying in the area. Villa La Licorne offers refined rooms with private pools and spas, perfect for a relaxing break.

Less than 5 km away, La Bouilladisse is home to Logis Hôtel La Fenière, a 3-star establishment renowned for its gourmet restaurant. Lovers of vacation rentals will find what they're looking for among the gîtes and guest houses dotted around the surrounding countryside.

For those on a tighter budget, several budget hotels are available in Aubagne and Gardanne, a 15-minute drive away. Advance booking is recommended during the peak summer season, from June to September.

Ideal location between Aix-Provence and Marseille

The commune of Belcodène benefits from excellent road access thanks to the A52 freeway. Daily commutes are quick: 20 minutes to Aix-en-Provence, 28 minutes to Marseille.

The recently modernized Belcodène motorway interchange makes it easy to get to major cities. Bus line 11 links the village directly to the center of Aix-en-Provence in just 17 minutes.

As the crow flies, Belcodène is 15 kilometers from Aix-en-Provence and 25 kilometers from Marseille. This proximity to both metropolises allows residents to enjoy a peaceful residential setting while remaining connected to the region's major employment areas.

From Fuveau to Aubagne: neighboring communes

The area around Belcodène forms a mosaic of dynamic villages. To the north, Fuveau stands out for its medieval heritage and renowned Provencal market. To the west, Gréasque perpetuates the region's mining heritage through its mining museum.

Less than 4 kilometers away, La Bouilladisse and Belcodène share a common history of coal mining. Hikers will particularly appreciate the marked trails linking these two Bouches du Rhône villages.

In Peypin and Saint-Savournin, terraced vineyards shape a landscape characteristic of the Sainte-Baume foothills. These communes regularly host cultural events that liven up local life, such as the fête des vendanges in September.

Further down this page, you'll find all our recommendations for accommodation in the commune.

Practical information

Belcodène town hall is located at Place Ribado and welcomes residents Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 5pm. The 13720 zip code covers the whole commune, which is part of the Aix-Marseille-Provence metropolitan area.

The municipal services offer a one-stop shop for all your administrative formalities. A digital space gives residents 24-hour access to online services.

According to the latest population census, the commune will have 1,948 inhabitants in 2024, spread over an area of 13.17 km². Belcodénois benefit from a modern media library, a multi-purpose hall and a post office open from Tuesday to Saturday morning.

Our interactive map of Belcodène (postal code 13720)

To find your way around Belcodène, you can use our interactive map on this page. We've included all the village's points of interest (town hall, church, etc.) as well as our recommendations for accommodation in the commune. This will help you locate them before you book your stay in the charming village of Belcodène.