Bouc Bel Air

Last update on Feb 21, 2026

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

Discover the village of Bouc Bel Air between Marseille and Aix en Provence

Bouc Bel Air is a pleasant village that is strategically located between the two major cities of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, and that has managed to retain its Provencal authenticity. Perched around a rock bearing the ancient seigniorial castle (7th century), Bouc Bel Air offers a sublime panorama of the surrounding area.

A superb view of the Sainte Victoire

From the belvedere, you'll have a wonderful view of the Sainte Victoire mountain range, the Etoile mountain range and the Monts Auréliens.

The pretty village centre

In the village, you'll be delighted to stroll through the quiet little streets with their chapels and pretty houses. You'll soon be enveloped by the gentle Provencal atmosphere that reigns in Bouc Bel Air.

The superb gardens of the Parc d'Albertas

The commune is fortunate to have an exceptional site on its territory that should not be missed under any circumstances: the Albertas gardens. A veritable work of art, the Albertas gardens are magnificently laid out and maintained. They are inspired by the French garden tradition in the style of Le Nôtre and d'Argenville, as well as the Italian style that has greatly influenced Provence and the Aix region in particular.

Terraces, ponds, statues, green walls and plantations follow one another like an enchantment... The Albertas gardens are open to visitors every afternoon in summer, but only at weekends and on public holidays in May, September and October. (Other periods: by appointment for groups).

Our map of Bouc Bel Air

To find your way around this pretty commune in the Pays d'Aix region, you can use our interactive map of Bouc-Bel-Air. You'll find all the points of interest in the village (town hall, tourist office, chapels, Parc d'Albertas, etc.) as well as our recommendations for accommodation in the area. You'll be able to locate them before you book your stay in Bouc-Bel-Air.

A good restaurant in Bouc Bel Air?

If you're looking for a good restaurant in Bouc-Bel-Air, we can recommend "La truffe dans tous les états", which specialises in Provençal truffle cuisine. If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, head to "Dolce Sapore" for some fine transalpine fare. We look forward to hearing from you!

What 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 Notre.

Things to do

Hiking. Tennis. Golf. Swimming 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...

Hotels

L'Etape ★★★

Bouc Bel Air (Bord de mer)

Warm welcome, excellent food and a comfortable and colourful hotel
Single or family rooms offer many alternatives - restaurant
Swimming pools (1 for children), boules area, secure car parking

74€ - 118€

Visit website

Accommodation

Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.

Your questions about the town of Bouc-Bel-Air

You have sent us many requests by email about Bouc-Bel-Air. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions in order to inform all our readers. Don't hesitate to write to us if you have any other questions.

How far is Bouc-Bel-Air from Aix-en-Provence?

Bouc-Bel-Air is very close to Aix-en-Provence, just 10 km away as the crow flies. Bouc-Bel-Air residents often work in Aix-en-Provence.

Why the name Bouc-Bel-Air?

The name of the commune often puzzles visitors, as we rarely associate the goat, the animal, with fresh air. In fact, "Bouc" has nothing to do with the animal, but comes from the Latin "Buccum" meaning mouth — Bouc-Bel-Air being the gateway to the Pays d'Aix. The term "Bel Air" was added in 1907 to distinguish the commune from Port-de-Bouc, also located in the Bouches-du-Rhône.

What are the inhabitants of Bouc-Bel-Air called?

The 14,800 inhabitants of Bouc-Bel-Air are called Boucains and Boucaines. The town's population has risen sharply in recent years due to the attraction of the Pays d'Aix and the region's healthy economy.

How far is Marseille from Bouc-Bel-Air?

Bouc-Bel-Air is only 21 kilometres from Marseille. It takes around 25 minutes with no traffic to make the journey. Some Bouc-Bel-Air residents commute to Marseille every day to work.

Who is the mayor of Bouc-Bel-Air?

The mayor of Bouc-Bel-Air is Richard Mallié. A long-standing member of the Popular Right, he has held many mayoral terms in the town, having first been elected by the Boucains back in 1989.

In which department is Bouc-Bel-Air located?

Bouc-Bel-Air is in the Bouches-du-Rhône département in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Strategically located between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, the town is a very attractive place to live.