carte Bouc Bel Air
Tourist map and places to visit in Bouc-Bel-Air
Are you looking for a map of Bouc-Bel-Air and the must-see attractions in this Provençal village? Perched on a rock 279 meters above sea level, this typical Provençal village is built around its medieval castle and Saint-André church. Located just 8.8 km from Aix-en-Provence, Bouc-Bel-Air offers a rich heritage with its chapels, listed gardens, and historic monuments. Our guide reveals all the secrets of this authentic destination between Aix and Marseille.
How long does it take to visit Bouc-Bel-Air?
A half-day is enough to discover the village's main attractions. You can stroll through the historic center in two hours, visit Saint-André Church, and admire the view from the rock.
If you want to include the Jardins d'Albertas in your itinerary, allow a full day. These gardens, listed as a Historic Monument, are open from May to September: weekends and public holidays from 2pm to 6pm in May, June, and September, and every day from 1pm to 7pm in July and August.
For a more in-depth exploration of the area around Aix-en-Provence, plan a weekend trip. This will allow you to visit the Sainte-Victoire mountain or neighboring villages such as Cabriès and Simiane-Collongue.
Where can I download a map of Bouc-Bel-Air in PDF format?
You can get a detailed map of the village by clicking on the “Download map” button above our interactive map. This free PDF document will help you find your way around the streets of the historic center.
The Aix-en-Provence tourist office also provides simplified maps of the Pays d'Aix. These maps include Bouc-Bel-Air and will help you plan your trips in the region.
For hikers, specialized maps are available for the trails in the Tour d'Arbois departmental park and the surrounding mountains.
Where is the Bouc-Bel-Air tourist office?
Bouc-Bel-Air does not have its own tourist office. The nearest tourist office is located in Aix-en-Provence at 300 avenue Giuseppe Verdi, 13605 Aix-en-Provence.
This office is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from January to March and from November to December. From April to October, it is also open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The multilingual staff will provide you with information about Bouc-Bel-Air and the entire Aix region.
You can also contact the Bouc-Bel-Air town hall for local information. It is located in the center of the village and provides practical information on municipal facilities and services.
What are the must-see places in Bouc-Bel-Air?
The Jardins d'Albertas: the jewel of the village
Listed as a Historic Monument, these gardens, created in 1751, blend French and Italian influences in a lush 8-hectare valley. The 17-jet fountain in the large basin, framed by tritons blowing their conch shells, is a true masterpiece.
The gardens are laid out in successive terraces with ponds, monumental statues, and groves. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for seniors. Don't miss the artificial grotto and the views of the surrounding countryside.
Saint-André Church and the medieval castle
The castle of Bouc-Bel-Air was built in the 8th century to resist Saracen invasions, on a steep rock 279 meters above sea level. Although in ruins, it still offers impressive remains and an exceptional panorama.
The Saint-André church, built near the castle, is worth a visit for its typical Provençal architecture. The village also has several chapels: the Chapelle des Pénitents, the Chapelle Sainte-Anne, and the Chapelle du Château de la Malle.
Remarkable heritage sites
You can admire the historic monuments of Bouc-Bel-Air, such as the Jardin d'en Haut, the Bastide de Montfinal and the Oppidum du Baou-Roux. The latter bears witness to human presence in this region since prehistoric times.
Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the trails to the Étoile and Rove mountains. These walks offer magnificent views of the Arc valley and the surrounding mountains.
How to get to Bouc-Bel-Air?
By public transportation
Several regular bus lines serve Bouc-Bel-Air: line 190 connects Simiane-Collongue to Aix-en-Provence via Bouc-Bel-Air, and line 191 runs from Gardanne to Aix-en-Provence. Cartreize lines 51 and 53 provide service to Marseille.
Regional trains C2 and K2 stop at Simiane station, located 30 minutes' walk from Bouc-Bel-Air. This option is convenient if you don't mind walking.
An on-demand bus service operates Monday to Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Book on 09 70 83 01 23 for €1.10 per trip.
By car
The A51 Val de Durance motorway crosses the town from north to south, providing easy access from Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. Take the Bouc-Bel-Air/Plan de Campagne exit.
The journey from Aix-en-Provence takes only 13 minutes via the A51. From Marseille, allow around 25 minutes via the same motorway. Free parking is available in the village and near tourist attractions.
What are the best hotels in Bouc-Bel-Air?
L'Etape, a Logis hotel and restaurant located between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, welcomes you in a modern setting with an outdoor pool and a gourmet restaurant. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom. This 3-star establishment offers free parking and traditional cuisine with Mediterranean accents. The kitchen team takes pride in offering you the intrinsic qualities of Provence: modernity, tradition, and a smile. The hotel can also organize your professional and personal events in its modern, fully equipped spaces.
Also worth reading to help you prepare for your stay in Bouc Bel Air:
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Cabries ( 4 km), Simiane Collongue (4km), Gardanne (5km) and Meyreuil (9km).