Plans are afoot to create a cycle and walkway to link the town centre Parc Jourdan to Bibémus which will, en route, link the Collines de Cuques, the lovely Torse park and the Parc de Roc Fleuri. Bibémus is one entry point to the Grand Site Sainte-Victoire, and of course one of Cézanne’s key painting locations – he produced 27 works from this spot alone.
It will be a 4.6 kilometre trail, perfect for walkers, runners and cyclists. Apparently 95% of the proposed walkway is clear for use – just 7 ‘pointes de difficultés’ to negotiate.
Meanwhile, Parc Jourdan is in for a facelift. This 4-hectare park which opened in the 1930s links the university area with the town centre and is home to statues of Mistral and Zola as well as a 18th century bastide used as a centre for Provencal culture.
The upper half is linked to the lower part by steps which, I had no idea, were part of a massive water-feature down to
the reflecting pool we still see. This cascade will be restored. Play areas will be renovated, the boulodrome will be integrated, and a small eating area will be established.
Better security is also on the worksheet: railings will be heightened to 2m and added protection will come from a private security company and three CCTV cameras.
So does that mean the park will host more events? Not if the locals are listened to. At a recent meeting, they expressed their wish for the park to stay non-commercial, although both Smart and Coté Sud will remain since they generate economic value for Aix. But that’s it, mayor Marysse Joissains has promised.
No details yet of timings and costs………but it all sounds like a positive move for the locals, and a great attraction for visitors staying in central Aix.
aixcentric 
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