Those of you currently in lockdown in Aix can take advantage of the Parc Naturel Urbain – a green trail through Aix – which is developing fast. Basically, existing trails are being connected to newly created paths to form a 4.7km trail. Over 120 signs have been installed, either to keep everyone on track or to point out ‘sites remarquables’, interesting trees, archaeological remains and so on.
One of the organisers explained that 95% of the pathways were easy to create with complications only for the other 5%, for instance where the PNU cuts across private land: no objections but permissions take time.
The intent is to allow people to walk/ cycle from centre ville by scenic route out to the Sainte-Victoire. To enable this, the town has bought the Bois de la Cortesine which is the land at the top of the Torse park, previously used for parking when the annual fair was on. (To the left as you drive down past the swimming pool Yves Blanc). This will eventually link up with tracks to Bibemus – but the small river needs properly and safely bridging first. The work continues…
For the time being, you can join the trail at the Torse park following in the footsteps of Cezanne and Zola who used to spend happy hours down there with school friends.
Read more here: https://www.aixenprovence.fr/Parc-naturel-urbain
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