Montagne Sainte-Victoire, Mountain range and ridge in Provence, France
Montagne Sainte-Victoire is a limestone massif stretching across Bouches-du-Rhône and Var departments, reaching 1011 meters (3317 feet) at Pic des Mouches. The east-west axis runs for about 18 kilometers (11 miles) and shows steep southern cliffs along with gentler forested northern slopes.
The area received its current name in the 17th century, following the construction of a chapel on the summit during the 13th century. The limestone layers formed millions of years ago as seabed and were lifted and folded by tectonic forces.
Paul Cézanne painted this formation more than 80 times from his studio near Aix-en-Provence, turning the profile into one of the most recognizable subjects in modern art. Many visitors today follow marked trails that lead to the spots where the painter set up his easel.
Several hiking trails lead from parking areas in Vauvenargues and other starting points to the ridge, with the southern side steeper than the northern approaches. Summer months bring access restrictions due to wildfire risk, so spring or autumn visits work better.
A 19-meter-tall Croix de Provence rises on the ridge, even though it does not stand at the highest point. The structure serves as a landmark for hikers and remains visible from much of Provence.
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