Bouc-Bel-Air: History, Organ and Hiking Trails

Bouc-Bel-Air offers travellers several specific points of interest to help plan their trip: historic sites, landscaped gardens, an organ programme and hiking trails with published route lengths. Cultural highlights include a fortified outpost between Aix and Marseille, the local history surrounding the Château, the Église Saint André and the Chapelle Notre-Dame de l’Espérance. Access to some attractions is restricted to specific occasions, so this should be taken into account when choosing your travel dates.

History and religious buildings

The Castrum de Buccum served as an important fortified outpost between Aix and Marseille. Another historic landmark is the Château de Bouc Bel Air: it was built on a steep rock at an altitude of 279 metres to withstand Saracen incursions. The outpost’s regional role and the defensive role of a castle perched high above the surrounding area are two distinct aspects of local history. The Château belongs to the municipality of Bouc-Bel-Air, and numerous events are held there. It is open only during events and/or exhibitions. Before your visit, check whether an event is scheduled for your planned travel dates.

The Église Saint André is documented in records from 1098 and 1185 and was under the authority of the Abbey of Saint Victor. Its round-arched portal is listed as a protected monument. The Chapelle Bonne Mère, also known as Notre-Dame de l’Espérance, tells a different religious story: this Romanesque chapel dates from the 12th century and was a place of pilgrimage. The Chapelle Notre-Dame de l’Espérance is open only during the Journées du patrimoine; dates may vary.

Jardins d’Albertas

The Jardins d’Albertas bring garden design to the fore as another part of the area’s cultural heritage. The Marquis d’Albertas laid them out in the 18th century, and they are classified as a historic monument. They are a French formal garden with terraces, staircases, tiered pools and a cascade. This broadens the focus from individual religious and defensive buildings to a landscaped garden.

Organ and festival

The Orgue Jean Daldosso also adds a distinctive musical touch. It was inaugurated in May 2006 and is a polyphonic Baroque organ with links to the instrumental style tradition of northern Germany. Bouc-Bel-Air’s organ programme includes the Festival d’Orgue de Bouc Bel Air in July. Dates and programmes vary from year to year, so if you are interested, check the details for your travel dates.

Hiking trails by distance

The hiking trails in the municipality of Bouc-Bel-Air are intended to showcase the municipality’s natural and cultural heritage. The Sentier Bois de Bouc is 8.5 kilometres long. The Parcours Patrimoine offers a long route of 9 kilometres and a short route of 5.6 kilometres. At 8.5 kilometres, the Sentier Bois de Bouc falls between the short and long routes of the Parcours Patrimoine. As trail conditions may change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Roquefort-La-Bédoule, Entressen, Istres, Fontvieille, Septèmes-Les-Vallons, Alleins, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, Mas-Blanc-Des-Alpilles.

Return to the main travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.