Le Tholonet is a town in Bouches-du-Rhône, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, to the south-east of Aix-en-Provence which it borders on.
Its territory of nearly 11 km² ranges from 150 to 350 m above sea level, located at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire mountain, which rises to the east.
Crossed by the Cours de l'Arc and de la Cause, and the main roads of the RN7 and A8, the locality is also served by the RD17, locally called the Route Cézanne, which links it to Aix but especially in the mountain immortalized by the painter.
Covered by forests (33% of its area) and agricultural land including vineyards with renowned production (appellations "Palette" or "Côtes-de-Provence Sainte-Victoire"), Le Tholonet was inhabited by man from Prehistory then under Roman Antiquity (remains of an oppidum and an aqueduct supplying Aix). Lordship depending for a time on the bishops of Aix before the Revolution, it was however in the 19th and 20th centuries that the town became famous. Paul Cézanne, above all, and soon other artists have their habits there and multiply the canvases representing the mountain, now classified "Grand site de France". From now on, many visitors follow in their footsteps to explore this emblematic place of the region, of the history of art but also of great ecological wealth. A step is required!
Although included in the perimeter of the Aix agglomeration, the town which has about 2,400 inhabitants spread over a town and several hamlets has retained a quality heritage.
This is the case of the Château du Tholonet, in the east of the territory: it was built in 1470 before being completely restored in a classical style around 1640 by its new owner at the time, Alexandre de Gallifet, president of the parliament of Aix-en-Provence. Later, the grandson had a theater fitted out for his mistress (that is to say, Mirabeau's wife). At the same time, a sawmill was also established to cut marble from the famous Roques Hautes quarry. This building has disappeared. Finally, on the estate, a mill dedicated to pressing olive oil was in operation. Still looking good, the site is now the property of the Société du canal de Provence.
Next, see the parish church of Sainte-Croix, rebuilt in 1780. Its classic-style facade features a bell tower with an arcade. Inside, there is a carved wooden pulpit, two paintings from the 17th and 19th centuries, votive offerings and a marble high altar.
We must also mention, to the east, the remains of a Roman aqueduct which crossed the Cause and the Zola dam (named after the writer's father, designer of the work in the mid-19th century), 7 km long, making it possible to channel the water flowing from the mountain to supply Aix….
In addition to traces of the Via Aurelia (which served Gaul from the current Italian coast of the Mediterranean), a stop is possible at the Cézanne mill, a former windmill that the painter represented and which, after having been restored, has become an exhibition space (paintings, sculptures). Information on +33 4 42 66 85 14.
On the cultural side again, the media library housed in the Georges Duby space regularly programs quality events (meetings, readings). Contact on +33 4 42 66 85 14.
For athletes, please note that you can book a tennis court at the local club on +33 4 42 66 97 03.
Finally, head for the Cézanne road that you take if often the artist to paint hundreds of canvases, installed "on the heights to see those who could disturb him and surprise him at work". For specialists, it is in front of the Sainte-Victoire mountain that the artist (1939-1906), impressionist and precursor of Fauvism and Cubism "endeavored to penetrate the problems of space and color". Classified "Great site of France", the place has hardly changed since. It is still dominated by the Croix de Provence (the first, in wood, was erected in the 17th century, the current one started in 1871 was completed in 1875). Measuring 19 m in height, it owes its originality to its metallic heart which contains the names of the subscribers and the 104 donor parishes.
In addition to the road itself, many hiking trails link the town of the town to the mountain (which rises to more than 1000 m above sea level) through vineyards, wooded areas, scrubland and more arid areas. The views are magnificent, and the routes take a number of areas of great ecological wealth. Please note, in summer, access is regulated due to the risk of fire. Information on the mountain site and the activities scheduled there on +33 4 42 64 60 90 and on hikes on 04 42 161 161: in addition to the mountain, some routes can lead to the center of Aix-en-Provence or those dedicated to the vineyards (with tasting breaks).
