Mont Saint-Victoire ~ McC Ab Test

From our house here we look out at a high ridge running east to west to the south of us. This is Mont Saint-Victoire. It peaks at about 1,000 metres and is about 10 km long, and on this (northern) side it is green, with pine and oak turning into sparse scrub towards the tops. The south side is quite different - almost vertical bare rock. The white limestone cliffs stand out and can be seen from far and wide. On one of its high points is a 19 metre high monument topped by a cross, "La Croix de Provence" ("the Cross of Provence"), and nearby is a priory.

The whole area is crossed with walking and climbing routes and is very popular for outdoors enthusiasts. We have noticed that a lot of walkers and cyclists pass through the village, which must boost the little local businesses. We plan to try the walk up to the cross which is supposed to take one or two hours each way.

Yesterday we did an easier "warm up" walk, a 2 hour loop starting and ending here in Vauvenargues.

Following the highway east out of our village.

There is a lot of parking on the edges of the village, for visitors.

It looks more like a castle from this side.

An old shelter.

We had expected to have views back across to the village, but that did not eventuate. The path was mostly a rough vehicle track, with trees on each side limiting the views.

Came across cultivated clearings, mostly lavender.

Lunch was a fresh baguette in the fresh air.

We could see the Croix de Provence on the skyline above.

We ended up back at the village. That's our house down the road.

That was yesterday. Today we drove the scenic route right around Mont Saint-Victoire. It was hot and sunny, and gave me some needed driving practice. The road got quite narrow at times, and we passed many serious-looking cyclists doing the same thing.