Croix de la Provence

To the south of Vauvenargues towers the Montagne Ste-Victoire ridge, made famous by Paul Cézanne. From the little hamlet of Les Cabassols to the west a road - part of the GR9 walking trail - leads to Croix de la Provence (945m/3,100ft). The climb - about 5km/3mi and taking about 1.5 hours - is mainly over gravel and rocky ground; sure-footedness, stout shoes and a good standard of fitness are essential.