エクスアンプロヴァンスの湖・トップ7

The dam of Lake Zola can be reached via beautiful trails. It was built between 1847 and 1854 and is one of the first arch dams in the world; according to Wikipedia, it may even be the very first. The lake served to supply Aix-en-Provence with drinking water, which was piped there via an aqueduct. A beautiful destination directly from Aix, or from Le Tholonet.

Very worthwhile excursion from Aix, the altitude is worth it!

This reservoir was created during the construction of the Marseille canal in the 19th century to supply the city. It is a beautiful nature reserve in the heart of the hills of the Arbois plateau. The site is a very rich ornithological reserve, and you can observe many species such as coots, swans, cormorants and egrets.

I did part of this route. The views are magnificent and the route very pleasant. Everything is spoiled by the fly-tipping and the shanty town set up near the TGV station. Unacceptable in a departmental park where signs order us not to throw away our papers!

Magnificent panorama with easy gravel access

A small, easily accessible natural setting, surrounded by pretty trails and pleasant tracks, both for walking and mountain biking or gravel bikes. The Réaltor basin offers a beautiful diversity in terms of bird life: coots, grebes, swans, cormorants, egrets... and more during migration periods. Note that the banks on the north-east side (Calas side) are open to the public, but the south-west part (TGV station side), belonging to the Société des Eaux de Marseille, is fenced and inaccessible.

Very beautiful views of Lake Zola and Ste Victoire from the dam

Exceptional site with the lake, the dam and the view of Ste Victoire!