Barrage de Bimont

Updated June 11, 2025

## Barrage de Bimont, Aix-en-Provence: Practical Guide to Provence’s Turquoise Reservoir

A short drive east of Aix-en-Provence, the Barrage de Bimont (Bimont Dam) anchors a striking turquoise reservoir at the foot of Montagne Sainte-Victoire—the same ridge that obsessed Paul Cézanne. Beyond the postcard color, this site is a living piece of regional water infrastructure and a superb trailhead for some of Provence’s most rewarding hikes. Here’s how to visit responsibly—and get the best views—without falling for common mistakes.

### Why Bimont matters

Bimont is not just a pretty lake. It is an arch dam built between 1946 and 1951 and brought into service in 1952, designed by engineer Joseph Rigaud. The structure rises ~86.5–87 m with a crest length of about 180 m, forming a key safety reserve within the Canal de Provence network that supplies Aix, Marseille, Toulon and surrounding communes.

Crucially, the reservoir is fed primarily (about 90%) by water transferred from the Verdon via the underground Campane gallery; natural inflows from the local catchment account for the remainder. This helps explain the water’s intense blue-green hue—and why conservation rules here are strict. de Bimont

### No swimming, boating, or fishing—by law

The water tempts, but resist it. For safety and water-quality reasons, swimming, boating, and fishing are prohibited in the Bimont and neighboring Zola reservoirs. These prohibitions are backed by municipal orders (Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde and Vauvenargues). If you want a supervised beach day, the region points visitors to the Lac de Peyrolles instead. Site Sainte-Victoire

### Current access & on-site rules

– Dam deck access: The official site indicates pedestrian and bicycle access is currently open every day (motor vehicles are not permitted, except service and emergency vehicles). Policies can change during works or fire-risk periods—check the official page before you go. de Bimont
– Facilities: Regional tourism information lists a nearby car park, picnic area, and a shuttlebus service (when operating). Always verify seasonal schedules. d’Azur Tourisme

### The hiking payoff (and what’s changing)

Bimont is one of the best gateways to the Sainte-Victoire massif. The emblematic Imoucha trail links the dam to the Croix de Provence high on the ridge—a demanding route with classic panoramas. Due to heavy usage (about 130,000 hikers annually on Imoucha), local authorities are investing in multi-year rehabilitation to protect habitats and keep visitors on durable paths. Expect occasional rerouting or maintenance signage; obey closures. Monde.fr

Other clearly waymarked options start directly around the lake: loops that circle parts of Lac du Bimont, connectors toward Barrage Zola, and more ambitious ascents toward the Sainte-Victoire crest. Trail descriptions consistently rate many of these as moderate, with typical outings of 2–3.5 hours depending on elevation gain. Always carry sufficient water and sun protection; shade is limited.

> Route selection tip: If you’re set on crossing the dam as part of a loop, confirm its status the morning of your hike. Community reports sometimes note temporary closures linked to works or risk management; the official site is the source of truth.

### Orientation: Sainte-Victoire context

Montagne Sainte-Victoire extends ~18 km east of Aix and tops out at Pic des Mouches (1,011 m). It’s a dry, limestone landscape—glorious in winter light, demanding in summer heat. Bimont sits at the massif’s northern foot, giving you immediate access to ridge views, Cézanne country vistas, and the Croix de Provence silhouette.

### Practical planning

Getting there
– Coordinates: 43.5414088, 5.5358836 (Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde). Use “Barrage de Bimont” in your GPS to reach the regulated access road and parking area. Motorized access beyond posted gates is prohibited. de Bimont

Parking & facilities
– Expect parking near the dam and picnic areas. On peak weekends, arrive early to secure a spot and reduce congestion on access roads. Pack out all waste—bins may be limited. d’Azur Tourisme

Season & safety
– Heat & hydration: The massif bakes from late spring through early autumn; trails are exposed and rocky. Carry more water than you think you need.
– Fire risk: Provence frequently enforces high-risk closures and red-flag days; heed signage and local advisories. (This is common across the massif and may affect certain approaches or car parks.)
– Trail works & reroutes: Ongoing rehabilitation (notably on the Imoucha link to the Croix) may temporarily shift lines; follow official waymarks. Monde.fr

Inclusivity & access notes
– Surfaces range from compact gravel to rough limestone with steps, which can be challenging for some visitors. The dam deck itself is a flat crossing when open to pedestrians; approach paths vary in grade and footing. Confirm current conditions if step-free access is essential. de Bimont

### What you’ll see

– The dam structure: A concrete double-curvature arch dam—one of the post-war hydraulic feats in southern France. Even non-engineers appreciate the sweep of the crest and the dizzying drop toward the foot of the structure.
– Turquoise water & geology: The reservoir’s color is influenced by suspended fine particles and the Verdon-sourced supply; light against pale limestone amplifies the hue. (It looks tropical; it isn’t for swimming.) de Bimont
– Cézanne country panoramas: From dam-level outlooks to higher belvederes, you’ll frame Sainte-Victoire, the Plateau du Cengle, and the wider Arc valley—a landscape deeply tied to regional art history. Moments

### Quick facts (verified)

– Function: Strategic water reserve within the Canal de Provence network; also features small hydro units. de Provence
– Type: Concrete arch dam (double curvature).
– Construction: 1946–1951; service start 1952.
– Dimensions: Height ~86.5–87 m; crest length ~180 m.
– Water source: Predominantly Verdon via the Campane underground gallery (~90% of supply). de Bimont
– Use rules: No swimming, boating, or fishing; pedestrian/cycle access on the dam when open; motor vehicles prohibited past gates (service/emergency excepted). Site Sainte-Victoire

### Responsible visit checklist

– Stay on waymarked trails—erosion is a real problem here; rehabilitation efforts target path “braiding” from crowding. Monde.fr
– Pack water, sun protection, and a wind layer—ridge weather can turn quickly.
– Do not enter the water or scramble down to restricted shore zones. Regulations are enforced. Site Sainte-Victoire
– Check day-of access (dam deck status, fire risk closures) on the official site or the Grand Site Concors Sainte-Victoire pages before committing to a long loop. de Bimont

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Data accuracy note: Access rules and trail conditions can change with works, weather, and fire risk. The legal prohibitions on bathing/boating/fishing are long-standing and documented by municipal orders and by the managing authorities; verify any operational updates (hours, temporary closures) on the official channels before your visit.

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