Explore Le Tholonet on walking trails with different themes: the Sentier patrimonial passes heritage information panels, while another easy circular route takes in the traditional agricultural landscape. The area also has the artificial Lac Zola, historic buildings and the Saturday market in Palette. These offer specific ways to plan your trip around the landscape, local history and food.
Walking trails: heritage or agricultural landscape
The Sentier patrimonial du Tholonet is a 6.3-kilometre circular trail that takes about two hours and has 70 metres of elevation gain. The route passes 20 information panels about Le Tholonet’s heritage. It goes through the village, through the hamlet of Palette and along a connecting path beside the Cause River. An optional 600-metre variant leads to the hamlet of Les Artauds; there are no information panels along it. The distance, approximate duration and elevation gain help you fit the route into your day, while the panels provide its historical context.
The “Le Tholonet – Entre oliviers et canal de Doudon” route has a different focus: this easy circular walk follows the landscape of traditional agriculture. It passes beneath the Doudon aqueduct and offers panoramic views of the Cézanne Triangle. The thematic contrast can help you choose: the Sentier focuses on heritage through its panels, while the easy walk draws attention to agriculture, the aqueduct and the panorama.
Lac Zola and the dam
Lac Zola is an artificial reservoir created after the Zola Dam was built. François Zola, the father of the novelist Émile, built the dam between 1847 and 1854. The lake can be reached from Le Tholonet on foot or by hiking. This landscape attraction combines access on foot with a clearly dated construction history.
Building history and exhibitions
The Château du Tholonet was built by the Gallifet family in 1776. The Church of Sainte-Croix in Le Tholonet was rebuilt in 1780 in the Neoclassical architectural style. The two dates refer to different events: the construction of the château and the rebuilding of the church. The Moulin Cezanne hosts exhibitions of paintings and sculptures. Building history, architecture and exhibitions thus offer distinct cultural themes.
Saturday market in Palette
The weekly market takes place on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Place des Libérateurs in Palette. Stalls offer fresh, artisanal pasta, seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh fish and organic dried fruit sold loose. Check the current market location before your visit.
Plan your stay around your interests
The market adds a specific Saturday morning event to a weekend stay.
Discover more destinations: Jouques, Ensuès-La-Redonne, Aurons, Charleval, Cornillon-Confoux, Ventabren, Rousset, Istres.
Go to the regional travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
