Allauch walks

A short sporting excursion in the hills of Allauch: Petite and Grande Tête Rouge, returning via the Notre-Dame du Château Chapel, offering three magnificent viewpoints. Finally, a short stroll through the village of Allauch.

The hills of Allauch offer constant points of interest. Hunters use paths that are covered by vegetation (be careful, it can be quite prickly...). The caves are enigmatic, particularly the Étoile cave (a very large tunnel). As usual, the view of Marseille from the Grande Tête Rouge is well worth the climb. The section crossing the stream bed is very pleasant and accessible. There are springs to discover all along the route.

Double circular in the hills of Allauch starting from the Notre Dame du Château Chapel. Walk along the Baume des Pestiférés and the Tête Ronde, then climb up to the Pic du Taoumé. Then pass through the Escaouprés valley and begin the climb to the summit of Grande Tête Rouge, then Pounche des Escaouprés. Return via an old bauxite quarry at the foot of Petite Tête Rouge.

A pleasant short route in the hills overlooking the village of Allauch, passing by Notre-Dame du Château and the ruins of the Sainte Croix du Lointain chapel. Beautiful views of Allauch and Marseille.

A pleasant hike to the Baumes des Pestiférés, then a detour to the Vallon des Escaouprés with its large limestone slabs and water-filled potholes. Along the way or nearby, you will find the Pichoun Ome spring, the Grande Tête Rouge, Le Col du Sauvage and La Tête Ronde with ancient bauxite deposits, the Berger and Etoile caves, La Source du Chien and its rock carvings, and finally La Pounche des Escaouprés. Beautiful views of Allauch, Marseille and the Étoile mountain range.

A lovely circular walk along the paths of Marcel Pagnol, with panoramic views of the sea and mountains. To finish, a more touristy spot: Allauch and its little Notre-Dame du Château Chapel.

This route allows you to discover the old bauxite mines in the Allauch massif. These small deposits in shallow galleries were quickly exhausted. For safety reasons, the entrance to some galleries is blocked by gates and rubble. Remains of these mines are still visible. This route also allows you to discover the Baumes des Pestiférés, the Pichoun Ome spring, the Tête Ronde and the Grande Tête Rouge.

This is a hike that climbs quite steeply on a tarmac road right at the start, then continues to climb quite steeply for a few kilometres. You then descend gently, with a few sections over rock that are a bit tricky, but not too much. The route takes you across pleasant plateaus with unobstructed views of the Vallon des Amandiers and Sainte-Baume, with Marseille in the background.

Route in the hills of Allauch, taking paths that are less frequented than the main tracks. A feeling of wild tranquillity in the heath. Beautiful views of Marseille and the Chaîne de l'Étoile, particularly the Aire de la Moure, a training area for Civil Protection aircraft.

A short hike but with lots of curiosities to discover. Engravings on limestone slabs made by the ancient shepherds of Pas dei Menoun and Source du Chien, a rare spring that still flows throughout the winter and into spring. The Berger cave and its engravings, the Grotte de l'Étoile where you can see water gushing out after heavy storms. Finally, on the way back, the Laurier spring and the ascent of the Grande Tête Rouge for a 360° panorama of Marseille and its surroundings.

This is a fairly challenging hike that takes you to several highlights of the Garlaban massif, such as the Col de l'Amandier, the Parloire and the Barre Coupé, the Plaine de la Grive (a strange, undulating plain), the Col du Tubé and the Taoumé. All this with beautiful 360° views of the entire region. This plain should not be confused with the Corniche des Tourdres (thrushes in Provençal), which is located above Lascours.

A pleasant hike starting from Allauch to discover the Vallon de l'Amandier with beautiful views of Marseille and the Côte Bleue.

A pleasant circular route starting from Allauch to discover the Pic du Taoumé via the Pounche des Escaouprés. Along the way, you will pass the Grotte du Grosibou, Baume Sourne, the Puits du Mûrier and then return via the Col du Tubé. Throughout this route, you can enjoy a sumptuous 360° landscape.

After a long spell of rain, this route allows you to discover water gushing from the depths of the Grotte de l’Étoile. Following the stream bed, the route descends to a magnificent waterfall, which you will then climb up to reach the overflowing Source du Chien further up. Then, as you climb up the Vallon des Escaouprès amidst the potholes, a detour is a must to Font Berguette and its jet of water emerging from the middle of the cliff. A dazzling spectacle. Finally, a walk towards the Pic du Taoumé before returning to the starting point via a wide track.

An original route starting from Allauch towards the Pic du Taoumé, passing through the Pas de Menoun and the Source du Chien, then heading up the Vallon des Escaouprés amidst the water-filled limestone potholes. En route, take a detour to the Grotte de l’Étoile where, after heavy storms, you can see water gushing from its channel, then on the return journey, through old bauxite mining galleries. The whole route is crowned by sumptuous landscapes. (see the nearby section)

A short hike to the famous Taoumé, dear to Marcel Pagnol. It is best to avoid this walk in the heat of summer.

Hike around the Tête Ronde, with superb views of Marseille.

This hike will allow you to discover a large part of the Garlaban massif. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful. The views from the peaks are superb. From the summit of Grande Tête Rouge, you can see all of Marseille from Callelongue to L'Estaque, and from Garlaban, the Gulf of La Ciotat and Cassis.

This is a hike over somewhat challenging terrain that ends off-track to reach the summit of Tête Ronde. You can enjoy beautiful scenery and visit the Bauxite Cave on the way back. It is a short, well-trodden route

The ruins of Jas de Batisto are nothing extraordinary. However, they provide a destination for a short hike on a sunny afternoon. The view of the Passe Temps valley, Garlaban and Escaouprés is magnificent. The area is wild and, with a little luck, you may see partridges and hares.

Another suggested route to reach the Pilon du Roi via its valley, starting from the Chemin des Gages in Plan-de-Cuques via a beautiful ridge path between the Vallon des Escombes and the Chemin de Mimet. After a round trip to the lookout point and a passage at the foot of the Pilon du Roi, the return route also follows a ridge between the Vallon de Mauvelle and the Vallon du Pilon du Roi, passing via the Caban. Magnificent 360° views throughout the route.

Another route to reach the Vallon des Escombes via beautiful tracks running alongside the Chemin de Mimet and through the Puits de Besson. A magnificent panorama of the Étoile massif, followed by the wild, rugged landscape of the Vallon des Escombes. Finally, a tunnel of vegetation to pass through. Important note: please take careful note of the practical information before setting out on this hike.

Ascent to Taoumé via the Pas du Loup and return via the Jas de la Badoque and the Vallon de Passe-Temps. You’ll pass by the Bastide Neuve, the Jas de Baptisto, the rock carvings at the Pas du Loup and the Grotte du Grosibou.

A hike to the highly original Aire de la Moure with its panoramic view of the Marseille region. Avoid Thursdays, as this is when Canadairs and other Dash 8 aircraft practise their drops.

An easy hike, mostly on fairly wide tracks, then a path leading to the Aire de la Moure from the Vallon de Mordeau. Beautiful views of Marseille and all the surrounding hills with beautiful colours to discover. You may even see black pigs raised organically along the way.

A circular walk on fairly wide tracks in the Plan de Cuques Communal Forest with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the city of Marseille, starting from La Montade. The first part of the walk is quite strenuous as it climbs steadily. The second part is downhill. Can be done on foot or by bike.

A challenging hike between two parallel, wild and rocky valleys. The route linking these two valleys follows a lovely track that passes by the Cauvières springs and the Gargoutier well. Beautiful views of Marseille and the Chaine de l’Etoile. A GPS is essential. Please take careful note of the ‘Practical Information’ section before setting out on this hike.

Just a stone’s throw from one of France’s largest urban areas, with wild valleys and picturesque, panoramic ridges.

A very challenging circular route to Pilon du Roi, passing through four magnificent valleys: the Vallon de Mauvelle with its large limestone basins to cross, the Vallon du Pilon du Roi with its strangely shaped rocks that sometimes seem to be watching us, the more accessible Vallon de Fontvielle with its caves and springs, and the Vallon des Escombes, sometimes wild, sometimes calm, with its long tunnel of vegetation at the end of the route. A short stretch of tarmac through La Montade to return to the starting point.

A very beautiful Nordic walking route with no difficulty and wide tracks. A magnificent panorama of the entire Chaîne de l'Étoile and views of Allauch, Plan-de-Cuques, Marseille and its harbour.

A pleasant, undemanding route starting from La Fève, ascending the wooded Vallon de l’Oule – a haven for numerous game species – towards the Col de l’Amandier, before descending the Vallon de l’Amandier, a wilder valley with its limestone slabs and potholes. The return route via the Puits de Boude leads back to the starting point along a wide DFCI track, offering beautiful views of Allauch, Marseille and the entire Étoile mountain range.

A hike to the famous Taoumé, dear to Marcel Pagnol, via the Vallon de Passe-Temps from La Treille. Return via the Vallon des Escaouprés.

The free Pays d'Aubagne et de l'Étoile bus network offers some unique routes. For example, line 10 (Aubagne Station – La Treille) will drop you off at La Treille, just a stone’s throw from Marcel Pagnol’s grave. You can then head into the hills where he filmed his movies. You will then pass through the magnificent Font de Mai estate. Afterwards, you can return to Aubagne on bus route 14 (Éoures – Aubagne Station). Please note that these buses do not run on Sundays.

A short hike in the Étoile massif between tracks and trails. You will often come across a herd of goats roaming free on or near the boules court. Please do not feed them (there is a sign reminding you that this is prohibited). However, if you have any water left over after your hike, especially in summer, please feel free to fill their water tanks.

A suggested route to reach the Aire de la Moure, taking you off the usual wide tracks and favouring paths at the bottom of valleys with varied and wild scenery. Please do take the practical information into account.

La Parloire and La Barre Coupée – everything has been said about these two distinctive features of the Garlaban massif. Every time we pass through, we appreciate this superb landscape. There are several possible starting points for exploring this site. I suggest a route starting from Les Maurins, entirely on footpaths. It’s a hike that can easily be done in half a day. It could also serve as a basis for planning a longer hike in the future.

A beautiful hike in the Massif de l'Etoile, with superb views of Marseille, its surroundings and the Frioul Islands. The colours and scents of the heath accompany walkers throughout the circuit.

Starting from the village of Logis Neuf, a classic hike to the Pilon du Roi via its valley, but with an alternative return route through another small valley passing below Notre Dame du Rot, which is well worth exploring for its wild and rugged character.

This is more of a walk to enjoy with family or friends. The route follows a DFCI (firebreak), so the paths are very wide and very pleasant for children to cycle on or for pushing pushchairs. The path is wide, practically along the entire length of the route, but gently sloping. This is the Chemin de Mimet. When you arrive near Notre-Dame-des-Anges, below, there is a narrow, rocky and picturesque path for experienced walkers. It leads to the Grotte des Ermites, some 100 metres below. You then have to retrace your steps. Children will be safe during this descent to the Grotte des Ermites, which will leave them with a very nice memory. It's not very long, but it's really very pretty.

Another idea for a route to reach the magnificent site of La Parloire is to take beautiful trails with views of Marseille, the Chaîne de l'Étoile and the Montagne de Sainte-Victoire.

A challenging, long circular route starting from the Vallon de la Vache towards Mont Julien, the Grotte des Fées, the Tête du Grand Puech and the Aire de la Moure. A few DFCI tracks, plenty of steep, well-signposted paths offering a magnificent 360° panorama. As an added bonus, in the morning you can watch the civil defence aircraft training above the Aire de la Moure.

The circuit allows you to discover pretty secret valleys in the Grand Puech massif and magnificent panoramic views of Marseille, Cadolive and Sainte-Victoire.

This is a pleasant, easy hike on beautiful, clear tracks and paths, allowing you to discover the Aire de la Moure, a reddish plateau used for training civil defence water bombers, and then the Baou de l'Aigle cliff, a climbing site.

A beautiful hike to Mont Julien and the Grotte des Fées with magnificent views of Marseille, Cadolive, Gardanne and the Sainte-Victoire Massif in the background. Return via the Figuière and Vache valleys.

This hike starts at Logis Neuf near Plan-de-Cuques and takes you to Pilon du Roi, climbing up the beautiful valley of the same name. From there, follow the ridges offering magnificent panoramic views of the entire region to reach the Tête du Grand Puech. During the descent, you will discover the Aire de la Moure before returning, after a short climb, to your starting point.

A circular route on either side of the Ratier valleys along beautiful DFCI tracks. Shortcuts through the valleys, heaths and forest allow you to shorten the route by bypassing many hairpin bends. They also lend a wild and challenging character to this route, right up to the ascent of Mont Julien (see also the practical information).

This is a fairly comprehensive hike that passes through the Col d’Aubignane and the Pas du Loup (which rises to 543 m). The walk then passes the Grosibou Cave, the Pic du Taoumé and the Baume Sourne or Bat Cave. It is a protected, fenced-off area, but you can see it and take photos; it is very pretty. The hike also passes the Puits du Mûrier, the Col du Garlaban, the Croix du Garlaban, Louis Douard’s rock carvings (over 100 rock carvings) and, finally, the Grotte du Plantier, also known as the Grotte du Cerf or the Grotte de Manon.

A fairly challenging walk from the Parc de la Nègre to the Pilon du Roi, returning via the Tête du Jacquot. The main attraction of this walk lies above all in the long stretch along the ridge of the Massif de l’Étoile, with superb views on both sides, rocks of all shapes and, finally, the arrival at the Pilon du Roi, an imposing monolith visible from across the region. Please read the route description carefully at (7).

An alternative route, entitled ‘From La Nègre to L’Oasis’, runs between the southern and northern slopes of the Chaîne de l’Étoile. Starting from La Nègre, it takes you to the Col des Ouides, then down the Mérentiers stream towards the place known as L’Oasis. The climb back up to the Pas de la Colle, followed by the descent towards the Vallon de Mauvelle and a section passing close to the Tête du Jacquot, then leads back to the La Nègre area.

A beautiful hike in the Étoile massif on tracks or paths with magnificent views of Marseille, the Étoile and Mediterranean vegetation: fig trees, arbutus trees, heather, rosemary, etc.

A difficult hike offering access to the ruins of Notre-Dame du Rot and the Pilon du Roi via less well-trodden paths, as they do not appear on IGN maps. Along the way, you’ll encounter a spectacular landscape with strangely shaped rocks and magnificent views of Marseille, Gardanne and the Sainte-Victoire massif.Please note: there are a few difficult ascents and descents where you will need to use your hands (see practical information).The use of a GPS or the app with the route track is essential.

A challenging hike to the peaks of Bau Trauqua mountain via the valley of the Grotte des Ermites, then back via the Col Sainte Anne and the Grotte du Facteur. Along the way, you will find caves, grottos, springs and a well. A wild landscape with strangely shaped rocks.

Starting from the Marseille metropolitan area, a combination of classic trails and lesser-known paths to reach and explore a section of the Chaîne de l'Étoile ridges.

A lovely hike with a big climb up the ridge of the valley. Return via the Vallon de Fontvieille (as it is known), where the lush vegetation makes you forget that you are in the Étoile massif.

Set off to discover these famous places in the Aubagne region: Puits de Raimu, Mas de Massacan, Col d'Aubignane, Pierres gravées de Louis Douard, Col et Sommet du Garlaban, Puits du Mûrier, Baume Sourne, Pic du Taoumé, Grotte de Grosibou, Pas du Loup and Pierre Gravée du Berger, Jas de Batisto, Tête Ronde, Barres du Saint Esprit and the ruins of the village of Aubignane from the film Regain.

Discover Garlaban, the legendary peak of the Aubagne region, via an original route that takes you past the base of the Grotte de Manon, then up the Vallon des Piches along a final path to find the faint traces of a very ancient rosette. The magnificent 360° view from the summit of Garlaban is breathtaking. The return journey is a gentle walk along the track and allows for a short detour to explore the Route des Pierres Gravées, where you’ll find around a hundred engravings by Louis Douard.Note: there are only about thirty spaces at the Puits de Raimu car park, which fill up quickly, particularly at weekends.

Short hike to reach the foot of the Baume de Passe-Temps. Pass through the Col d'Aubignane before descending into the Passe-Temps valley. Nice view of the surrounding peaks: Tête Rouge and Taoumé.

Discover the landscapes of Marcel Pagnol's films. No particular difficulty, apart from a slightly steep climb to reach the Barres du Saint-Esprit. Beautiful views of the surrounding peaks, Tête Touge, Escaouprès, Taoumé and Garlaban.

Have you heard of the rock carvings in the Garlaban massif? This route takes you there, where you can admire them in peace. The path is not easy, but it offers beautiful views of the mountains surrounding Marseille and the Bellons. On the way down, you will discover the Baume du Plantier (Manon's cave), the Vallon des Piches, the Ferme d'Angèle and the Puits de Raimu.

From the vallons de Préscator and des Piches to the Garladan summit, this hike allows you to immerse yourself in the natural world that Marcel Pagnol grew up in. This itinerary, with its many well-known sites, is above all a variation on the Garladan and is in no way intended to replace the guided tours offered by the tourist office.

A short detour into the hills made famous by Marcel Pagnol. After the Ferme d'Angèle site, the climb to the Barres Rocheuses du Saint-Esprit leads to two magnificent viewpoints from which you can admire the many peaks often mentioned in the writer's works. The tracks and paths are imbued with the scent of the ever-present pine trees: a breath of fresh air on the outskirts of Aubagne.

A challenging 16 km circular route to discover the summit of Garlaban via the Scolopendres trail, the Barquieu spring near the Grand Ravin and the corniches of the Grand Vallon, the Puit de l'Aroumi via the Puits du Murier and Baume Sourne, which can be visited in full sunlight or with a powerful torch. Finally, the Pic du Taoumé and the famous Grosibou cave. Return via the Pas du Loup towards the Col d'Aubignane.

This walk takes you to the rock carvings at Le Draioulet, the Rosace des Piches (much less well-known), and the carvings at Le Pas du Loup, passing via the Col du Garlaban, Le Jardinier and La Tête Ronde before returning via the Col d’Aubignane. Numerous extensions can be added to this route (see the section: ‘Nearby’).

Circuit following in Marcel Pagnol's footsteps, passing by the Baume du Plantier (Manon’s Cave) then reaching the legendary Garlaban. The return journey passes by the peak of Taoumé and Grosibou Cave and ending with the Vallon de Passe-Temps.

A pleasant hike on steep trails to the Manon and Cerf caves, then around the Vallon de Marcelin, passing by the ruins of the village of Aubignane on the ridges of the Barres Rocheuses du Saint-Esprit. Magnificent views of Marseille, the Chaîne de l'Étoile and the Massif du Garlaban.

Circular route between two parallel valleys combining the wild and rugged aspect of the Vallon de Passe-Temps with the more picturesque side of the Vallon des Piches, passing by the Grotte du Plantier (or Grotte de Manon) and the Grotte du Cerf.

This is an exciting hike that combines the appeal of hiking with cultural interest. Throughout the circuit, you will discover the locations where Marcel Pagnol's works were filmed. In addition, at the top of Garlaban, the view is breathtaking, with a 360° panorama of Marseille, the Mediterranean Sea and the beginning of the Côte d'Azur, as well as the surrounding landscape, including La Sainte-Victoire and the Sainte-Baume mountain range.

Discover the Grotte du Plantier, also known as the Grotte de Manon after the film "Manon des sources" directed by Marcel Pagnol. You can also visit the nearby Grotte du Cerf a little further up. Near the car park, you can take a short detour to see the restored Puits de Raimu. Some passages after the cave require the use of your hands.

An original circular in the Étoile massif to discover numerous wells and old lime kilns.

A very pleasant walk that first takes us to the Croix de Saint-Marcel, where there is a superb view over the Huveaune valley as far as Sainte-Baume to the east and the bay of Marseille to the west. It continues along a little-used path towards the old castrum of Saint-Marcel. Please note: read the reviews carefully before setting out on this hike. The section between (6) and (7) is very ‘wild’, and at several points the path disappears completely. You are in the Calanques National Park, which is subject to specific regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in a fine of up to €1,500.

An easy Nordic walking route at the foot of La Grande Étoile and on beautiful DFCI tracks. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of Marseille and the Côte Bleue.

A hike through the pines and scrubland of the Massif du Garlaban, so dear to Marcel Pagnol. Starting from the Pichauris car park, the circuit first leads you to the Puits de l'Aroumi (the wells of Aroumi) then the Mont du Marseillais along beautiful, well marked paths, often along ridges, offering magnificent views over Marseille, Sainte-Victoire, Mont Ventoux and, in good weather, the Préaples de Provence. The intense luminosity of the rocks under the brilliance of the sun will leave no-one indifferent.

A pleasant hike starting from the Parc de Pichauris along beautiful, well-maintained and signposted tracks and paths. A steep climb to reach the summit of Mont du Marseillais with a 360° view of the Chaine de l'Étoile and Marseille, Sainte Victoire and the snow-capped Pre-Alps, Sainte Baume and Garlaban. The route via the summit of Le Défens towards the Puits de l'Aroumi offers views of the Grand Vallon. The route also passes close to numerous wells.

This hike starts from Pichauris and takes you through spectacular scenery: La Parloire, a large, steep cirque reminiscent of an ancient theatre, and Barre Coupée, a long rock formation that looks as if it has been carved with an axe and has only one point of passage.

A walk in a regional park with beautiful trails, varied routes and trees, trees and more trees. Departure from the park’s car park at the Pichauris Hostel.

A magnificent circular walk starting from Parc de Pichauris, taking in the Grand Vallon via the Sentier des Tourdres. The route then passes by the Aroumi well and Barre Coupée, offering fine views of Marseille, the Chaine de l’Etoile, the Sainte Victoire massif and the Pre-Alps, visible on a clear day. Finally, take a detour at the end of the walk to visit the ruins of Ners Castle.

Wide DFCI tracks, pleasant footpaths and one of the Ratier’s narrow, densely wooded valleys feature on this easy circular walk starting from Pichauris and passing at the foot of Mont Julien. Set against a magnificent panorama, you’ll come across two wells, an old limestone quarry and a karstic cave along the way. (See also the practical information).

A pleasant route around the old hamlet of Pichauris and the Bastidonne estate. Beautiful tracks and paths through heath and kermes oak trees, passing numerous wells. Beautiful views of Mont Julien.

A circular route through ridges and valleys, mostly on well-maintained paths, towards the Collet du Ratier hill. Magnificent scenery throughout the route and old stone quarries to explore. 

The main attraction of this route is reaching the summit of Cride de Peypin hill via a path with no truly visible or existing tracks (see § Practical Information). At the top: a cross, the remains of an ancient Gallo-Roman oppidum and, above all, magnificent 360° views of the surrounding hills and villages. Starting from Pichauris, the route passes by the Cride stream and its large limestone potholes and, on the return journey, through a picturesque valley extending from Mau Vallon to reach the hamlet of Le Régage.

An alternative route to the Grand Vallon other than via Lascours. This route starts from Pichauris, climbs up to Mont du Marseillais, follows the Sentier des Tourdes, then descends to the Pas du Grand Vallon. The ascent of the Grand Vallon is a classic route featuring the famous, highly technical section equipped with chains (see § practical information) before reaching the Col du Régage. The return to the hamlet of Pichauris follows theGRP®2013. Varied and magnificent scenery throughout the route. Please note: there are a few difficult sections; please read the route description carefully.

Starting from the Micocouliers car park above Pichauris, this beautiful circular route around the Grands Ubacs will take you to the orientation table and beneath the antennas of Mont du Marseillais. You can discover the places where Yves Robert located Marcel Pagnol's holiday home in the film "La Gloire de mon Père" (My Father's Glory).