Bouc-Bel-Air walks

This variation of the Bouc Bel Air communal wood hike is a little longer but has the advantage of being marked with small wooden signs and coloured markings. It takes you on a journey of discovery through the communal woods of Bouc-Bel-Air.

This route takes you to the main tourist attractions and picturesque spots in the Provençal village of Bouc-Bel-Air. The walk is fairly easy, with only a slightly challenging climb at the end of the route.

This moderately difficult walk takes you on a discovery of the Bouc-Bel-Air communal wood. You will see typical houses. You will overlook the town of Gardanne, its slag heaps and factories, and catch a glimpse of Sainte-Victoire. You will have the pleasure of getting some exercise while enjoying the forest and its scents.

An easy hike in the woods above Simiane-Collongue with some beautiful views of the Pilon du Roi, the Étoile and the Aix region with Sainte-Victoire in the background.

This hike takes you through different environments in a very short time 

A short, unpretentious walk with lovely views of the Aix countryside, and longer in good weather.

pLEASE NOTE: work is being carried out on the Gardanne-Luynes railway line. The hiking trails are closed to the public. A Sunday family walk through landscapes of small rivers and hills, without going into the department's large parks.

A short family hike on wide, passable paths. Walk on the plateau and in the valley. Beautiful unobstructed views of Sainte-Victoire Mountain, the city of Aix-en-Provence, the Roquefavour Aqueduct and the TGV viaduct.

This short hike takes you through the Valabre Forest with beautiful views of the Étoile massif (Pilon du Roi) and the Luynes valley between Gardanne and Luynes. The nearby cliffs add to the picturesque nature of this route.

This hike involves climbing to the summit of the Étoile from the north. The start and finish are in a wooded valley, but the rest of the route is very open: you are on a summit ridge and the landscape is magnificent, provided the visibility is good (Marseille, Côte Bleue, Étang de Berre, Alpilles, Mont Ventoux, Aix, Sainte-Victoire, Pilon du Roi).

This hike offers striking contrasts, with a technicalfirst section featuring steep, rocky passages that pass through the Grotte de l'Eygrou cave, then climb up a stream bed to reach the ridge of the Chaîne de l'Étoile. After crossing along the cliffs between the Étoile and the Grande Étoile with magnificent views, the return via the Jas de Féraud allows you to make the most of a large, flat, stone-free track that has recently been re-graded. A real pleasure.

Circular tour with a visit to the Eygrou cave, then climb up to the Col des Ouides and the Étoile lookout point for a beautiful view of Marseille.

This is a mixed hike, with a large section on tarmac and a section through the forest to explore a cave, the Fontaine de Venel and the Fontaine des Vaches. It passes through the old village and goes past the Château de Gui, but unfortunately it is on private property so it is not possible to see it.

A lovely circular route above Gardanne. Most of the route is through wooded areas.

This hike, which runs through the north-western part of the Étoile massif, offers exceptional 360° panoramic views from Aix to Marseille, passing by the Étang de Berre and the Marseille harbour. The route alternates between valleys and paths with spectacular views.

This short but fairly challenging hike takes you along numerous small paths and immerses you in a fairly wild area. It also allows you to reach the famous Pilon, visible from all over the Aix region.

A pretty green area nestled between Aix-en-Provence, Bouc-Bel-Air and Gardanne.

A loop around the Bau Trauqua mountain, part of the Chaîne de l'Etoile between Marseille and Aix-En-Provence. Hike along the ridge and enjoy the many magnificent views over the well-known massifs of Sainte Victoire, Garlaban and Sainte-Baume. In spring, the scents are magnificent, not to mention the flora and fauna that awaken. This hike starts off moderately difficult, then becomes a medium hike with some very fine views.

It is a very beautiful hike with a few sections that are a bit tricky for those with sensitive feet and for those who are afraid of heights. It climbs at the start to reach the lookout point via the ridges of Bau Trauqua. It passes by the Tête du Grand Puech and has a circular route that takes it around the Pilon du Roi. Much of the route is exposed, offering stunning scenery, especially on a clear, sunny day.

This is a very pretty route, a little challenging, rated medium +, offering beautiful, unobstructed views of Gardanne, Sainte-Victoire and the surrounding area with some very pretty rocks, as the photos show. There are some lovely paths, which can be a little wet in winter, and two caves to visit: the Grotte des Ermites and the Grotte de l'Ermite. There is a third cave, but it can only be seen from a distance. However, it requires another hike to reach. And of course, you must see the Hermitage of Notre-Dame des Anges.

This is a very beautiful, short hike with a good climb for a while, and plenty of excitement with almost constant panoramic views for more than half of the hike. There is an orientation table, benches along the ridge and beautiful single-track trails with a slightly difficult section on the mountainside, but with good footing.

Panoramic route, not difficult but quite long, on foot or by mountain bike around the Montagne de Bau Trauqua. Views of the Aix and Gardanne region with Montagne Sainte-Victoire, then the picturesque villages of Mimet and Saint-Savournin, and finally a wide open view of the bay of Marseille, before heading north and approaching Notre-Dame des Anges.

A very short hike between Meyreuil and the Pont de Bayeux, through vineyards, pine and oak woods on a hill with very pleasant views of the Sainte-Victoire mountain.

A walk that starts in a woodland that feels more like a park. It has a few tarmac sections and is relatively shaded. It’s a lovely summer stroll along very easy-to-walk paths.

A walk starting from the centre of Aix-en-Provence and following the course of the Torse river. Half urban, half nature. Discover little-known ruins.

This short hike is ideal for a family outing in open countryside (avoid days when the mistral wind is blowing). In summer, you may encounter a herd of red goats on the plateau. These are Rove goats. This hike is dotted with information panels about the environment.

If you have limited time to visit the centre of Aix-en-Provence, this route, organised and recommended by the Tourist Office, allows you to see the main highlights.This circular route starts at the Tourist Office, located just a stone’s throw from an easily accessible car park.

This is a two-part hike, with a shaded and refreshing first section along the banks of the Canal de Marseille to the Roquefavour Aqueduct. The second part offers a more desert-like landscape on the wide tracks that criss-cross the Plateau du Grand Arbois and pass through the Jas des Vaches. There are varied landscapes throughout the hike.

Hike on the central part of the Arbois plateau with a variety of views: Marseille canal, ruins, Arbois plateau, pine forests, cliffs, Étang de Berre. Return via the charming Mion valley, which is covered in its entirety on this hike. Despite its length, this walk is not difficult and can be shortened or lengthened.

From the Grand Arbois plateau to the barren landscape and green, lightly wooded valleys, this hike offers beautiful panoramic views of the Arc valley, Sainte-Victoire and L'Étoile.

This short, very easy hike on a wide, even trail is ideal for a family outing. Avoid it on mistral days and in summer, as there is no shade and the plateau is very exposed to the wind. Beautiful unobstructed views of Aix-en-Provence, Éguilles, the Chaîne de l'Étoile, Gardanne and Sainte-Victoire.

In the hills of Marseille, this beautiful hike leads to the Pilon du Roi, a solitary monolith that catches the eye from the plain and offers a splendid view of Marseille and the surrounding mountains. A long stretch along the ridge offering beautiful views, a small, shady and secluded valley, and a few almost forgotten paths are the main attractions of this physically demanding route, despite the overall elevation gain, which may seem insignificant.

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 family outing, a cultural outing, an architectural outing... and a culinary outing if you like! Fountains, cathedrals, churches, museums, theatres, hotels, squares and other attractions... The main things to discover when you come to Aix-en-Provence, a city of water, art, history and well-being!

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

A pleasant short hike that takes you up a slag heap without any particular difficulty. You will find a few information panels along the way. The route is very well marked in blue.

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 circular route to visit two springs between Vitrolles and Les Pennes Mirabeau. The first is completely unknown because it is hidden in the hollow of a cliff with a humid and tropical atmosphere with its fig trees and brambles. The second is much better known. This circular route serves as a base from which to add detours to the ochre-coloured cliffs of Vitrolles or Urbex, the Fermes des Plaines d'Arbois and also the abandoned stadium.

An oasis of freshness! One of the easiest walks to do with children, following the stream back to its source. Please note: A hiker has informed us that this hike is no longer possible due to a landslide reported by a municipal decree. In addition, between 1 June and 30 September, some areas may be closed to the public (fire hazard).

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.

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 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.

This hike offers three different environments: first in the woods, then on a plateau with very little vegetation, and finally on a hillside with breathtaking views. The start is initially a single track climbing to the height of the Roquevafour aqueduct. The path then widens considerably and is very easy to walk on. After the Domaine de Meynes, the landscape changes to a plateau.

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.

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 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.

Hike in the Étoile massif with views of Sainte-Victoire Mountain, Ventoux, the Alps, and at the same time, Marseille and the Mediterranean.

A family walk around the Plateau de la Mure with its old bastide, olive grove and Vallon Dol basin. A huge space offering incredible views from north to south over the city of Marseille, the Côte Bleue and L'Estaque.

Hike from La Batarelle to La Grande Étoile and Le Petit Sanguin, avoiding the wide DFCI tracks as much as possible in favour of the small, steep paths, which give this route a sporty character. Along the way, you will see two wells, ruins, a cave, an old lime kiln and magnificent views of Marseille and the Côte Bleue.

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 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 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 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 superb hike, best enjoyed in spring: the Zola and Bimont dams and the old Roman dam are magnificent.

A splendid hike away from the main trails on the heights of Lake Zola, which we will circumnavigate, as well as along both banks of the River Cause, which feeds the dam. Along the way, an ancient Roman dam, magnificent views of the lake and the Sainte Victoire massif, and the discovery of numerous shelters and caves. Finally, a short detour to the Bibémus quarries and their ochre-coloured carved rocks. Please read the ‘Practical Information’ section carefully.

A beautiful hike starting from Le Tholonet, mostly off the beaten track. You walk along the small Cause stream in the Petite Mer, then continue on to the Zola Dam and the Bimont Dam. Return to Le Tholonet, passing close to Cézanne's mill.

A lovely walk which includes a chance to see Cézanne’s Windmill, to discover the ancient ruins of the Roman aqueduct and its waterfall and the Zola dam. In the distance you can see Mont Sainte-Victoire.

An easy walk starting from Le Tholonet, allowing you to see the two dams and walk through the woods with a view of Sainte-Victoire and the entire surrounding valley. Easy to follow as the route is on main paths

Whether you want a leisurely family outing or a brisk run, this circular allows you to escape Le Tholonet on tracks and paths with little traffic, offering views of Montagne Sainte-Victoire.

A short circular walk taking you to the ruins of the Roman dam and then along the Zola dam. Comment on Monday, 24 March 2025. >Please note: the path between (1) and (3) is private property: there is a barrier and no trespassing. Go via the cemetery.

This hike offers breathtaking, legendary views of Lake Zola, with the Montagne Sainte-Victoire painted by Cézanne in the background. Marked paths alternate with wild trails.

This short hike offers a circuit that alternates between cliff tops and narrow valleys. After thefirst part, which offers a panoramic view of the entire hike and a passage over the Zola Dam, thesecond part immerses you in the Petite Mer valley (along the La Cause stream) and its dam.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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 loop hike starting from Ventabren Village, heading downhill and crossing Arc River to head up the hill on the other side reaching a stunning panoramic view over Mont Ventoux, Eguilles Village, the Aqueduc de Roquefavour Bridge, Sainte-Victoire Mountain and l'Etoile mountain range with the Pilon du Roi.

Leaving from Ventabren, a walk in the surrounding hills and then along the Canal de Marseille and ending at the Aqueduc de Roquefavour.