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This hike starts from the Col de la Gardiole car park (allow time to get there). This is located at the end of the forest road, which can be reached via the road between Marseille and Cassis, after the Col de la Gineste. Coming from Marseille, turn right just after the "Carpiagne" sign and the car park sign. Go through the barrier. The road is very winding and in poor condition (potholes) but passable. Please note that it is closed during the summer.
(S/E) Take the path to the south-west that leads to Calanque d'En Vau (wooden barrier and no entry sign). As you approach the forest house on the left, the path leaves the track and runs along the fence to the right of the building. The landscape is splendid, with views of Cap Canaille, the Garlaban Massif and the vineyards of Cassis. After this detour, take the forest road on the right. In the next bend, stay on the same track and ignore the one on the right.
(1) At the next junction, ignore the path on the left and continue towards En Vau on the path marked in red.
(2) About 800m further on, stay on the red trail (do not follow the brown trail to the right).
(3) At the next junction, turn right towards Col de L'Oule (green markings). Reach the wide esplanade and continue straight ahead to a cistern (no. 543).
(4) At the pass, take the green trail marked for Essadon and Devenson; it is on the right, almost opposite the arrival point. Ignore the trail that branches off to the left.
(5) At a left-hand bend, at the crossroads, follow the blue-marked path on the right which climbs up to the Cap Gros well (drinking water when available). Stay on the blue-marked path and continue climbing. The path becomes a little difficult at this point, with steps where sure-footedness is required and children are not recommended. Also, be careful to avoid days when it is too windy. From here, the view is magnificent (Sormiou, Calanque de la Triperie).
(6) From the well (magnificent view and possibility of picnicking while sitting on the rocks), continue straight ahead (north-west) on the wide path marked in red. At a fork, leave the path on the right and continue straight ahead on the path now marked in red and blue.
(7) At the next crossroads, follow the path on the right, the Chemin de l'Estret, which heads north-east. Note the 360° view of the bay of Marseille on the Estaque side, the islands of Marseille, Notre-Dame de la Garde, Cap Canaille, the vineyards of Cassis, and in the distance La Ciotat, Le Garlaban and the Chaîne de l'Étoile.this track is marked in yellow and follows the Crête de l'Estret ridge. Stay on this track, heading northeast then east, ignoring all the side tracks, pass a cistern on the left and reach the pass car park (S/E).
Visorando member
Very difficult 
Difficult 
