Châteauneuf-les-Martigues walks

A circular loop starting from Vallon du Saut and heading towards the valleys of Valtrède, Maximin and Fauconnière. There are a few technical sections and many geological curiosities to discover, such as Roche Percée, Fortin du Saut and rock faces, which are popular climbing sites. On the plateau, there are magnificent views of the Étangs de Berre and Bolmon lakes and, in the background, the Sainte Victoire mountain, the Luberon and the snow-capped Alps, depending on the season.

A very demanding hike with many sights to discover: the Grotte aux Chèvres, the Fortin du Saut, the Grotte de Debaussadou, the Baume du Figuier, the Puits de Barbe and the Font aux Pigeons. Breathtaking landscapes throughout the route and views of the Jean Lefebvre quarry. Please read the Practical Information section carefully.

A pleasant hike south of Châteauneuf-les-Martigues. After a very strenuous start amid the splendid rock formations of the Vallon du Saut, the route alternates between pleasant trails at the bottom of the valley and tracks on the plateau with magnificent views of the Étang de Berre on one side and the Côte Bleue coastline on the other.

In the middle of a protected natural site, this easy hike allows you to discover the Canal du Rove, the Étang de Bolmon, part of the southern shore of the Étang de Berre, the beaches of Le Jaï and the Parc des 4 Vents. Through marshes and sand, observatories allow you to watch migratory birds and discover many aquatic animal species. Along the way, you will see fishermen's huts.

Route between Saint-Julien-les-Martigues and Châteauneuf-les-Martigues on forest paths and tracks, discovering the cliffs of the Fauconnière and Saut valleys (climbing sites), withgeological curiosities: pierced rock, needles and rock formations.From the peaks, you will have magnificent views of the Étangs de Berre and Bolmon lakes and, in the background, the main mountain ranges of Provence.

A peaceful hike in the Chaîne de l'Estaque which, despite its modest altitude, offers extensive panoramic views as far as Sainte-Victoire. A few forgotten paths that are a little difficult to find, as well as the climb up the Juan valley, add a touch of wilderness to this route, which takes place in unspoilt natural surroundings where the hum of the A55 motorway, sometimes very close by, does not really disturb the tranquillity of the area.

Start at Le Rouet to discover the Notre-Dame du Rouet Chapel and the Calanque des Eaux Salées with its remarkable viaduct and springs at the beginning of the route. The route then climbs up the Aigle and Bon Jean valleys, crosses the Romaron plain and descends the entire length of the wild Jaume valley. Finally, take a short detour through the heath to reach the Rouet cave.  (GPS recommended)  

A few minutes from the beaches of the Côte Bleue, enjoy a peaceful hike surrounded by nature in the hills of Carry-le-Rouet. The route alternates between small wild valleys and open passages offering beautiful views of the Côte Bleue and Marseille. The orientation table, which offers an exceptional panorama, provides a pleasant end to the route.

This hike offers beautiful views of the Étang de Berre and part of the Marseille harbour. In the distance, weather permitting, you can see Sainte-Victoire, Luberon, Mont Ventoux and the Alpilles. The only drawback is the proximity of the motorway at the start and end of the route.

A circular route starting from Saint-Julien les Martigues that passes by an old windmill, then overlooks the large water reserve of the Canal de Provence in the forest before reaching the Vallon de Valtrède. Expect to encounter many wild goats along the way.

Starting from Saint-Julien-les-Martigues, head towards Chemin du Trou du Loup (GRP®2013) to discover several magnificent caves on the heights of L'Amandier, which are curiously absent from IGN maps and hiking guides. A pleasant route, mostly on steep paths through the forest and along the valley floors.

Circular hike in a wooded area between Ensuès-la-Redonne and the Méjean cove.

To the west of Marseille, the Côte Bleue owes its name to the colour of the sea. The coastal path offers spectacular views of quiet little ports, sunny creeks and secluded beaches. In the distance, Marseille... and above all, the Mediterranean Sea.

This is a two-part hike to Cap Méjean, with the outward journey descending to the coast via the Pérussier valley and following the magnificent Sentier du Douanier to the port of Méjean. The return journey is mainly along wide tracks crossing the Sui plain. There are varied and magnificent landscapes throughout the route.

This long and demanding hike takes you on a circular route to discover the wildest part of the Côte Bleue, a rugged coastline similar to the famous calanques of Marseille and Cassis. Despite its more modest altitude, you can expect typical Provençal landscapes, small wild coves and cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean! An ideal hike for a beautiful (and long) day out of season.

A loop through the hills to the north of Le Rove, leading to the Oppidum de la Cloche, where many remains remain. Set in a sumptuous landscape and surrounded by wild goat pastures, the route then reaches Chapelle Saint-Michel via the wild and steep Gipière valley. The return journey takes in the Plaine de Gignac, through olive, oak and arbutus plantations.

From Le Rove, head towards Le Resquiadou via the ridges and the Sentier des Douaniers to discover and climb up the Vallon du Gipier. In an arid and wild environment, you will see the Baume des Pigeons, the Grotte du Blaireau and, further on, the Grotte des Chauves-souris. There are beautiful views throughout the route. The GPX track may be useful.

An atypical route along the crests and valleys of the Estaque mountain range between Le Rove and Gignac-La-Nerthe. Along the way, you'll see the Vierge du Rove, the Chapelle St-Michel, the ruins of the Templar castle and the remains of the Camp de Laure. A varied landscape with beautiful views over the harbour of Marseille and the Étang de Berre.

Head towards Fort de Figuerolles via Vallon du Coucourdier and with a circular loop on the Sentier des Douaniers. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views of Marseille harbour and discover old watchtowers and galleries carved into the mountain. After visiting the ruins of the fort, the return journey takes you along a superb ridge overlooking the Vallon des Fontêtes, ending at the Puits de l'Œuvre. Finally, take a short detour to Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours before returning to the starting point.

A challenging hike to discover the Croix des Dames and Croix Paix et Amour on the Baou de l'Œuvre ridge, then the Croix de la Vesse at the top of the rock overlooking the port of Niolon. Rough trails and a few steep climbs on scree, but with the Calanque de Figuerolles to relax. Magnificent views of the coastline and the harbour of Marseille with its islands.

A pleasant little walk. Take a picnic and make a day of it.

A pleasant hike along the coast on the Chemin des Douaniers. I chose to classify this walk as moderate not because of its length (10 km), but because of two steep sections and the fact that the trail is not suitable for people who are afraid of heights.

A short walk up high to enjoy the view of Marseille and the islands.

This is a very pleasant hike to do in spring to enjoy the scents, light, swimming and views that nature has to offer.

This is a very pleasant hike, with around a third of the route along the coast, which is very relaxing. The rest of the route is on very passable paths. The elevation gain is very modest: 160 m over a distance of 13 km. There is just one slightly tricky section on rocks for about ten metres, but it's nothing too difficult. It is located in the highest part of the walk, dominated by a cross. There is a beautiful spot for a lunch break with a panoramic view of Sausset-les-Pins. The view is impressive on a clear day.

Hike passing through Fort Niolon, then following the customs officers' path and the various coves to Port de Méjean. Return via the plateaus with a beautiful panorama of the Côte Bleue.

A short, easy walk, just to help you digest.

Here is one of the many possible loops that will take us to the wonderful Calanque de l'Érevine where you can take a dip; this pretty loop is not particularly difficult. However, the customs officers' path, which is very busy at weekends, is steep in places and also has a few exposed sections where you need to watch your step and take care if you have children with you. It can also be tricky for people who suffer from vertigo. This walk is best enjoyed in autumn or spring

Small isolated coves, secret valleys and magnificent views of Marseille and the Frioul Islands are on the agenda for this hike, which begins and ends at the crystal-clear waters of the Côte Bleue. A beautiful route that winds its way through pine trees and heath, offering numerous opportunities to enjoy stunning views of the sea.

A short, very classic hike in the rocky inlets north of Marseille harbour between the ports of Niolon and La Redonne.

This local loop in Boumandariel, located in the southern part of the Martigues coastline, allows you to discover a natural heritage with exceptional flora and fauna.

The military remains of La Couronne – Carro are located on the ridge and along the coast. These structures, built by the German army in 1943-1944, are arranged in a more or less strategic manner on these sites. A walk to discover them reveals exceptional panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the hills of this unspoilt area.

An aperitif (or after-dinner) walk on Couronne beach, allowing you to visit the Cap Couronne lighthouse.

This is one of several hikes along the Côte Bleue. It is quite physically demanding and not recommended for young children as part of the route follows some steep cliffs above the sea. However, it offers wonderful views of the bay of Marseille, the islands and Notre-Dame de la Garde.

This hike first follows the start of the Côte Bleue to reach Figuerolles Beach, then climbs higher to overlook the bay of Marseille with magnificent views, and walks through the ruins of the old Figuerolles battery. The passages through the valleys give the walk a wilder feel. Moderator additions: Please note that there are difficult passages between points (2) and (4) Passages reported as prohibited (January 2021).

A circular route in the heart of the Vitrolles plateau with balcony trails in the middle of the Provençal heath, small rocky valleys and wide tracks, former service roads for the villages of Vitrolles, Rognac and Velaux. A peaceful environment with beautiful views.

Loop starting from the Collets Rouges equestrian centre, Vitrolles, the radar, Rognac and back via Salvarenque. Walk on very wide, carriage-accessible paths, to be avoided on windy days (mistral). Views of the Étang de Berre and Marseille-Provence airport.