Col d'Aubignane walks

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.

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.

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.

A beautiful loop with spectacular views at the top and a return via the Vallon des Piches, which offers views over the whole of Marseille.

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.

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 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.

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.

From the La Font de Mai estate, hike in the Pagnol hills with magnificent views of Marseille and the surrounding mountains.

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.

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.

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’).

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.

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 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.

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.

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.