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Col de Brest walks
From the Falaise de la Galère to the Grande Baume
This hike will take you above the beautiful Falaise de la Galère cliff with its breathtaking views to the fascinating Grande Baume cave, which you will cross from end to end. Don't be put off by the elevation gain, as it wasn't too difficult for our old legs.
L'Espigoulier-Dents de la Roque-Forcade-Pic de Bertagne-Pas de Cugens
A very beautiful and challenging hike starting from Saint-Pons Park in Gémenos, where you will begin by climbing the Col de l'Espigoulier, then the Dents de Roque Forcade and the Pic de Bertagne. You will begin your return to Saint-Pons Park via the Col du Fauge and the Pas de Cugens.
Some sections are tricky, but the views are magnificent throughout.
Circular route from Saint-Pons to La Grande Tête
For a change of pace, start from the car park in the Saint-Pons valley heading towards Gémenos to complete a circular route – not an easy one – around the Grande Tête, a peak overlooking the Galère and Gour de Brest valleys.
Saint-Pons via the Vallon de la Galère
After passing through a few neighbourhoods in Gémenos, you’ll reach the hill overlooking the village and then arrive at the top of the Saint-Pons valley. You’ll descend the valley along the Fauge and can take a detour to admire the abbey and see the spring. You will then walk back down through the whole of Saint-Pons Park until you reach the road. The return route crosses the clay car park and follows the road for a short while before turning off towards Super-Gémenos, which offers a beautiful view of Aubagne and La Penne-sur-Huveaune on one side, and Gémenos and the Garlaban on the other.
The Col de Brest via the Vallon des Camps d’Aubagne
A fairly challenging route which has the advantage of being situated on the western slope of the Sainte Baume massif and is therefore sheltered from the sun in summer if you set off early. The Col de Brest offers a beautiful panoramic view of the massif and the Marseille coastline.
The Grande Tête circuit starting from Saint-Pons
This is a hike that is very challenging at the start. The route is rocky with a steep climb to reach the Col de Bres. The climb is mainly in the first third of the route. The descent is gentle compared to the climb. There are some lovely DFCI tracks for the descent as well as single tracks through the undergrowth. The climb is over barren rock.
Walks near Col de Brest
The Jas de Sylvain
A lovely walk above Cuges-Les-Pins. The Jas de Sylvain is a restored former sheepfold which offers free overnight accommodation for a few walkers in basic comfort. Beautiful panoramic views over the Cuges plain. The walk is accessible at the start and finish via the free Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Étoile bus route No. 11.
From Cuges to the Hostellerie via the Col du Saint Pilon
This walk connects Cuges-les-Pins to the Hostellerie (Plan d’Aups), passing through the Sainte-Baume ridges, the Col du Saint-Pilon and the Grotto of Mary Magdalene. On the ridges, the 360-degree panoramic views are magnificent. The Grotto of Mary Magdalene is steeped in history and spirituality, as it is said that the saint spent the last 30 years of her life there.
This walk is the first stage of a two-day trip, fully accessible via the free bus network of the Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Étoile. The walk starts from Cuges-les-Pins (free bus route 11). At the end of the first day’s walk, the Hostellerie de la Sainte Baume offers affordable accommodation. The following day, the walk continues from the Hostellerie to Saint-Zacharie (free bus routes 8 and 9).
A night in Sainte Baume
A beautiful two-day hike starting from Cuges, climbing to the ridges of Sainte Baume where the panoramic views across the whole of Provence and the Alps are magnificent. Descent via the Col du Saint-Pilon and the Grotto of Mary Magdalene, steeped in history and spirituality. Overnight stay at the Hostellerie de la Sainte Baume. The following day, the descent takes you past the Huveaune springs, La Taurelle farm, then the picturesque Source des Nayes and Saint-Zacharie.
At both ends of the route, the walk is accessible via the free public transport network of the Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Étoile.
From Carnoux to Cassis via La Croix
A very lovely walk linking Carnoux to Cassis through the hills. Panoramic views of Cassis and Sainte Baume. Botanical trail. The walk is fully accessible by bus.
From the Hostellerie to Saint-Zacharie via La Taurelle
This lovely walk starts at the Hostellerie de la Sainte-Baume and heads to Saint-Zacharie. It passes through the fabulous site of the Huveaune springs, where the water forms waterfalls from one pool to the next. It’s all completely natural. It’s one of the region’s most beautiful spots, especially when there’s water. The trail then passes through the pretty Taurelle valley before descending towards the Source des Nayes and Saint-Zacharie.
From Peypin to La Destrousse via the Col du Marseillais
This lovely walk, winding from valley to valley, takes you from Peypin to the Col du Marseillais. Stunning views of Sainte-Victoire, as well as of Roquevaire and the Huveaune valley from the pass. Then the descent back down to the village of La Destrousse.
- The walk is accessible at the start and finish via the free bus network of the Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Etoile (line 17).
From La Penne-sur-Huveaune to Le Charrel via La Candolle
A lovely walk starting from La Penne-sur-Huveaune that takes you through pine forests to the summit of La Candolle. An easy path winds its way along the cliff face, offering magnificent views of Sainte-Baume, the Huveaune valley, Garlaban and the Bay of Marseille. The descent takes you back down to La Pérussonne and Le Charrel. The free bus on Line 6, which connects with the free tram, takes you back to the starting point, and the tram takes you back to the city centre.
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.
From La Treille to La Font de Mai
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.
From Cassis to La Ciotat via the ridge trail
The walk connects two charming towns via the ridge path on top of the Falaises Soubeyranes. Magnificent views along much of the route.
GPS strongly recommended.
Crossing the Calanques National Park from Cassis to Marseille
Experienced hikers, this route is for you! With many beautiful and challenging sections, some of which are dizzying, you will cross the Calanques National Park from east to west, from Cassis to Marseille. Enjoy superb views: Cap Canaille, then the many calanques, including the green/blue Sugiton calanque. The small ports of Callelongue and Les Goudes welcome you before the difficult climb up the Col de Béouveyre after many kilometres.
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.