Col Sainte-Anne (Chaîne de l'Étoile) walks

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.