Côte Bleue walks

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.

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

Here is one of the many possible circular routes that will take us to the wonderful Calanque de l’Érevine where you can have a swim; this lovely circular route presents no significant difficulty.However, the Sentier du Douanier, which is very busy at weekends, is steep in places and also features a few slightly exposed sections that require you to watch your step carefully and take extra care if children are present. It may also prove tricky for those prone to vertigo. Please note: due to high footfall, the rocks can become slippery, even in sunny weather. Sturdy footwear and constant vigilance are essential.A walk best enjoyed in autumn or spring, This walk is classified as moderate, but the slippery rocks can raise its difficulty level to ‘difficult’.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

This pleasant and fairly easy circular will allow you to discover the hinterland of Port de Carro and La Couronne, in particular the ruins of part of the "Mediterranean Wall" erected by the Germans during the Second World War, as well as the coastline, which has been barely altered by the Ponteau power station.

Hike passing by Fort de Niolon, then following the Sentier des Douaniers and the various calanques to Port de Méjean. Return via the plateaus with a beautiful view of the Côte Bleue.Please note: Practical information. The Sentier des Douaniers features sections that are tricky for young children

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.

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.

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

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.

This tour of eight stone quarries in La Couronne, three inland and five coastal, provides an insight into the scale of the quarrymen's work over the centuries, reveals traces of exploitation, attempts to distinguish differences in extraction strategies and shows which periods of activity can be identified.

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.

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

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

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.

End of the Côte Bleue trail from Niolon, comprising the wild section in the Calanques and the suburban section along the RD568 to the Estaque district.

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.

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 challenging hike at high altitude towards Fort de Figuerolles. The outbound route follows a ridge overlooking the Coucourdier valley, whilst the return route follows a ridge overlooking the Fontêtes valley. Then, a detour to the heights of the Baou de l’Œuvre. Throughout the route, there are breathtaking views of the bay of Marseille and its islands, as well as the coastline of the Côte Bleue. Please read the ‘Practical Information’ section carefully.

Starting from Le Rove, this easy route takes you to the ruins of Fort de Figuerolles without having to go through steep valleys or along the difficult Sentier des Douaniers. A walk along lovely tracks, through olive groves and on marked paths, with magnificent views of the coastline and the harbour of Marseille.

The Carro Plain Botanical Trail offers unique and educational walks to discover all the natural beauty of the Côte Bleue. The Carro Plain is of major floristic interest, largely due to the presence of a unique substrate (Miocene molasse deposits or Burdigalian calcarenite). It is home to, amongst other things, eight protected species of vascular plants.

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.

This walk is straightforward in terms of the route; simply follow the blue markings. As for difficulty, there is nothing to report; avoid doing it in wet weather as the stones can be slippery, wear suitable footwear and you’re all set.