From Niolon to La Redonne via the customs officers' path

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

Details

222475
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Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.03 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 251 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 252 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 67 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐
    Area: Côte Bleue
  • ⚐ City: Le Rove (13740)
  • ⚑
    Start: N 43.340212° / E 5.256734°
  • ⚑
    End: N 43.33446° / E 5.197578°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3144OT, 3145ET
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Throughout the route, the trail is marked with a blue line, which is not always very visible but the path is fairly well marked. You need to pay attention as there are a few small paths that branch off, mainly to go down towards the water.

(S) Exit the station to the left and continue along this road that runs alongside the railway line on the right. The trail begins at the end of the cul-de-sac. After 200 metres, take the trail that branches off to the left into the valley. The trail on the right leads up to Fort de Niolon Haut.

(1) The trail passes under the last arch of the viaduct overlooking the Calanque du Jonquier, then runs along the coast.

(2) After about a kilometre, pass a service tunnel on the right and go around the rock face to pass above the Calanque du Riflard. The path then passes next to the Moulon, a large rock formation that forms a peninsula.

(3) You will then arrive at the Calanque de l'Everine. Pass under the viaduct again and climb up to the right of the railway line, which you will follow before crossing it via a small bridge.

(4) The trail moves away from the railway line and follows the coast. Pass the caves on your right and, as you approach Grand Méjan, the trail becomes very well maintained. When you reach the port of Grand Méjan, take the road towards Les Figuières.

(5) At the intersection that leads right towards a water tower, follow the road that branches off to the left. After about 100 metres, this road turns into a path and then into steps leading down to the port of Figuieres. Go around the port, the fairly narrow path runs along the edge of a large property and then descends to the very rocky beach - in rough weather, this passage is not possible, so stay on the road towards the Calanque des Anthénors -

(6) Follow the beach (which is naturist), there are a few places where you will have to pass between the waves to avoid getting your feet wet and reach the Calanque des Anthénors.

(7) Take the steps on the left at the start of the road. Follow a path along the coast, then continue along a street. At a T-junction, turn left onto Avenue de la Gare (D48E). The station is visible on the heights at the end of the viaduct. Ignore Chemin du Pébraire on the left and pass under the railway line. In a right-hand bend, leave the road and turn left towards La Redonne-Ensuès station (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 35 m - Gare de Niolon
  2. 1 : km 0.61 - alt. 13 m - Calanque du Jonquier
  3. 2 : km 1.29 - alt. 36 m - Riflard cove
  4. 3 : km 2.24 - alt. 16 m - Calanque de l'Everine
  5. 4 : km 3.28 - alt. 50 m - Caves
  6. 5 : km 4.97 - alt. 55 m - Take the road on the left towards the port.
  7. 6 : km 5.62 - alt. 1 m - Walk along the beach
  8. 7 : km 6.13 - alt. 3 m - Calanque des Anthénors
  9. E : km 7.03 - alt. 37 m - Gare de La Redonne-Ensuès

Notes

To get to Niolon:
Please note that during the summer, the road is reserved for residents. There is a car park before the barrier (which is recommended at all times), but it is often very busy and there is informal parking along the roadside. You can also take the Côte Bleue TER train (one train every two hours, €4, 15 minutes from Marseille).

Similarly, the hike is one way only, but you can of course make a return trip, or take the train back to the starting point (one train every two hours, €2, 10 minutes).

The hike itself is not very difficult. It requires suitable footwear but no special equipment.
However, as it runs along the coast above the creeks, I would not recommend it for children who are not used to hiking or people who are prone to vertigo or unsure of their footing.

Access to the railway tracks is strictly prohibited and dangerous. Given the fencing that has been put in place, it is now difficult to access them by mistake.

Worth a visit

The Fort de Niolon Haut
A former 19th-century battery that protected the harbour of Marseille. It is in fairly good condition and has been handed over by the army to the coastal conservation authority. It is unoccupied and access to the interior of the fort is not normally open to the public.
Approximately 1 km with a 150-metre elevation gain from (1)

The calanques
It is quite pleasant to swim there, although they are very popular in summer. The easiest to access are Jonquier and Everine.
It is possible to descend into a multitude of small calanques. Be careful as access to and exit from the sea can sometimes be difficult or even dangerous.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 87 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.2 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
User 29054681

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 24, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Lack of detail regarding directions, which were sometimes irrelevant. For example, “to the right of the water tower” – the water tower was not visible at all, so it could not be taken into account.

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joel13360
joel13360

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 19, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We did this in April in weather more typical of June; the path is indeed well signposted. But the path is quite a challenge, as it’s very stony, with large steps and rocks that can be slippery at times. As wild as the landscapes it takes you through, the path is fairly easy to follow, and if you stray from it, you’ll quickly find your way back. We followed the advice highlighting the appeal of the first section alone by taking the train from Ensuès-la-Redonne station rather than Carry. This reduces the distance to 7 km, making the walk more manageable. Starting from Niolon, you walk with the sun at your back, which is very pleasant. Don’t miss a swim at the Calanque de l’Everine – simply magnificent!

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pbrie
pbrie

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 01, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We are told that it is a difficult trail, and this is true, mainly due to the nature of the terrain. The path is often made up of slippery rocks, and it is rare to find flat ground to walk on. You often have to hold on to something to climb down or up.
We were unable to complete the last part of the walk (the section after the Figuieres cove). In this cove, you climb a staircase that runs alongside a property, then the staircase descends to the sea, where you encounter a chaotic jumble of rocks and stones by the sea that makes walking extremely difficult. We preferred to turn back to the Figuieres cove and finish the walk on the road.

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User 25904066

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The customs officers' path from Niolon to Calanque d'Everine is very dangerous, with lots of large, slippery, shiny and sharp rocks, even when it hasn't rained, due to the large number of hikers who use it. There are narrow paths where it is impossible to pass each other, large tree roots, and the VOID. There are no safety measures, no cables to secure us, no barriers. Nothing. If you have a problem, you are guaranteed to fall and die. We found only one old rope to help us cross a very slippery and steep section, with the void beside us. This trail is not for people who are prone to vertigo, who are unsteady on their feet or unsure of themselves, and especially not for children.
This information is not mentioned enough, and once you're on the difficult path, it's hard to turn back.
This isn't the first time I've taken trails of this type, but in general, they are secured where there is great danger, but Niolon - Everine is not the case.
I completely agree with Cmag74.
Good luck to future hikers.

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PIOU13
PIOU13
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We left from Carry station, but on the way back, we decided to take the train from Ensues. The Niolon Ensues section is really beautiful, but be careful, you need to wear good shoes (slippery rocks). Just before arriving in Ensues, the path winds between villas. The same applies to Carry (not interesting).

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PH84
PH84

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike just outside Marseille, done in May, already very busy in both directions. The difficulty comes from the steep drop to the sea and the presence of rocks, scree, pine roots and limestone slabs polished by hikers, making them slippery. Access to beaches is possible. The signposting is very variable, supposedly blue from Niolon, then very quickly red and white (GR) and alternating between the two, but given the number of people, it's impossible to get lost! There's no need to look for the signposts, the path is always clear and obvious. Final section (for us) = arrival at Ensuès la Redonne station = 45 minutes of uphill road, less interesting, but ultimately a very beautiful hike!

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cmag74
cmag74

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hello everyone,
First of all, I should mention that we did this trail in the direction of La Redonne/Niolon.
We did this hike on 21 March 2025, in threatening rain, very strong winds and rough seas with spray coming up as we walked... Although most of the hike is fairly easy, there are some very difficult sections that are downright dangerous!!! Some parts of the trail are no longer safe and in some places, if you slip... you are guaranteed to fall to your death... There is absolutely nothing to hold on to! In case of rain, even light rain, it's a disaster! We had to turn back, which is a problem because the red/white markings disappear and are replaced by blue markings that can lead you far astray, resulting in wasted time, uncertainty, growing anxiety, etc.
Personally, I strongly advise against doing this walk with children, even on the back of one of the parents, because the weight of the child can be too much for the person carrying them... Of course, I'm not even mentioning the need for suitable footwear for walking on stone slabs, sharp pebbles, slippery roots, etc.
Otherwise, it's up to you!
Have a good trip!
Cmag74

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Phil Maliverny
Phil Maliverny

There are better things to do than spend 50 minutes on the tarmac, see message dated 27 January.

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jeannogues
jeannogues

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The end of the route along the coast from the Calanque des Figuières is no longer accessible (path closed), so you end up on tarmac for 50 minutes until you reach Ensuez station.
l

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visorandorma
visorandorma

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A whole section is no longer in the pine forest; it disappeared during a fire (or fires). Otherwise, it is interesting and varied.

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Phil Maliverny
Phil Maliverny

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

In the direction of Niolon towards La Redonne, there is a beautiful, well-marked trail to the port of Figuières. From there, it is not possible to cross the beach on dry land, even in calm weather. The GR no longer passes through there!
From the port, walk up the main street (allée du port), find the railway line and follow it to the left (chemin de Méjean), climbing for about 100 m, then take a path on the left.
At the end of this path, just before a gate, take the GR on the right on the embankment until you reach the Calanque des Anthénors.

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Xasy77
Xasy77
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 31, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful route, but a little technical for us as Sunday hikers. Several very hot sections with no safety lines. On the other hand, the locals stroll along peacefully without any equipment, carrying children and babies on their backs. We arrived at the station tired but in time for the train. It took us a little over four hours, including a picnic.

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Emmmmma
Emmmmma

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Great hike to Grand Méjeant (magnificent view, trail sometimes difficult but very enjoyable, not for those with a fear of heights).

Once we arrived at Mégeant, we lost all the signposts and couldn't find our way. There were several blue lines pointing in different directions, so we ended up going round in circles until we had to use maps and follow the cars to get there on time and not miss our train. The end of the route was poorly signposted, which was a shame because it started off really well.

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kty18
kty18

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A magnificent hike but quite difficult for people who are not used to walking; the stones are often slippery.
The return journey by train takes 4 minutes and is really great.
We started from La Vesse, which makes it a little longer.

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MITCH'
MITCH'

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The weather was perfect for exploring this trail with its wonderful landscapes.

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