Gignac-la-Nerthe walks

This hike offers beautiful views of the Étang de Berre and part of the Marseille harbour. In the distance, weather permitting, you can see Sainte-Victoire, Luberon, Mont Ventoux and the Alpilles. The only drawback is the proximity of the motorway at the start and end of the route.

A very beautiful circular walk around the village of Le Rove, combining wide tracks with magnificent views of the Étang de Berre, the Rade de Marseille and the Côte Bleue, with a few steep paths to give this walk a challenging edge.

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.

A loop through the hills to the north of Le Rove, leading to the Oppidum de la Cloche, where many remains remain. Set in a sumptuous landscape and surrounded by wild goat pastures, the route then reaches Chapelle Saint-Michel via the wild and steep Gipière valley. The return journey takes in the Plaine de Gignac, through olive, oak and arbutus plantations.

Circular route starting from Le Rove towards the hills of La Nerthe, dotted with numerous quarries. This hike takes you along tracks and paths through the heath and valleys, offering magnificent views of the Étang de Berre and the Rade de Marseille, encounters with herds of wild goats, the hamlet of La Nerthe, ruins bearing witness to a rich agricultural past, and brick structures associated with railway tunnels.

An atypical route along the crests and valleys of the Estaque mountain range between Le Rove and Gignac-La-Nerthe. Along the way, you'll see the Vierge du Rove, the Chapelle St-Michel, the ruins of the Templar castle and the remains of the Camp de Laure. A varied landscape with beautiful views over the harbour of Marseille and the Étang de Berre.

From Le Rove, head towards Le Resquiadou via the ridges and the Sentier des Douaniers to discover and climb up the Vallon du Gipier. In an arid and wild environment, you will see the Baume des Pigeons, the Grotte du Blaireau and, further on, the Grotte des Chauves-souris. There are beautiful views throughout the route. The GPX track may be useful.

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.

A pleasant hike south of Le Rove between Les Esclades and La Gourgue Longue, alternating between ridge walks with magnificent views over the Bay of Marseille and paths at the bottom of valleys that are sometimes wild and steep-sided, or else well-maintained and lined with olive trees.

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.

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.

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.

A short walk up high to enjoy the view of Marseille and the islands.

A pleasant little walk. Take a picnic and make a day of it.

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

In the middle of a protected natural site, this easy hike allows you to discover the Canal du Rove, the Étang de Bolmon, part of the southern shore of the Étang de Berre, the beaches of Le Jaï and the Parc des 4 Vents. Through marshes and sand, observatories allow you to watch migratory birds and discover many aquatic animal species. Along the way, you will see fishermen's huts.

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.

A peaceful hike in the Chaîne de l'Estaque which, despite its modest altitude, offers extensive panoramic views as far as Sainte-Victoire. A few forgotten paths that are a little difficult to find, as well as the climb up the Juan valley, add a touch of wilderness to this route, which takes place in unspoilt natural surroundings where the hum of the A55 motorway, sometimes very close by, does not really disturb the tranquillity of the area.

Starting from the Les Pinchinades district in Vitrolles, this hike begins peacefully along the La Cadière stream, which leads to the source of the Infernet and its waterfalls, surrounded by magnificent red ochre rocks, worthy of an American film set. After passing through the Ravin de l'Infernet and climbing back up to the plateau (unfortunately ravaged by fire in 2018), the crossing of the Ravin de la Cardeline allows you to reach the Marthe spring, hidden among the olive trees and thick vegetation, but whose flow can be heard. The return journey through the red ochre hills passes through a narrow, deep karstic cave before reaching the Infernet spring and the starting point. A complete change of scenery just a stone's throw from the city.

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

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

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.

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).

An oasis of freshness! One of the easiest walks to do with children, following the stream back to its source. Please note: A hiker has informed us that this hike is no longer possible due to a landslide reported by a municipal decree. In addition, between 1 June and 30 September, some areas may be closed to the public (fire hazard).