Grand tour of the Devenson Cliffs

As the access road to the Col de la Gardiole is closed due to fire risk, you must park in the car park on the edge of the D559, located on the right when coming from Marseille and on the left when coming from Cassis.

(S/E) Take the tarmac road (Route Gaston Rebuffat) and after a few hairpin bends you will reach the Col de Gardiole.

Yellow markings

turn right, crossing a large stony area, go around the forest barrier and start the climb. Pass the underground cistern no. 27 and continue to a three-way junction.

(2) Keep to the right as indicated by the markings, leaving two paths on your left, including the return path. Do the same at the next fork (elevation 337), keeping to the path that widens and climbs the entire length of the Crête de l'Estret. After reaching a blue and red marker, follow it for a few dozen metres until you reach the start of a wide left-hand bend where there is a large cairn.

(3) Turn right, then continue straight ahead towards a multiple junction marked by a cairn and a metal cross erected in front of a plaque commemorating a deceased hiker.

Green markings

(4) Go around this cairn on the right, keeping Mont Puget in sight. You will soon reach another large cairn.

No markings

(5) Turn sharply left onto a flat path. You will reach a path junction.

GR® markings: white and red + yellow + green + red.

(6) Turn right towards Grande Candelle.

(7) Look for the narrow path on the left, which you will take shortly afterwards, and continue straight ahead to reach the Col de la Candelle.

(8) Enjoy the exceptional view of the Calanque de Sugiton and Île Riou, then turn back, following the quadruple markings, heading due north.

GR® White and Red + Red markings

(7) Turn right onto the narrow path which further on turns sharply to the right to run along the base of the Cap Gros cliffs.

GR® white and red markings

(9) Leave the red markings on your left and descend to the right to reach the Col des Charbonniers after a very steep descent that requires caution.

GR® white and red + green markings

(10) Continue straight ahead and climb up to reach the ridge marking the top of the Falaises du Devenson. The path follows the unsecured cliff edge but offers exceptional views, particularly of Cap Canaille and the Falaises Soubeyrannes, the Pointe de l'Îlot and the Aiguille de l'Essaidon.

Green markings

(11) Bear slightly right, leaving the GR® markings on your left towards Puits de l'Oule (signposted on the ground). Once you reach the Aiguille de l'Essaidon, the ridge becomes narrower and the path begins a very steep descent with a few tricky steps leading to the hollow of the valley that leads to the Calanque de l'Oule and its path.

(12) Turn left to climb up this valley and reach Puits de l'Oule, which is blocked by a metal plate.

Blue + Red + Green markings

Continue straight ahead to immediately reach a new fork where the GR® markings are added.

GR® White and Red + Red + Green markings

Leave the blue markings on your left towards Cap Gros (sign on the ground), negotiate the right-hand bend and reach the Col de l'Oule marked by a rusty metal post.

(13) Turn left. Cross the paved section at the underground cistern and leave the various markings on your right, except for the blue ones, which you continue to follow straight ahead.

No markings

Leave this signpost at the right-hand bend and continue along the wide track that descends gently before reaching Vallon des Rampes and the end of the path coming from Cirque des Pételins.

(14) Turn left, walk for about 50 metres, then turn right onto a well-marked, stony path leading uphill.

Cairns

Now begin a fairly challenging climb in a rocky environment where cairns prove to be really useful. Pass the karstic cave des Marseillais, whose gaping opening is not secured (!), and continue climbing until the trail turns sharply to the right and follows a contour line to join a cross path. Turn left and you will quickly rejoin the ascent route.

(2) Continue right downhill to reach the Col de la Gardiole.

(1) Take the road on the left and return to the car park where you started (S/E).

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.

This hike is classified as very difficult because it includes extremely steep sections both uphill and downhill with several climbs and descents requiring you to use your hands for support. You will need to be careful.
This circuit is therefore strongly discouraged for people who are not comfortable on this type of terrain.

Markings

There are numerous markings along this loop. They are mentioned in the description. However, it is recommended that you follow the GPS track on the mobile app to avoid any confusion.

High-top or low-top hiking boots with good grip soles are necessary due to the uneven and stony terrain. Walking poles are not recommended as they will be too cumbersome in many places, especially when climbing and descending.

There are no water sources on the circuit. Bring enough water as most of the hike is in open terrain and the reflection off the white stony ground is very intense.

(S/E) Those allergic to tarmac can avoid most of the approach walk on the road to the Col de la Gardiole. To do this, follow the road to the first right-hand bend and leave it to take the path opposite marked in red. Rejoin the road further down and follow it to the forest barrier on the right, which marks the entrance to the Vallon de Chalabran. Then take the path on the left marked in red and green, which cuts across two hairpin bends before leading to the signpost marking the arrival at Col de la Gardiole.
Follow the route described in (1).
The same route can of course be used for the return journey.