Refine your search for walks in Gréasque
Gréasque walks
Around the mining remains of Les Euves
This route, created by the Gréasque Mining Museum, takes you on a journey back in time to the mining era in Gréasque. You will pass by the mining remains that enabled the village to develop. The route is marked with permanent black markings on a white background and an explanatory guide is available at the museum.
The Vallon de la Figuières from Saint-Savournin
Hike in the Étoile massif with views of Sainte-Victoire Mountain, Ventoux, the Alps, and at the same time, Marseille and the Mediterranean.
The Tête du Grand Puech and Pilon du Roi circular loop
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.
Mont Julien
A beautiful hike above Cadolive that will take you to the summit of Mont Julien, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Sainte-Victoire, the Alps and the bay of Marseille.
Around Bau Trauqua and Notre-Dame des Anges
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.
The Caves and the Hermitage of Notre-Dame-des-Anges
This is a very pretty route, a little challenging, rated medium +, offering beautiful, unobstructed views of Gardanne, Sainte-Victoire and the surrounding area with some very pretty rocks, as the photos show. There are some lovely paths, which can be a little wet in winter, and two caves to visit: the Grotte des Ermites and the Grotte de l'Ermite. There is a third cave, but it can only be seen from a distance. However, it requires another hike to reach. And of course, you must see the Hermitage of Notre-Dame des Anges.
Bau Trauqua Mountain on the Chemin des Crêtes
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.
Bau Trauqua Mountain
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.
Le Régagnas
This walk is not difficult as it is mostly on easy-to-walk, fairly wide tracks. It takes you through the heath with beautiful views of Sainte-Victoire and Sainte-Baume.
Its highest point, Le Régagnas, offers a 360° view, which is perfect on clear days. You can picnic nearby and even see the foothills of the Alps if the weather permits.
Font Belle circular route starting from Gardanne
A lovely circular route above Gardanne. Most of the route is through wooded areas.
The Bouilladisse Dovecote
Starting from La Bouilladisse station, this hike climbs through oak and pine forests onto a vast plateau, then descends through gorges to the hamlet of Le Pigeonnier and then La Bouillladisse.
The hike is accessible via the free public transport network of the Pays d'Aubagne et de l'Étoile. Line 5: La Bouilladisse station stop.
Around Peypin
This hike around Peypin will allow you to discover the village, its history and its hills.
You will walk along a stream, which is remarkable when in full flow with its small waterfall and pools, and follow paths through shady valleys.
The hike ends with a tour of the village's narrow streets and a visit to the castle. If you wish, you can skip this last part (see (8) for things to do nearby).
The Pilon du Roi
This short but fairly challenging hike takes you along numerous small paths and immerses you in a fairly wild area. It also allows you to reach the famous Pilon, visible from all over the Aix region.
Sentier du Défens trail in Meyreuil
A pleasant short hike that takes you up a slag heap without any particular difficulty. You will find a few information panels along the way. The route is very well marked in blue.
Tour of the Plaine de Fos
A very short hike between Meyreuil and the Pont de Bayeux, through vineyards, pine and oak woods on a hill with very pleasant views of the Sainte-Victoire mountain.
From Pichauris to La Bastidonne
A pleasant route around the old hamlet of Pichauris and the Bastidonne estate. Beautiful tracks and paths through heath and kermes oak trees, passing numerous wells. Beautiful views of Mont Julien.
Pichauris Park
A walk in a regional park with beautiful trails, varied routes and trees, trees and more trees.
Departure from the park’s car park at the Pichauris Hostel.
La Parloire and Barre Coupée starting from Pichauris
This hike starts from Pichauris and takes you through spectacular scenery: La Parloire, a large, steep cirque reminiscent of an ancient theatre, and Barre Coupée, a long rock formation that looks as if it has been carved with an axe and has only one point of passage.
A loop via the Auberge de Pichauris, the Puits de l'Aroumi
A hike through the pines and scrubland of the Massif du Garlaban, so dear to Marcel Pagnol.
Starting from the Pichauris car park, the circuit first leads you to the Puits de l'Aroumi (the wells of Aroumi) then the Mont du Marseillais along beautiful, well marked paths, often along ridges, offering magnificent views over Marseille, Sainte-Victoire, Mont Ventoux and, in good weather, the Préaples de Provence. The intense luminosity of the rocks under the brilliance of the sun will leave no-one indifferent.
Peynier aux Michels loop
A lovely, very easy family walk between Peynier and Les Michels, with an elevation gain of just 120 metres. You will pass an old miner's house, enjoy beautiful views of Sainte-Victoire and walk along an ancient Roman road, some of whose cobblestones remain.
Les Grands Ubacs from Pichauris
Starting from the Micocouliers car park above Pichauris, this beautiful circular route around the Grands Ubacs will take you to the orientation table and beneath the antennas of Mont du Marseillais. You can discover the places where Yves Robert located Marcel Pagnol's holiday home in the film "La Gloire de mon Père" (My Father's Glory).
The summit of Mont Julien via the Vallon de la Vache
The circuit allows you to discover pretty secret valleys in the Grand Puech massif and magnificent panoramic views of Marseille, Cadolive and Sainte-Victoire.
The Grotte des Fées via Mont Julien and the Vallon de la Figuière
A beautiful hike to Mont Julien and the Grotte des Fées with magnificent views of Marseille, Cadolive, Gardanne and the Sainte-Victoire Massif in the background. Return via the Figuière and Vache valleys.
Aire de la Moure and Baou de l'Aigle
This is a pleasant, easy hike on beautiful, clear tracks and paths, allowing you to discover the Aire de la Moure, a reddish plateau used for training civil defence water bombers, and then the Baou de l'Aigle cliff, a climbing site.
La Parloire via the Col des Hirondelles and Col de l'Amandier passes
Another idea for a route to reach the magnificent site of La Parloire is to take beautiful trails with views of Marseille, the Chaîne de l'Étoile and the Montagne de Sainte-Victoire.
Circular Petit Cornillon route via La Débite
A lovely hike with a big climb up the ridge of the valley. Return via the Vallon de Fontvieille (as it is known), where the lush vegetation makes you forget that you are in the Étoile massif.
Notre-Dame du Rot and Pilon du Roi from Lou Limas
Starting from the Marseille metropolitan area, a combination of classic trails and lesser-known paths to reach and explore a section of the Chaîne de l'Étoile ridges.
Bau Trauqua ridges via the Grotte des Ermites and Grotte du Facteur caves
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.
Pilon du Roi, Grand Puech, Aire de la Moure
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.
The Hermits' Cave
This is more of a walk to enjoy with family or friends. The route follows a DFCI (firebreak), so the paths are very wide and very pleasant for children to cycle on or for pushing pushchairs. The path is wide, practically along the entire length of the route, but gently sloping. This is the Chemin de Mimet. When you arrive near Notre-Dame-des-Anges, below, there is a narrow, rocky and picturesque path for experienced walkers. It leads to the Grotte des Ermites, some 100 metres below. You then have to retrace your steps. Children will be safe during this descent to the Grotte des Ermites, which will leave them with a very nice memory. It's not very long, but it's really very pretty.
Tour of the Brègues d'Or via the Bompart valley
A short family hike on wide, passable paths. Walk on the plateau and in the valley. Beautiful unobstructed views of Sainte-Victoire Mountain, the city of Aix-en-Provence, the Roquefavour Aqueduct and the TGV viaduct.
Tour of the Valabre Forest
This short hike takes you through the Valabre Forest with beautiful views of the Étoile massif (Pilon du Roi) and the Luynes valley between Gardanne and Luynes. The nearby cliffs add to the picturesque nature of this route.
A peaceful circular at the foot of the Étoile massif.
A short hike in the Étoile massif between tracks and trails. You will often come across a herd of goats roaming free on or near the boules court. Please do not feed them (there is a sign reminding you that this is prohibited). However, if you have any water left over after your hike, especially in summer, please feel free to fill their water tanks.
Peycaï hill from Simiane-Collongue
A short, unpretentious walk with lovely views of the Aix countryside, and longer in good weather.
From Chemin de la Forêt to La Moure and back via the Mordeau valley.
A hike to the highly original Aire de la Moure with its panoramic view of the Marseille region. Avoid Thursdays, as this is when Canadairs and other Dash 8 aircraft practise their drops.
Aire de la Moure via the Vallon de Mordeau
An easy hike, mostly on fairly wide tracks, then a path leading to the Aire de la Moure from the Vallon de Mordeau. Beautiful views of Marseille and all the surrounding hills with beautiful colours to discover. You may even see black pigs raised organically along the way.
The canyon, the hill, the Canal de Provence and the village of Simiane-Collongue
This hike takes you through different environments in a very short time
La Luynes, between Luynes and Gardanne
pLEASE NOTE: work is being carried out on the Gardanne-Luynes railway line. The hiking trails are closed to the public.
A Sunday family walk through landscapes of small rivers and hills, without going into the department's large parks.
Above Simiane-Collongue
An easy hike in the woods above Simiane-Collongue with some beautiful views of the Pilon du Roi, the Étoile and the Aix region with Sainte-Victoire in the background.
Sainte-Croix Chapel in Auriol
This short walk on the heights of Auriol was discovered by chance while trying to get as close as possible to the chapel, which stands out immaculately against the blue sky. It's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with the family, climbing just 37 metres. From the top, there is a remarkable view of the village and the entire surrounding area, from the northern slopes of the Sainte-Baume mountain range to the east to the Étoile mountain range to the west.
Ascent of the Étoile via the Santons loop
This hike involves climbing to the summit of the Étoile from the north. The start and finish are in a wooded valley, but the rest of the route is very open: you are on a summit ridge and the landscape is magnificent, provided the visibility is good (Marseille, Côte Bleue, Étang de Berre, Alpilles, Mont Ventoux, Aix, Sainte-Victoire, Pilon du Roi).
L'Eygrou
This hike offers striking contrasts, with a technicalfirst section featuring steep, rocky passages that pass through the Grotte de l'Eygrou cave, then climb up a stream bed to reach the ridge of the Chaîne de l'Étoile. After crossing along the cliffs between the Étoile and the Grande Étoile with magnificent views, the return via the Jas de Féraud allows you to make the most of a large, flat, stone-free track that has recently been re-graded. A real pleasure.
Eygrou Cave and Étoile lookout
Circular tour with a visit to the Eygrou cave, then climb up to the Col des Ouides and the Étoile lookout point for a beautiful view of Marseille.
The Hermitage of Saint-Jean du Puy from Kirbon
This hike leads to the Hermitage of Saint-Jean du Puy, an observatory overlooking the Arc Valley and facing the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. On the other side, to the south, is the village of Saint-Zacharie and the Sainte-Baume mountain range.
The site, which has become a favourite spot for hikers, consists of a refuge, a chapel, a shelter with gardens and a watchtower that serves as an observatory overlooking the valley.
Les Harmelins and the ruins of Le Trou
Hike through a landscape of rocks and vegetation dotted with ochre and red earth. The first part of the route follows a very wide path in the footsteps of Cézanne, offering extraordinary views of the Sainte-Victoire mountain (south-west side, the most painted by the artist), the Refuge Cézanne and the ruins of the hamlet of Le Trou. The second part is shaded, on a small path, shorter and wilder.
Circular Sainte-Victoire and bottom of Lake Bimont
An exceptional hike at the bottom of Lake Bimont to be done before the dam is filled in 2019. Views of the most beautiful side of Sainte-Victoire, a beautiful climb, a magnificent panorama of the region, a walk at the bottom of the lake, old stones bearing witness to times gone by.
Important: The end of this route, part of which is marked on the map in the lake, could be completed until May 2019, before the lake was filled. Read the practical information below.
11/09/2024: Closure of the Imoucha trail for 3 months, from 1 October to 31 December (2024 and 2025). Hiking is not possible during these periods. See practical information.
Tour of the Cengle plateau
The tour of the Cengle plateau is an easy circular hike around the Cengle plateau, a veritable balcony offering splendid and unusual views of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. You can also start from Beaurecueil (car park at the start of the path) or from the Bouquet car park on the CD 17 before Saint Antonin.
It should also be noted that this area is much less frequented than the rest of the Sainte Victoire massif.
Sainte-Victoire from the Aurigon car park near Le Tholonet
A magnificent hike following the closure of the Bimont dam for over a year during the week. Superb views, to be enjoyed clockwise as you climb towards the Bimont dam.
11/09/2024: Closure of the Imoucha trail for 3 months, from 1 October to 31 December (2024 and 2025). Hike not possible during these periods. See practical information.
The Roques Hautes tour
This very easy hike takes you in the footsteps of the viewpoints painted by Cézanne. The route takes you around the Sainte-Victoire National Nature Reserve. Along the way, you will see the Bimont dam, the Doudon aqueduct and an old marble quarry.
Tour of the Untinos Oppidum and the Trou ridges
This short hike runs along the steepest slopes of the mountain, where you will be dazzled by the mineral colours of the rock. You will discover the ruins of a medieval Celtic-Ligurian fortified settlement abandoned around the 10th century on the Untinos oppidum, and the return route offers magnificent views of the ochre ridges in the foreground of Sainte-Victoire.
Au pied de la Montagne Sainte-Victoire
La meilleure manière d'apprécier la Montagne Sainte-Victoire n'est pas nécessairement de monter au sommet mais peut être bien de rester à son pied. La boucle décrite ici, à l'aplomb de la Croix de Provence, vous fera découvrir la Face Sud sous tous les angles, de près et avec du recul. L'itinéraire est varié, vallonné avec de superbes vues.
Refuge Cézanne from the Bouquet car park
A pleasant walk with views of La Croix de Sainte-Victoire.
The Bouquet car park can be busy during peak periods. It is therefore advisable to choose your timing carefully and not hesitate to set off early.
Stop off at the Cézanne refuge before setting off along a wide path through groves of young oak trees and well-maintained olive groves.
07/11/2024: Hikes temporarily inaccessible: the black and green trails on Sainte-Victoire are closed by municipal decree due to rockfalls. See practical information.
Dam circuit at Le Tholonet
A superb hike, best enjoyed in spring: the Zola and Bimont dams and the old Roman dam are magnificent.
La Sainte-Victoire: Croix de Provence via the Pas des Moines and the Escalette
A hike that takes you up to the Sainte-Victoire priory and the Croix de Provence from the Plan d'En Chois car park.
Mont du Marseillais
Mont du Marseillais, which is easily accessible, offers a wonderful 360° panorama of the surrounding mountains and even the Mercantour on a clear day.
After passing the small summit of Le Défens, the descent is via Le Grand Vallon to return to the Marseillais valley, where pine trees reign supreme. A beautiful, peaceful loop in unspoilt wilderness, undisturbed by the rare cars that use the tracks.
Sainte-Victoire : Bau Cezanne - Garagai - Deux Aiguilles de l'Anchois
A physical loop hike along Sainte-Victoire, a climb to Prieuré Sainte-Victoire / Croix de Provence through Bau Cézanne and going back through "le Gouffre de Garagaï" and "les deux Aiguilles".
From La Montade to Le Caban
A very beautiful Nordic walking route with no difficulty and wide tracks. A magnificent panorama of the entire Chaîne de l'Étoile and views of Allauch, Plan-de-Cuques, Marseille and its harbour.
Le Pilon du Roi via the four valleys
A very challenging circular route to Pilon du Roi, passing through four magnificent valleys: the Vallon de Mauvelle with its large limestone basins to cross, the Vallon du Pilon du Roi with its strangely shaped rocks that sometimes seem to be watching us, the more accessible Vallon de Fontvielle with its caves and springs, and the Vallon des Escombes, sometimes wild, sometimes calm, with its long tunnel of vegetation at the end of the route. A short stretch of tarmac through La Montade to return to the starting point.
Circular walk at La Montade
A circular walk on fairly wide tracks in the Plan de Cuques Communal Forest with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the city of Marseille, starting from La Montade. The first part of the walk is quite strenuous as it climbs steadily. The second part is downhill. Can be done on foot or by bike.
The two dams starting from Le Tholonet
An easy walk starting from Le Tholonet, allowing you to see the two dams and walk through the woods with a view of Sainte-Victoire and the entire surrounding valley. Easy to follow as the route is on main paths
Circular through the pine forest at Le Tholonet
Whether you want a leisurely family outing or a brisk run, this circular allows you to escape Le Tholonet on tracks and paths with little traffic, offering views of Montagne Sainte-Victoire.
Cézanne’s windmill and the Zola dam
A lovely walk which includes a chance to see Cézanne’s Windmill, to discover the ancient ruins of the Roman aqueduct and its waterfall and the Zola dam. In the distance you can see Mont Sainte-Victoire.
The two dams via La Petite Mer in Le Tholonet
A beautiful hike starting from Le Tholonet, mostly off the beaten track. You walk along the small Cause stream in the Petite Mer, then continue on to the Zola Dam and the Bimont Dam. Return to Le Tholonet, passing close to Cézanne's mill.
The Roman Dam and Zola Dam at the start of Le Tholonet
A short circular walk taking you to the ruins of the Roman dam and then along the Zola dam.
Comment on Monday, 24 March 2025. >Please note: the path between (1) and (3) is private property: there is a barrier and no trespassing. Go via the cemetery.
La Sainte-Victoire from the Deux Aiguilles car park
A magnificent and very challenging route in the Sainte-Victoire massif from the Deux Aiguilles car park, via La Marbrerie to access the Pas du Clapier, then on to the Pic des Mouches, descending via the La Tine trail and then climbing back up to the Baudino Refuge via the Chapelle de Saint-Ser.
Sainte-Victoire mountain through the Clapier gap
A loop hike on the south side of Sainte-Victoire Montagne allowing access to the ridge via the Marbrière and the Brèche du Clapier (gap). The walk along the ridge towards the Croix de Provence offers splendid views. Descent via the Priory, the Pas du Berger and the Cézanne Shelter.
Total immersion in the Petite Mer and its dam
This short hike offers a circuit that alternates between cliff tops and narrow valleys.
After thefirst part, which offers a panoramic view of the entire hike and a passage over the Zola Dam, thesecond part immerses you in the Petite Mer valley (along the La Cause stream) and its dam.
La Sainte-Victoire via Garagaï
Spectacular route on the southern slope of Sainte-Victoire, arriving on the ridge path via the Grotte des Hirondelles and descending via the Pas de l'Escalette and the Refuge de Cézanne.
Triple ascent of the south-west face of Sainte-Victoire
A challenging, athletic route that sometimes borders on hiking and light climbing.
The route consists of a triple ascent of Sainte-Victoire via the three marked trails in the south-west of the massif: the Black, Green (Forcioli) and finally Yellow trails.
Then continue along the ridges to the east, crossing the plateau's characteristic sharp limestone pavement, to the Brèche du Clapier.
(__Caution: see important warning in the description__)
The tour of Les Infernets and La Petite Mer
This hike offers breathtaking, legendary views of Lake Zola, with the Montagne Sainte-Victoire painted by Cézanne in the background. Marked paths alternate with wild trails.
La Sainte-Victoire via the Sentier Forcioli and the Garagaï
A circular loop in Sainte-Victoire. Ascent to Prieuré Sainte-Victoire / Croix de Provence via Écaille de Tortue and Gouffre de Garagaï, return via Gouffre de Garagaï and Deux Aiguilles.
Circular Palama
A beautiful hike in the Étoile massif on tracks or paths with magnificent views of Marseille, the Étoile and Mediterranean vegetation: fig trees, arbutus trees, heather, rosemary, etc.
Sainte-Victoire via the Col de Vauvenargues
A circular route on the southern slope of Sainte-Victoire, passing through the Col de Vauvenargues and the Col de Saint-Ser, then descending to the Ermitage Saint-Ser and the Refuge Baudino.
The Saint-Ser black trail is closed from 1 February to 15 July 2023 (between 4 and 5). See practical information.
Large circular on the south side and ridges of Sainte-Victoire
This large circular starting from Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon takes you through several characteristic places: the old marble quarry, the Barthélémy Baudino Refuge, the Hermitage of Saint-Ser and the pass of the same name, then the ridges on the way back to the Priory, the descent to the Pas de l'Escalette and the Cézanne Refuge and, finally, the Oppidum Untinos.
The Étoile wells tour
An original circular in the Étoile massif to discover numerous wells and old lime kilns.
From Palama to La Grande Étoile
An easy Nordic walking route at the foot of La Grande Étoile and on beautiful DFCI tracks. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of Marseille and the Côte Bleue.
The Garlaban via the Grand Vallon
A beautiful hike with cable and chain passages and magnificent 360° views from the top of the Garlaban.
Please note that a municipal by-law has prohibited descent via the Dansaires trail since 2010 due to rockfalls.
From the Refuge Cézanne to the Deux Aiguilles car park via the Trou
This trail is an alternative known to local hikers for reaching the Saint-Antonin car parks when they have just completed a circular in Sainte-Victoire: it avoids following the brown-marked route, passing through the Col de l'Oppidum (alt. 580 m), then descending a very steep and rugged path. There is a 40-metre less elevation gain, and when you are in a hurry to get to the car park or tired, taking this Trou trail is a good option, especially in bad weather.
La Grande Etoile and return via the Col des Ouides
A beautiful hike in the Massif de l'Etoile, with superb views of Marseille, its surroundings and the Frioul Islands. The colours and scents of the heath accompany walkers throughout the circuit.
Le Taoumé and the Grosibou Cave via the Pounche des Escaouprés
A short hike to the famous Taoumé, dear to Marcel Pagnol. It is best to avoid this walk in the heat of summer.
Around the Vallon de l'Amandier
A pleasant hike starting from Allauch to discover the Vallon de l'Amandier with beautiful views of Marseille and the Côte Bleue.
Le Taoumé via La Pounche des Escaouprés
A pleasant circular route starting from Allauch to discover the Pic du Taoumé via the Pounche des Escaouprés. Along the way, you will pass the Grotte du Grosibou, Baume Sourne, the Puits du Mûrier and then return via the Col du Tubé. Throughout this route, you can enjoy a sumptuous 360° landscape.
Source du Chien and Grande Tête Rouge
A short hike but with lots of curiosities to discover. Engravings on limestone slabs made by the ancient shepherds of Pas dei Menoun and Source du Chien, a rare spring that still flows throughout the winter and into spring. The Berger cave and its engravings, the Grotte de l'Étoile where you can see water gushing out after heavy storms. Finally, on the way back, the Laurier spring and the ascent of the Grande Tête Rouge for a 360° panorama of Marseille and its surroundings.
Towards the Plaine de la Grive
This is a fairly challenging hike that takes you to several highlights of the Garlaban massif, such as the Col de l'Amandier, the Parloire and the Barre Coupé, the Plaine de la Grive (a strange, undulating plain), the Col du Tubé and the Taoumé. All this with beautiful 360° views of the entire region. This plain should not be confused with the Corniche des Tourdres (thrushes in Provençal), which is located above Lascours.
Discovering the old bauxite mines in the Allauch massif
This route allows you to discover the old bauxite mines in the Allauch massif. These small deposits in shallow galleries were quickly exhausted. For safety reasons, the entrance to some galleries is blocked by gates and rubble. Remains of these mines are still visible.
This route also allows you to discover the Baumes des Pestiférés, the Pichoun Ome spring, the Tête Ronde and the Grande Tête Rouge.
Col de l'Amandier via the Pounche des Escaouprés
Route in the hills of Allauch, taking paths that are less frequented than the main tracks. A feeling of wild tranquillity in the heath. Beautiful views of Marseille and the Chaîne de l'Étoile, particularly the Aire de la Moure, a training area for Civil Protection aircraft.
Wine growers' trail in Auriol
This hike takes you through the forest and vineyards. Along the way, you will discover the care and attention that winegrowers devote to their vines in order to produce the best wine possible. The icing on the cake is that you can visit the Auriol wine cellars and taste the wines produced from the vines you have just walked through.
Baumes des Pestiférés and Vallon des Escaouprés
A pleasant hike to the Baumes des Pestiférés, then a detour to the Vallon des Escaouprés with its large limestone slabs and water-filled potholes. Along the way or nearby, you will find the Pichoun Ome spring, the Grande Tête Rouge, Le Col du Sauvage and La Tête Ronde with ancient bauxite deposits, the Berger and Etoile caves, La Source du Chien and its rock carvings, and finally La Pounche des Escaouprés. Beautiful views of Allauch, Marseille and the Étoile mountain range.
On the heights of Allauch
A pleasant short route in the hills overlooking the village of Allauch, passing by Notre-Dame du Château and the ruins of the Sainte Croix du Lointain chapel. Beautiful views of Allauch and Marseille.
Double circular in the hills of Allauch
Double circular in the hills of Allauch starting from the Notre Dame du Château Chapel. Walk along the Baume des Pestiférés and the Tête Ronde, then climb up to the Pic du Taoumé. Then pass through the Escaouprés valley and begin the climb to the summit of Grande Tête Rouge, then Pounche des Escaouprés. Return via an old bauxite quarry at the foot of Petite Tête Rouge.
Hunting trails and caves around Allauch
The hills of Allauch offer constant points of interest. Hunters use paths that are covered by vegetation (be careful, it can be quite prickly...). The caves are enigmatic, particularly the Étoile cave (a very large tunnel). As usual, the view of Marseille from the Grande Tête Rouge is well worth the climb. The section crossing the stream bed is very pleasant and accessible. There are springs to discover all along the route.
In the hills of Allauch
A short sporting excursion in the hills of Allauch: Petite and Grande Tête Rouge, returning via the Notre-Dame du Château Chapel, offering three magnificent viewpoints. Finally, a short stroll through the village of Allauch.
King René's hunting lodge
A pretty green area nestled between Aix-en-Provence, Bouc-Bel-Air and Gardanne.
Sainte-Victoire via the Grand Couloir and the Pas du Clapier
Short, challenging hike in the Baudino refuge area via the Grand Couloir (chain/cable passages) and descent via the Pas de Clapier after enjoying the views from the Plan de la Crau
Bau of the circular Vespres: Grand Couloir, Pas du Clapier and a new return route
After a relatively classic route with some slightly technical, sometimes aerial and exposed passages, the circular route ends with a little-known, easy route which, when you take a step back, offers magnificent views of the mountain. The GPX track may be useful.
Along the Torse in Aix-en-Provence
A walk starting from the centre of Aix-en-Provence and following the course of the Torse river. Half urban, half nature. Discover little-known ruins.
The Tête de Chien at Les Encanaux
Hike near Auriol, in the Encanaux and Infernets ravines, with an ascent of two rarely visited peaks, discovery of caves and a visit to the Encanaux ice house.
Above the Infernets and Coutronne-les Encanaux ravines
A splendid walk starting from the Encanaux, near Auriol, along the top of the Infernets and then the Coutronne ravines. At times along the cliffside ravines, similar to some sections of the Gorges du Verdon. From Lare Pass (Col de la Lare), you will have a magnificent view of the Sainte-Baume range and the Pic de Bertagne to the south and Sainte-Victoire Mountain, Mont Olympe and Mont Aurélien to the north.
The entire Ravin des Encanaux, return via Les Infernets
The Encanaux and Infernets ravines are two remarkable valleys near Auriol. This route will take you up the entire length of the wild Encanaux ravine, which is very quiet and shaded in hot weather. The return journey will take you through the more classic Coutronne and Infernets ravines with their beautiful landscapes.
The Ravin des Infernets
A short, easy and pleasant hike, alternating between springs, gorges and small caves, with picnic areas along the stream.
Moderator's warning on 25/01/2021: Please note! Reviews of this hike indicate that it is preferable to have a GPS device to follow the route correctly and that some paths have been overgrown.
The Sainte-Victoire circular via the Cols de Saint-Ser and Vauvenargues
A challenging circular in Sainte-Victoire starting from the Saint-Ser car park. The ascent is via the Col de Saint-Ser and the descent via the Col de Vauvenargues.
The Saint-Ser black trail is closed from 1 February to 15 July 2023 (between 4 and 6). See practical information.
Sainte-Victoire: the Pic des Mouches with a return via the Pas du Clapier
An energetic loop in Sainte-Victoire leaving from the Saint-Ser car park. The climb up goes via the east of the Bau de l'Aigle and the descent back down is via the 'Pas du Clapier'.
Ermitage de Saint-Ser and botanical trail
Short family hike. Start on the botanical trail (optional) then climb up to the chapel. Pass by a cave and you may see some goats.
The historic centre of Aix-en-Provence
A family outing, a cultural outing, an architectural outing... and a culinary outing if you like! Fountains, cathedrals, churches, museums, theatres, hotels, squares and other attractions... The main things to discover when you come to Aix-en-Provence, a city of water, art, history and well-being!