Grotte du Plantier ou Grotte de Manon walks

Circuit following in Marcel Pagnol's footsteps, passing by the Baume du Plantier (Manon’s Cave) then reaching the legendary Garlaban. The return journey passes by the peak of Taoumé and Grosibou Cave and ending with the Vallon de Passe-Temps.

This is an exciting hike that combines the appeal of hiking with cultural interest. Throughout the circuit, you will discover the locations where Marcel Pagnol's works were filmed. In addition, at the top of Garlaban, the view is breathtaking, with a 360° panorama of Marseille, the Mediterranean Sea and the beginning of the Côte d'Azur, as well as the surrounding landscape, including La Sainte-Victoire and the Sainte-Baume mountain range.

Have you heard of the rock carvings in the Garlaban massif? This route takes you there, where you can admire them in peace. The path is not easy, but it offers beautiful views of the mountains surrounding Marseille and the Bellons. On the way down, you will discover the Baume du Plantier (Manon's cave), the Vallon des Piches, the Ferme d'Angèle and the Puits de Raimu.

A beautiful loop with spectacular views at the top and a return via the Vallon des Piches, which offers views over the whole of Marseille.

A pleasant hike on steep trails to the Manon and Cerf caves, then around the Vallon de Marcelin, passing by the ruins of the village of Aubignane on the ridges of the Barres Rocheuses du Saint-Esprit. Magnificent views of Marseille, the Chaîne de l'Étoile and the Massif du Garlaban.

Yet another climb towards Garlaban, but this one stands out, firstly because it starts from Camoin, but also because the return route via Pas des Quatre Fers is relatively little used. Jean Camoin was the name of a15th-century landowner who owned a lot of land around Garlaban (hence the name of the locality in Aubagne and the district in Marseille).

The ruins of Jas de Batisto are nothing extraordinary. However, they provide a destination for a short hike on a sunny afternoon. The view of the Passe Temps valley, Garlaban and Escaouprés is magnificent. The area is wild and, with a little luck, you may see partridges and hares.

Discover the Grotte du Plantier, also known as the Grotte de Manon after the film "Manon des sources" directed by Marcel Pagnol. You can also visit the nearby Grotte du Cerf a little further up. Near the car park, you can take a short detour to see the restored Puits de Raimu. Some passages after the cave require the use of your hands.

From the vallons de Préscator and des Piches to the Garladan summit, this hike allows you to immerse yourself in the natural world that Marcel Pagnol grew up in. This itinerary, with its many well-known sites, is above all a variation on the Garladan and is in no way intended to replace the guided tours offered by the tourist office.