La Ciotat and Cap Canaille

Hike exploring the sights and features of Cape Canaille.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.33 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 518 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 523 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 333 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1 m

Photos

Description of the walk

(1) From the end of Avenue du Mugel, head in the direction of Figuerolles cove by Avenue des Myrtilles or Avenue de Figuerolles. Arriving in the car park of the cove, head down the large stony stairs. The cove is dominated by spectacular, wild, ochre-colour conglomerate cliffs.

(2) Head back up the stairs and follow Avenue de Figuerolles. Pass in front of the houses to reach a major intersection. Turn left into the Chemin de Notre-Dame de la Garde following the yellow line.
After a steady climb, turn left towards the Notre-Dame de la Garde chapel via the side road that runs along the houses.

(3) The chapel is built against a rocky conglomerate mound which can be climbed following a route carved into the rock by taking the path on the right. There is a very nice view of the Trois Secs to one side, and the beginning of the Soubeyranes Cliffs to the other. Head back to the start of the path at the chapel and turn left onto a trail that cuts through fields to reach a beautiful building,

(4) This is the former home of Michel Simon. Reach Chemin du Sémaphone after the entry gate to the property and turn left. Continue to follow the yellow signs. A long steady climb leads to the last houses, then continue to the right on a small paved road that turns into rocky path through scrubland to the semaphore tower of Bec de l'Aigle, which offers a magnificent view of the sea and La Ciotat. From this point it is possible to head back and forth to the highest point of the cliffs at 394 m, allow for an additional hour.

(5) Follow the access road to the semaphore tower or the path below right, then from right towards La Grande Tête following the sign in the direction of La Ciotat via the Sainte-Croix chapel.
Follow the yellow-marked path that leads back to La Ciotat via the ridge overlooking the town and bay.

(6) Arriving at the port, continue to the right towards the shipyards and Mugel park (along the yards). Near the car park, take the small road down to the beach and Parc du Mugel.

(7) The park is free to enter. L'Anse du Sec is accessible by a path that heads south-east. The park’s viewpoint, which is well signposted, is accessible by a rough stony staircase; located 82 m above sea level, it offers impressive views of the sea and the cliffsides of the Bec de l'Aigle. Head out of the park and continue straight ahead along Avenue Mugel to return to the start.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 30 m - Avenue du Mugel
  2. 1 : km 0.42 - alt. 33 m - Calanque car park
  3. 2 : km 0.6 - alt. 1 m - Calanque de Figuerolles
  4. 3 : km 1.93 - alt. 94 m - Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde
  5. 4 : km 2.62 - alt. 87 m - Michel Simon House
  6. 5 : km 4.97 - alt. 314 m - Sémaphore du bec de l'Aigle.
  7. 6 : km 8.66 - alt. 1 m - The port.
  8. 7 : km 9.83 - alt. 13 m - Mugel Park - Anse du Petit Mugel
  9. S/E : km 11.33 - alt. 30 m - Avenue du Mugel

Practical information

Mugel car park is a paying car park all year round, in off-peak periods it is possible to park for free in the Avenue du Mugel or nearby.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 118 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
marquounet
marquounet

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Ending the walk in the Parc du Mugel is the icing on the cake...

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juju69780
juju69780

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Great walk! Beautiful views

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ed04
ed04

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

very nice walk for those who don't know La Ciotat

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MFCA
MFCA

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

done during the week in april, so not many people
we don't go as far as Cap Canaille, but the views are parish specific to Brittany

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frbnt83000
frbnt83000

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful walk with magnificent views over the bay of La Ciotat and the three dry mountains.

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christophemarina
christophemarina

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : No

Departure in town and return through the town, lots of road.
At the chapel to go towards the semaphore, not easy to find the track.
Not to be done in midsummer, as there are no shady spots.

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JB GARCIA
JB GARCIA

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : May 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very pleasant route with exceptional views.
A lovely visit to the old port and the Parc Mugel.
"Moderate difficulty" justified by the gradients.
TO DO

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Phil139055
Phil139055

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A beautiful walk, not too busy. The ochres are magnificent

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Gépa
Gépa

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Very nice walk in the countryside: from the Figuerolles cove, then the chapel to the semaphore and back to the town, less interesting and enjoyable for the urban part.

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Favipa13
Favipa13

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

We only did 1 to 5 because we started with the Mugel park, which is a must! Very nice hike, breathtaking views, a bit long to get to the semaphore and a shame there's a lot of concrete, but I don't regret it! not dangerous for people with vertigo. On the other hand, it's hard work climbing the mugel, but this park really is a must.

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Favipa13
Favipa13
• Last modified:

Can it be done from point 5 and backwards?
Is it dangerous, on the passage of the ridge, route...?
Thanks in advance

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Cocol
Cocol

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very nice walk without too many changes in altitude, with magnificent views. The section through the botanical gardens is very nice, as is the climb up to the belvedere.

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Jujuma16
Jujuma16

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Magnificent walk with 360-degree views from La Ciotat and the entire east coast on one side to the cliffs bordering the Marseilles creeks on the west.
This walk should not be done in very hot weather or in strong winds, as the cliffs are very exposed.
There are no vertiginous passages, and the paths are fairly wide.
Bring good equipment and plenty of water!

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GMIT
GMIT

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A problem: Michel SIMON's house is being restored, and the path leading to the chapel is blocked. You have to get there by making a return trip via La Garde.

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major-83
major-83

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 16, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Superb walk, even if it starts and ends in the city. The detour via the Figuerolles cove is well worth it. I recommend this walk if visibility is good, as the panorama from Ile Riou to Cap Sicié is breathtaking. Unfortunately, the Notre Dame de la Garde chapel was closed.... During the week and out of season, there are no parking problems.

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