La Croix de Provence via La Marbrière and back via Le Pas du Berger

The car park is on the D17. It is the first car park.

(S/E) At the far end of the car park is a small path with a small wooden bridge. Continue along this path almost straight ahead to join a DFCI track about 200 metres from the car park. Take it on the right and continue up the DFCI track. After a left-hand bend, keep to the right twice until you reach cistern 338.

(1) There, turn right. Looking to the right, you will see the well and the Refuge de Cézanne, which is closed. Go over it to take the main path. Continue almost straight ahead, staying on the main path at all times.

(2) At the oratory, continue along the path that branches off to the left, staying on the main path. Then continue straight on at each junction.

(3) You’ll reach a junction with a cairn. Take the path that goes almost straight ahead. After passing the junction by about twenty metres, keep to the right and continue along this path running alongside Sainte-Victoire until you reach a large junction marked in brown.

(4) At the junction, take a path that climbs quite steeply to the left. At the crossroads, continue straight ahead until you reach La Marbrière.

(5) Then retrace your steps to take a path that climbs to the right. Pass above La Marbrière by following the main path marked in brown.

(6) At the fork with a cairn, look for a green arrow pointing towards the mountain. There is a path here that is not very clearly marked in green. Take it on the left and start scrambling until you reach the Sainte-Victoire plateau.

(7) Head left, following the red and white markings (along the edge of the mountain) until you reach the Croix de Provence.

(8) Head straight ahead and descend to take the path branching off to the left towards the Priory. Once past the Priory, continue along the path until you reach a wooden signpost

(9) Head towards the Refuge de Cézanne on the left. The route is marked in red. Continue straight ahead until you reach cistern 338.

(1) Return to the car park via the reverse route of the outward journey (S/E).

Suggested by: A.M.I.S. Rando Aubagne

This is a hike for young people and children (even as young as around six years old).

Apart from the elevation gain, there are some very technical sections. Anyone with a fear of heights should not undertake this hike.