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

It is a superb, very enjoyable hike with magnificent views, though it remains quite technical with tricky sections; there are always people at the Croix de Provence and the Prieuré de la Sainte-Victoire.

Details

n°93447392

Creation:
21 Mar 2026

Last update:
17 Apr 2026

Last review:
03 May 2026

Activity: Walking
Distance: 6.76 mi
Average duration: 5h 55
Difficulty: Difficult
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 3,205 ft
Descent: - 3,219 ft
Highest point: 3,301 ft
Lowest point: 991 ft

Country: France
Area: Sainte-Victoire (Massif)
City: Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon (13100)
Start/End: N 43.523085° / E 5.567788°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3244ET
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Photos

Sainte Victoire as seen from the plateau

Description of the walk

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) Pass the Pas du Clapier.

(7) 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.

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

(9) 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

(10) 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).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,004 ft - Car park D17. Near the - Bayon (torrent) Affluent de l'Arc
1 : mi 0.75 - alt. 1,457 ft - Cistern 348 - Junction of the circular loop - Refuge Cézanne
2 : mi 1.44 - alt. 1,936 ft - Oratory
3 : mi 2.12 - alt. 1,614 ft - Crossroads with a cairn
4 : mi 2.62 - alt. 1,824 ft - Crossroads
5 : mi 2.99 - alt. 2,152 ft - La Marbrière
6 : mi 3.21 - alt. 2,428 ft - Pas du Clapier (735m)
7 : mi 3.28 - alt. 2,497 ft - Crossroads
8 : mi 3.56 - alt. 3,222 ft - Exit onto the plateau
9 : mi 4.78 - alt. 3,100 ft - Croix de Provence
10 : mi 5.25 - alt. 2,543 ft - Wooden signpost - Pas du Moine (767m)
S/E : mi 6.76 - alt. 1,004 ft - Car park D17

Notes

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.

Reviews and comments

mantix

03 May 2026 at 13:31 7200

I completely agree. 👍

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Daniel Ganem

03 May 2026 at 08:26 7200

Hello. I thought I’d made it quite clear that a rope of 8 to 10 metres would be useful, that it wasn’t easy – it was a difficult route. Personally, I did it without a rope and on my own, and I’m over 70, I’ve only been walking for two years. As for the ‘Pas du Berger’, that’s what I saw written on the map; I don’t think the name has any bearing on the route. It’s a shame you didn’t read the information I posted in detail. Best regards, Daniel

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mantix

02 May 2026 at 23:38 7200

Between the Pas du Moine (10) and the Cezanne refuge (1), there is a section where you need to descend face-to-rock for about 5 metres. This is the Pas du Berger. Some people find this section difficult on the way down. Those who have never passed this way on the ascent and are not used to climbing should be secured; a 10-metre rope is sufficient.
There is no drinking water on this circular route, neither at the car park nor at the priory. The only shelter available is the priory: check before setting off to see if the Prieuré refuge is open.