La Grande Étoile starting from Baume Loubières

(S/E) Head uphill to the left from the DFCI track at Grottes Loubières and continue to a three-way junction.

(1) Turn left and you’ll reach cistern no. 405.

(2) Turn onto the path leading uphill to the right. You’ll spot a small cave just after this, on the left, as well as your first view of Marseille a little further up.

(3) Turn left onto a slightly narrower path. As you walk along this path, look back from time to time to gradually take in a beautiful view of Marseille. Continue on to cistern no. 402. You’re at the foot of the Grande Étoile!

(4) To climb up, take the fairly steep path directly opposite. At the top, be careful: ignore the path that goes straight on behind the Étoile and stay on the Marseille side.

(5) You’ve reached the Grande Étoile. You can admire Marseille, Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Stade Vélodrome, L’Estaque, the Calanques… Continue along the path to the right, along the cliff face.

(6) Turn right down a fairly steep slope until you reach a crossroads with four paths.

(7) Ignore the path on the left and take the track that descends to the left.

(8) At a hairpin bend on the track, turn sharply right onto a slightly narrower path and continue to cistern no. 404.

(9) Take the track on the right.

(10) Further on, take a path on the right which bypasses the track and leads to another water tank – unnumbered and largely covered in graffiti.

(11) Turn left, then right, and follow the track down to the car park (S/E).

A magnificent view of Marseille and the surrounding area.