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Coming from Allauch, cross the village of La Fève towards the D908. Pass the canal bridge, then turn left onto the narrow Vallon de la Vache road, marked by a blue sign. Park at the bottom of the valley, near the DFCI barriers.
(S/E) Go through the barrier on the north-east side, towards the houses, and continue for about 50 metres.
(1) Take the small blue-marked path on the right, which climbs steeply into the forest. Pass two high-voltage power lines, then fire stations. Join a DFCI track and turn right. Continue for about 100 m.
(2) Turn left onto thefirst path that climbs straight up.
This path then crosses the DFCI track a total of six times.
Continue to follow the blue markings.
Further on, pass another high-voltage power line.
(3) Leave the DFCI track by turning left onto the yellow-marked path, which becomes increasingly steep as you reach the summit of Mont Julien.
Admire the magnificent panorama of Marseille and, on the other side, Cadolive and Gardanne, with the Sainte-Victoire massif in the background.
Head left, northwards, for the rocky descent of Mont Julien. Opposite is the Tête du Grand Puech.
(4) Turn right towards the blue and yellow markings for a very steep descent. Cross through some undergrowth and arrive at a crossroads of paths, with an old abandoned fire station.
(5) Ignore the paths to the left and right and pass by the fire lookout, heading towards the Tête du Grand Puech. The path climbs steadily.
(6) Take the path on the left. The climb becomes steep with rocky passages to cross.
(7) Arrive at the Grotte des Fées. Visit it and notice the small figurines placed in the corners of the rocks. Continue on your way by passing over the top of the cave, heading towards Tête du Grand Puech. After a stony descent, you will arrive at a crossroads of paths.
(8) Turn right onto the flat path that leads into the woods (blue round markings) and rejoins the fork you passed earlier.
(6). Turn left and return to the fire station.
(5) Turn right onto thesecond path after the fire station, even though this path is marked with two blue and yellow crosses. Further on, you will find an old red marker. Descend into the magnificent Figuière valley.
Pass through the undergrowth and cross a few rocky passages, which are not difficult. Note the numerous openings in the rock and the trees clinging to the walls.
Pass under a high-voltage power line, then alongside two water retention basins for animals. The path becomes wide and pleasant. You will arrive at a crossroads.
(9) Keep to the left, passing two fire tanks.
(10) Turn right onto the DFCI track in the Vallon de la Vache. Pass a shed, then further on the right, a property with horses, then on the left, a small cave closed by a gate and, finally, an old well.
(1) Return to the car park (S/E).
Visorando Member
Association / Club / Walk leader
Easy 
