La Vigie and the Pilon du Roi via the ridges of the Montagne du Bau Trauqua

Park in the car park with over 20 spaces at the end of Chemin de Pignatelle Mimet.

(S/E) Go through the forest gate and take the first track on the left, the UT 105. Stay on the main path and ignore all the side tracks.

(1) You’ll come across a very wide path that turns right; carry straight on, veering slightly to the left.

(2) Leave the main track for a path that climbs to the right. This path climbs steeply to the right over the rocks. Take the section on the right, the one that climbs up to the lookout point, where you can see Marseille and the surrounding area.

(3) Take the path on the left at the junction. Opposite the solar panels, which are on the lookout point, there is a path leading towards the summit (the lookout point is practically on the Tête du Grand Puech). Leave the very wide path and take a small path that climbs level to the left to reach an orientation table. A large cairn marks the spot.

(4) Retrace your steps to rejoin the main path. Continue the descent to the left, following the navy blue markings on the ridge path. There is only one possible route: this is the main path.

(5) Look to the right for the orientation table: continue along the ridge path towards the Pilon du Roi, which can be seen in the distance. Keep following the navy blue markings. Pass under a high-voltage electricity pylon. You’ll come out onto a tarmac road which you must follow uphill to the right to reach the Col Sainte-Anne immediately.

(6) Take the path opposite towards Pilon du Roi along the ridge, first turning left then right. Pass an orientation table and continue along the path, which is still marked in navy blue, until you reach a cairn. Turn left to follow the navy blue route and arrive at cistern no. 84.

(7) Follow a track to the right (south-west). Stay on this main track, heading uphill towards Pilon du Roi. Ignore all side paths.

(8) At a fork after a sharp left-hand bend, follow a recently marked path (navy blue and green) to the left until you reach the Pilon du Roi.

(9) Take a path on the right marked with a Blue Cross, which descends very steeply towards a DFCI track, which you must join.

(10) Follow the track to the right until you reach the junction you passed earlier.

(8) Continue straight ahead on the track, in the opposite direction to the outward journey, to cistern no. 84.

(7) Continue straight on along the track (east-northeast) to reach the Col Sainte-Anne.

(6) Head straight on along the track, Route Notre-Dame des Anges, which you must follow to the car park (S/E).

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

At (3) there are rocky sections that are difficult to navigate. On the mountainside, with a steep drop-off that may be frightening for those with a fear of heights. This is a medium-plus level hike.