The Pilon du Roi via the Crêtes du Petit Cornillon and Mauvelle

From Plan de Cuques, take the D908 towards the village of Le Logis Neuf. At a roundabout, turn left onto Avenue Jean Moulin (school and fire station on the left), then follow signs for the shooting range. Pass the shooting range and an underground water tank to park in the shaded car park at Lou Limas, situated on the left of the old Mimet track. Please note that the road is quite potholed.

(S/E) Set off along the red-marked path to the right of the large green gate. Walk alongside a beautiful terraced field planted with olive trees, then pass by the ruins of Jas de Mimet.
Turn right after the ruins. The path climbs then descends, winding several times to the left and right.

(1) Turn left at the^first junction onto a path leading into the Vallon du Petit Cornillon. The markings are pale blue, worn by time. You’ll arrive in an open area.

(2) Caution: do not venture into the valley as the vegetation is too dense; instead, take the path climbing up to the right. You will find the blue markings and numerous cairns, which are regularly spaced along the route. You must spot them clearly and follow them to ensure you stay on track when crossing rocky boulders.

The path levels out through the bushes and then turns left. At a crossroads, turn left towards the bushes. The path descends then climbs again towards the east to reach the foot of a large limestone slab. At the summit, marked by round boulders and trees, keep to the left, heading east, with the electricity pylons of Mount Bau Trauqua opposite you. The path heads left, following the ridge. You reach a summit.

(3) At the end, descend steeply to the left to go round a boulder. Pass under a leaning tree, then continue to reach the foot of three rocks resembling dinosaurs. Climb over the rocks using your hands. Continue through bushes and rocks to pass by pine trees. Continue along the ridge, crossing a small gap with a panoramic view of Marseille. Turn right for the final ascent.
After a final large rocky section to cross using your hands, you’ll reach a fork. Go straight on towards the summit to take a break and admire the view; turn right towards the east to set off again. Follow the cairns. Look out for an electricity pylon below to the north, which you’ll need to reach.

(4) Climb down a very steep rocky section using your hands. At the foot of the rocks, take the path towards the pylon. Pass under the pylon and continue on to reach the main DFCI track at Col Sainte-Anne.

(5) Turn left onto the DFCI track. You will see a narrow rock on a summit, which is in fact an old wall of Notre-Dame du Rot.

(6) Turn sharply left onto the path that climbs steeply towards Notre-Dame du Rot. You will reach a narrow, rocky pass where you will see the ruins and the wall you spotted below on your left. Return to the pass to pass through some undergrowth and follow old red markings westwards. Keep to the right. When the trail is no longer obvious, look for a faded black marker on a rock. Return to the red markings and reach a bend in the track leading towards the electricity pylons.

(7) Turn right and join the main DFCI track, taking it on the left. Keep to the left, heading towards the Pilon du Roi. Leave the track and take the green and blue-marked path on the right. Keep to the left and pass at the foot of the Pilon du Roi.
Head west towards Col des Ouides (two signposts). The markings are blue.

(8) After a climb, you’ll reach an area with no vegetation (dead trees). Turn left onto the path that climbs towards the ridges through boxwood and rosemary. Please note: there are no markings at the start.
Further on, you will find cairns and wooden posts which you must follow. Admire the Vallon du Pilon du Roi on the left and the Vallon de Mauvelle on the right.

Pass a fire station and head left to reach the large Caban house.

(9) Turn left onto the path that descends beneath the pine trees. Caution: the descent is steep and slippery.
At the bottom, turn right to join the DFCI track.

(10) Cross the track and, a few metres further up on the right, take the path that runs alongside it.
Keep to the left and arrive at the Puits de Besson, restored by a hunters’ association.

(11) Turn right and head for the car park (S/E)

Take great care during the hunting season as the Caban area is heavily frequented by hunters and the route passes through an area equipped with a hunting blind.

This hike is classified as difficult as there are virtually no flat sections, but rather a succession of steep ascents and descents where you may sometimes need to use your hands.

To avoid the very steep descent at point (4), near the summit, head off to the left instead, follow the ridges to reach a gap that allows you to descend off-trail to the right of the electricity pylon. A path then leads to it.