Car park opposite La Treille cemetery, a neighbourhood in the east of Marseille.
(S/E) Pay a quick visit to Marcel Pagnol’s grave, located just at the entrance to the cemetery, then walk back up the street and turn right onto Chemin des Bellons for about 1 km.
(1) Turn right down Chemin du Vallon de Passe-Temps and follow it to the end for 600 m.
(2) Turn right onto the path where the climb up the valley begins and follow it straight on.
(3) Turn right and continue the climb. This is a steady climb but can be steep in places. You will reach the junction with the path leading to the Baume de Passe-Temps.
(4) Turn left, ignoring this path, and enter the Vallon des Précatori, which follows on from the Vallon de Passe-Temps. Continue straight on for about 1.5 km.
(5) Turn left onto the path that passes in front of the Baume Sourne cave and reach the pass of the same name via a shaded track.
(6) Take the yellow-marked path on the left, through the trees, which climbs towards the Taoumé. Follow this path to the Pic du Taoumé.
(7) Enjoy the extraordinary 360° view of the Marseille region. Descend a few dozen metres (watch out for slippery patches) to admire the Grosibou Cave or Marcel Pagnol Cave. Head north-west along a marked path to begin the descent from the Taoumé.
(8) Take care in this section, which can be quite treacherous, and continue the descent.
(9) After about 200 m, turn left and you’ll reach a crossroads.
(10) Turn left to head down the Escaouprés valley. Don’t hesitate to walk down into the stream bed on the right to make your way through the potholes, which are more or less filled with water depending on the season. Descend to the Source du Chien, marked by clearly visible reeds.
(11) Head left up the well-marked path and continue the descent.
(12) Follow the path uphill to the left to rejoin the track heading south. Continue along this track until you reach the junction with the Chemin du Vallon de Passe-Temps, which you passed at the start.
(1) Go straight on and follow the route you took on the way up to return to the car park at La Treille cemetery (S/E).