Country:
City:
To start the hike, you can park in the school car park after the pharmacy at the corner of Chemin des Fenouillères and the N568.
(S/E) With your back to the car park, walk up the side road and, in front of the restaurant, turn left and cross the main road, heading towards the hill and following the Chemin des Esclades. After 100 metres of tarmac, go through the gate on the right and follow the track to the plateau.
(1) On the plateau, turn left towards the east. The track remains wide and crosses a small wood. Stay on the main track, do not take any turnings on the right or left, and descend to the game reserve (walled enclosure).
(2) Take the path on the left which crosses an old field before a slight climb. As you pass, you can admire the stone walls on the right (bancaou) which have been rebuilt by nature lovers.
(3) Now it gets more serious. Turn right and climb up the tall pine trees. When you reach a small flat area, ignore the tracks on the left (not visible on the map) and continue climbing until you see the sea and the Estaque harbour. Descend and join the Chemin du Soldat.
(4) Cross the Chemin du Soldat and descend the track in front of you. Start the Vallon du Coucourdier, a very pleasant little path with a tricky section, then join the Chemin des Douaniers and follow it to the left.
Count about 150 steps while looking at the natural rock formations on your right.
(5) Here, if you look closely, you will see a stone refuge at the top of the hill, built for lookouts (see photo). Go down the small rock on the right (photo no. 6) to reach a path marked with blue lines. If you have a little time, take the small path towards the sea to enjoy the view of Marseille. The Calanque des Aragnols is just below the viaduct but cannot be reached on foot. Retrace your steps to the previous crossroads.
(5) Head left towards the south-west for a climb. Now follow the blue trail that leads to Figuerolles Beach via the Chemin des Douaniers. Be careful, the path is steep and abrupt but all the more beautiful for it.
(6) When you reach Figuerolles Beach, you can stop for a swim or a snack.
Climb up to the right over the scree and pass under the viaduct. Follow the path uphill, leaving the paths on the right and left until you reach a fork.
(7) Ignore the paths to the right and left, continue straight ahead to arrive at a steep climb for the more courageous, or take a detour to the right on the small path as I do. Phew, continue along the track to cross a field planted with olive trees and arrive at a three-way junction.
(8) Take the left track, the one that climbs the most, for about 200 metres and turn right, following the bancaou. Continue climbing to reach the paved road.
(9) Once you reach the paved road, cross it and take the small path on the right that will lead you to Basses de l'Œuvre.
(10) Go down the track on the left towards the Puits de l'Œuvre, ignoring the paths on the right. Follow the main path and after an olive grove on your left, go up to the right to rejoin the path, then turn right again at the intersection to arrive at the crossroads you passed on the way there.
(1) Head back down towards the village along the same path to retrieve your vehicle (S/E).
a beautiful walk through the valleys, along the customs officers' path, where two small difficult sections may cause problems for those who are afraid of heights, with magnificent views of Marseille harbour. A delightful stopover on Figuerolle beach... to be repeated in summer for a swim
Visorando Member
Difficult 
