Martigues walks

A hike along the balcony with superb views of the Etang de Berre (a small inland sea called Lake Berre).

Stroll across the Castillon plateau to discover one of the Mediterranean's major archaeological sites and its surroundings, which include four ponds.

A beautiful hike in the Saint-Blaise area, near Fos-sur-Mer, around the ponds of Lavalduc, Citis, Pourra and Engrenier. ⚠️ 29/04/2024: hike modified to avoid the path that runs along the Martigues canal beside the Lavaduc pond on the edge of the cliff (private site).

To the west of Marseille, the Côte Bleue owes its name to the colour of the sea. The coastal path offers spectacular views of quiet little ports, sunny creeks and secluded beaches. In the distance, Marseille... and above all, the Mediterranean Sea.

A short walk in a protected area on the edge of the Étang de Berre and its industries. All the vegetation of the wetlands, birds galore. Moderator's note Please note that part of this loop is closed between April and July. See notices.

This hike offers beautiful views of the Étang de Berre and part of the Marseille harbour. In the distance, weather permitting, you can see Sainte-Victoire, Luberon, Mont Ventoux and the Alpilles. The only drawback is the proximity of the motorway at the start and end of the route.

A loop through the hills to the north of Le Rove, leading to the Oppidum de la Cloche, where many remains remain. Set in a sumptuous landscape and surrounded by wild goat pastures, the route then reaches Chapelle Saint-Michel via the wild and steep Gipière valley. The return journey takes in the Plaine de Gignac, through olive, oak and arbutus plantations.

From Le Rove, head towards Le Resquiadou via the ridges and the Sentier des Douaniers to discover and climb up the Vallon du Gipier. In an arid and wild environment, you will see the Baume des Pigeons, the Grotte du Blaireau and, further on, the Grotte des Chauves-souris. There are beautiful views throughout the route. The GPX track may be useful.

An atypical route along the crests and valleys of the Estaque mountain range between Le Rove and Gignac-La-Nerthe. Along the way, you'll see the Vierge du Rove, the Chapelle St-Michel, the ruins of the Templar castle and the remains of the Camp de Laure. A varied landscape with beautiful views over the harbour of Marseille and the Étang de Berre.

A pleasant little walk. Take a picnic and make a day of it.

A pleasant hike along the coast on the Chemin des Douaniers. I chose to classify this walk as moderate not because of its length (10 km), but because of two steep sections and the fact that the trail is not suitable for people who are afraid of heights.

A short walk up high to enjoy the view of Marseille and the islands.

This is a very pleasant hike to do in spring to enjoy the scents, light, swimming and views that nature has to offer.

Here is one of the many possible loops that will take us to the wonderful Calanque de l'Érevine where you can take a dip; this pretty loop is not particularly difficult. However, the customs officers' path, which is very busy at weekends, is steep in places and also has a few exposed sections where you need to watch your step and take care if you have children with you. It can also be tricky for people who suffer from vertigo. This walk is best enjoyed in autumn or spring

A short, very classic hike in the rocky inlets north of Marseille harbour between the ports of Niolon and La Redonne.

Amidst sea, cliffs and rail roads, a beautiful active hike, emphasized by the horns of small passing trains, and an amazing little beach during the journey! Experienced on May 1st, 2013, having the first bathe of the year at the Everine's beach!

Loop starting from the Collets Rouges equestrian centre, Vitrolles, the radar, Rognac and back via Salvarenque. Walk on very wide, carriage-accessible paths, to be avoided on windy days (mistral). Views of the Étang de Berre and Marseille-Provence airport.

This hike first follows the start of the Côte Bleue to reach Figuerolles Beach, then climbs higher to overlook the bay of Marseille with magnificent views, and walks through the ruins of the old Figuerolles battery. The passages through the valleys give the walk a wilder feel. Moderator additions: Please note that there are difficult passages between points (2) and (4) Passages reported as prohibited (January 2021).

During this very easy walk on flat ground alternating between tracks and small roads, you can admire beautiful drystone shelters and a bee wall. Drystone shelters are huts built from dry stones that served as temporary dwellings for farmers in Provence in the 19th century. The bee wall, or Apier, is an 18th-century dry stone wall, 60 metres long, with 56 niches (originally 200) where beekeepers used to shelter their straw hives from the mistral wind and bad weather.

This varied and easy loop takes you to the village of Cornillon-Confoux, one of the most beautiful hilltop villages in Provence. The village, with its stone houses and cobbled streets, offers exceptional views on both sides.The site of Cornillon, steeped in history, has been inhabited since Neolithic times.In the surrounding area, you will discover many traces of a farming and pastoral past.