Peynier walks

A lovely, very easy family walk between Peynier and Les Michels, with an elevation gain of just 120 metres. You will pass an old miner's house, enjoy beautiful views of Sainte-Victoire and walk along an ancient Roman road, some of whose cobblestones remain.

This hike leads to the Hermitage of Saint-Jean du Puy, an observatory overlooking the Arc Valley and facing the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. On the other side, to the south, is the village of Saint-Zacharie and the Sainte-Baume mountain range. The site, which has become a favourite spot for hikers, consists of a refuge, a chapel, a shelter with gardens and a watchtower that serves as an observatory overlooking the valley.

This walk is not difficult as it is mostly on easy-to-walk, fairly wide tracks. It takes you through the heath with beautiful views of Sainte-Victoire and Sainte-Baume. Its highest point, Le Régagnas, offers a 360° view, which is perfect on clear days. You can picnic nearby and even see the foothills of the Alps if the weather permits.

A magnificent hike towards Mont Olympe and Rocher de Onze Heures, where hikers can enjoy views of Sainte-Victoire, the Sainte-Baume massif and, finally, Mont Aurélien throughout the route. This hike starts at Pas de la Couelle and passes by the Hermitage of Saint-Jean du Puy.

Starting from La Bouilladisse station, this hike climbs through oak and pine forests onto a vast plateau, then descends through gorges to the hamlet of Le Pigeonnier and then La Bouillladisse. The hike is accessible via the free public transport network of the Pays d'Aubagne et de l'Étoile. Line 5: La Bouilladisse station stop.

This short walk on the heights of Auriol was discovered by chance while trying to get as close as possible to the chapel, which stands out immaculately against the blue sky. It's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with the family, climbing just 37 metres. From the top, there is a remarkable view of the village and the entire surrounding area, from the northern slopes of the Sainte-Baume mountain range to the east to the Étoile mountain range to the west.

Short, challenging hike in the Baudino refuge area via the Grand Couloir (chain/cable passages) and descent via the Pas de Clapier after enjoying the views from the Plan de la Crau

This large circular starting from Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon takes you through several characteristic places: the old marble quarry, the Barthélémy Baudino Refuge, the Hermitage of Saint-Ser and the pass of the same name, then the ridges on the way back to the Priory, the descent to the Pas de l'Escalette and the Cézanne Refuge and, finally, the Oppidum Untinos.

Less frequented than its illustrious neighbour, Mont Aurélien, Mont Olympe offers no less than an exceptional 360° panorama of most of the region's iconic peaks, even as far as the Mercantour on a clear day. After a fairly long approach walk on a gentle, steady slope, the final steep climb is more suited to experienced and trained walkers. But what a reward!

This hike around Peypin will allow you to discover the village, its history and its hills. You will walk along a stream, which is remarkable when in full flow with its small waterfall and pools, and follow paths through shady valleys. The hike ends with a tour of the village's narrow streets and a visit to the castle. If you wish, you can skip this last part (see (8) for things to do nearby).

Short family hike. Start on the botanical trail (optional) then climb up to the chapel. Pass by a cave and you may see some goats.

An energetic loop in Sainte-Victoire leaving from the Saint-Ser car park. The climb up goes via the east of the Bau de l'Aigle and the descent back down is via the 'Pas du Clapier'.

Circuit to the Pic des Mouches combining a steady, gentle climb above Puyloubier via the Malivert oratory and a challenging descent in a magnificent, very wild setting to the Saint-Ser inn via the Green trail. Please note: (4) The descent via the green trail is impossible: there is a signprohibiting access between 1 February and 15 July each year (to protect birds, butterflies, reptiles, etc. during the breeding season). See practical information.

The tour of the Cengle plateau is an easy circular hike around the Cengle plateau, a veritable balcony offering splendid and unusual views of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. You can also start from Beaurecueil (car park at the start of the path) or from the Bouquet car park on the CD 17 before Saint Antonin. It should also be noted that this area is much less frequented than the rest of the Sainte Victoire massif.

This short hike runs along the steepest slopes of the mountain, where you will be dazzled by the mineral colours of the rock. You will discover the ruins of a medieval Celtic-Ligurian fortified settlement abandoned around the 10th century on the Untinos oppidum, and the return route offers magnificent views of the ochre ridges in the foreground of Sainte-Victoire.

La meilleure manière d'apprécier la Montagne Sainte-Victoire n'est pas nécessairement de monter au sommet mais peut être bien de rester à son pied. La boucle décrite ici, à l'aplomb de la Croix de Provence, vous fera découvrir la Face Sud sous tous les angles, de près et avec du recul. L'itinéraire est varié, vallonné avec de superbes vues.

Spectacular route on the southern slope of Sainte-Victoire, arriving on the ridge path via the Grotte des Hirondelles and descending via the Pas de l'Escalette and the Refuge de Cézanne.

A loop hike on the south side of Sainte-Victoire Montagne allowing access to the ridge via the Marbrière and the Brèche du Clapier (gap). The walk along the ridge towards the Croix de Provence offers splendid views. Descent via the Priory, the Pas du Berger and the Cézanne Shelter.

This is a variation on one of my previous hikes, From Saint-Zacharie to La Mouère, which takes a different path to a lovely viewpoint above Saint-Zacharie. In hot weather, walking under the trees for most of the route is very pleasant.

An easy walk on pretty paths and wide tracks facing the cliffs of Sainte-Baume. 8/11/2023: Hike modified due to an obstruction onthe GR® between (5) and (7).

A physical loop hike along Sainte-Victoire, a climb to Prieuré Sainte-Victoire / Croix de Provence through Bau Cézanne and going back through "le Gouffre de Garagaï" and "les deux Aiguilles".

A hike that takes you up to the Sainte-Victoire priory and the Croix de Provence from the Plan d'En Chois car park.

Hike in the Étoile massif with views of Sainte-Victoire Mountain, Ventoux, the Alps, and at the same time, Marseille and the Mediterranean.

The Encanaux and Infernets ravines are two remarkable valleys near Auriol. This route will take you up the entire length of the wild Encanaux ravine, which is very quiet and shaded in hot weather. The return journey will take you through the more classic Coutronne and Infernets ravines with their beautiful landscapes.

A splendid walk starting from the Encanaux, near Auriol, along the top of the Infernets and then the Coutronne ravines. At times along the cliffside ravines, similar to some sections of the Gorges du Verdon. From Lare Pass (Col de la Lare), you will have a magnificent view of the Sainte-Baume range and the Pic de Bertagne to the south and Sainte-Victoire Mountain, Mont Olympe and Mont Aurélien to the north.

Hike through a landscape of rocks and vegetation dotted with ochre and red earth. The first part of the route follows a very wide path in the footsteps of Cézanne, offering extraordinary views of the Sainte-Victoire mountain (south-west side, the most painted by the artist), the Refuge Cézanne and the ruins of the hamlet of Le Trou. The second part is shaded, on a small path, shorter and wilder.

A beautiful panoramic view of the north face of Sainte-Victoire. In the distance, the Luberon, Lure, the peak of Mont Ventoux, a beautiful view of the Alps on a clear day, crossing isolated meadows at the foot of the Ubacs mountain. Part of the route crosses a private hunting ground, so it is unthinkable to do this section during the hunting season, but it can easily be avoided.

A short, easy and pleasant hike, alternating between springs, gorges and small caves, with picnic areas along the stream. Moderator's warning on 25/01/2021: Please note! Reviews of this hike indicate that it is preferable to have a GPS device to follow the route correctly and that some paths have been overgrown.

A magnificent hike following the closure of the Bimont dam for over a year during the week. Superb views, to be enjoyed clockwise as you climb towards the Bimont dam. 11/09/2024: Closure of the Imoucha trail for 3 months, from 1 October to 31 December (2024 and 2025). Hike not possible during these periods. See practical information.

This very easy hike takes you in the footsteps of the viewpoints painted by Cézanne. The route takes you around the Sainte-Victoire National Nature Reserve. Along the way, you will see the Bimont dam, the Doudon aqueduct and an old marble quarry.

A walk in a regional park with beautiful trails, varied routes and trees, trees and more trees. Departure from the park’s car park at the Pichauris Hostel.

This hike starts from Pichauris and takes you through spectacular scenery: La Parloire, a large, steep cirque reminiscent of an ancient theatre, and Barre Coupée, a long rock formation that looks as if it has been carved with an axe and has only one point of passage.

A hike through the pines and scrubland of the Massif du Garlaban, so dear to Marcel Pagnol. Starting from the Pichauris car park, the circuit first leads you to the Puits de l'Aroumi (the wells of Aroumi) then the Mont du Marseillais along beautiful, well marked paths, often along ridges, offering magnificent views over Marseille, Sainte-Victoire, Mont Ventoux and, in good weather, the Préaples de Provence. The intense luminosity of the rocks under the brilliance of the sun will leave no-one indifferent.

A loop passing through the Gorges de l'Huveaune to its source, with some beautiful views across the hills to Sainte-Baume and Sainte-Victoire. Please note that from 6 November 2023 to 22 December 2023, access to the source of the Huveaune is prohibited. ONF construction work in progress.

This short loop from the Bimont dam allows you to visit Roques Hautes. It is very accessible, even for families. You will see a marble quarry, numerous busy meadows and, of course, a beautiful view of the Sainte-Victoire mountain. There are a few changes to the route in the reserve, see the notices

A beautiful hike up one of the highest mountains in the Provence: the magnificent Sainte-Victoire. Enjoy 360° views as far as the Alps and the Ventoux. The Priory alone is well worth the effort.

Une magnifique promenade sur l'un des plus hauts massifs de Provence qui convient pour une sortie du club de randonnée en autocar (le départ du parking du barrage de Bimont et l'arrivée à Vauvenargues). La montée au Prieuré et à la Croix de Provence se fait par le sentier Imoucha et la descente par le sentier des Venturiers. De sublimes paysages de Paul Cézanne en 3D au sommet : la basse Provence jusqu'à la mer et l'étang de Berre, le sommet du mont Ventoux, les contours des Alpes au Nord.Attention. Un randonneur signale le 17 septembre 2024 :- Fermeture du Sentier Imoucha pour travaux du 01/10/2024 au 31/12/2024 et du 01/10/2025 au 31/10/2025.- Fermeture du Prieuré pour travaux jusqu'au 31/12/2024.