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.

Jolie randonnée qui traverse un terrain de chasse à l'Arc... Sensations garanties !

Circular route starting from the hamlet of Kirbon to reach the hermitage and walk along the Regagnas ridges with beautiful views of Sainte-Victoire, Sainte-Baume, the Étoile mountain range, Garlaban, the Huveaune valley, etc.

A lovely short hike starting from Belcodène towards Les Michels. Panoramic views of Sainte-Victoire and the Étoile mountain range. Moderate elevation gain. The hike is accessible via the free bus network of the Pays d'Aubagne et de l'Étoile.

This is a hike that reaches a height of 648 metres, with lovely views. There may be mist. This hike features some lovely single tracks, but also a good stretch of tarmac road; however, it is a hike without any particular significant difficulty.

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

After a relatively classic route with some slightly technical, sometimes aerial and exposed passages, the circular route ends with a little-known, easy route which, when you take a step back, offers magnificent views of the mountain. The GPX track may be useful.

A circular route on the southern slope of Sainte-Victoire, passing through the Col de Vauvenargues and the Col de Saint-Ser, then descending to the Ermitage Saint-Ser and the Refuge Baudino. The Saint-Ser black trail is closed from 1 February to 15 July 2023 (between 4 and 5). See practical information.

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.

A physically demanding route, sometimes straddling the line between hiking and climbing. The route involves a west-to-east traverse across the easternmost part of Sainte-Victoire, taking in a few off-trail sections. The route is dotted with numerous caves and cavities, including the Grotte aux Champignons. The Saint Ser black trail is closed by municipal order from 1 February to 15 July each year. The green trail is closed by municipal order between 1 February and 15 July each year (to protect the breeding of birds, butterflies, reptiles, etc.). See practical information.

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'.

A challenging circular in Sainte-Victoire starting from the Saint-Ser car park. The ascent is via the Col de Saint-Ser and the descent via the Col de Vauvenargues. The Saint-Ser black trail is closed from 1 February to 15 July 2023 (between 4 and 6). See practical information.

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.

Nestled at the foot of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the Puyloubier vineyard occupies a large part of the commune's territory. This hike, proposed by the local cooperative winery, allows you to explore this vineyard on paths dotted with oratories, with superb views of the mountain.

This route, created by the Gréasque Mining Museum, takes you on a journey back in time to the mining era in Gréasque. You will pass by the mining remains that enabled the village to develop. The route is marked with permanent black markings on a white background and an explanatory guide is available at the museum.

A beautiful hike starting from Saint Zacharie, which takes us to discover the fairy of the spring, on the banks of the Huveaune. Then, the walk climbs up to Montmorin via the Vallon de l'Espagnol. On the way down through the Vallon des Jourdans, there is a superb panorama of Sainte-Baume. The walk is accessible via the free bus network of the Pays d'Aubagne et de l'Étoile.

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.

Circular loop around La Marbrière. A challenging and demanding route, sometimes straddling the line between hiking and light climbing. Route involving a west-to-east traverse of Sainte-Victoire via high-altitude paths and, at times, completely off-trail. Pas de l’Oppidum and Pas du Chat are also on the itinerary. 07/11/2024: Hikes temporarily inaccessible: the black and green routes on Sainte-Victoire are closed by municipal order due to rockfalls. See practical information.

A challenging and demanding route that sometimes straddles the line between hiking and light climbing.The route involves a triple ascent of Sainte-Victoire via the three marked trails to the south-west of the massif: the Black, Green (Forcioli) and finally Yellow trails.Then continue along the ridges to the east, crossing the plateau’s characteristic sharp limestone pavement, to the Brèche du Clapier.(__Please note: see important warning in the description__)

A magnificent and very challenging route in the Sainte-Victoire massif from the Deux Aiguilles car park, via La Marbrerie to access the Pas du Clapier, then on to the Pic des Mouches, descending via the La Tine trail and then climbing back up to the Baudino Refuge via the Chapelle de Saint-Ser.

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 short, challenging hike, starting from Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon towards the Barthélémy Baudino Refuge, passing through La Marbrière and then the Pas du Clapier. There is a cave along the way. The return route goes round La Torque hill, then follows beautiful DFCI tracks at the foot of Sainte-Victoire. Magnificent scenery throughout the route.

A short hike, but with a decent bit of elevation gain nonetheless, beneath the Croix de Provence. It’s a good warm-up before tackling the Croix de Provence, which stands on the Sainte-Victoire ridge at an altitude of 948 m above the Priory, restored and maintained by the Friends of Sainte-Victoire since 1955.

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 walk starts in Auriol and climbs up to the Grotte des Infernets before descending to the Glacière des Encanaux. Most of the walk takes place through pine forests, often alongside a river and accompanied by birdsong.

A circular loop in Sainte-Victoire. Ascent to Prieuré Sainte-Victoire / Croix de Provence via Écaille de Tortue and Gouffre de Garagaï, return via Gouffre de Garagaï and Deux Aiguilles.

Ascent towards Mont du Marseillais, then a walk along a ledge with beautiful views of Sainte Victoire, Mont Ventoux, the Southern Alps, Sainte-Baume, the Huveaune Valley, the Aubagne Plain, the cliffs of Cassis and Marseille. The route also includes a visit to the Baume Sourne Cave.

This hike takes you through the forest and vineyards. Along the way, you will discover the care and attention that winegrowers devote to their vines in order to produce the best wine possible. The icing on the cake is that you can visit the Auriol wine cellars and taste the wines produced from the vines you have just walked through.

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.

A pleasant walk, starting along the banks of the Huveaune from Saint-Zacharie, with a few local sights, followed by a climb up to the Citerne hill with a beautiful view of Nans-les-Pins, its old village and Sainte Baume.

Route along the ridges of Montagne Sainte-Victoire from Puyloubier to the Anchois car park (leave a car there). A fairly long hike, with a few tricky sections (chains) and slippery patches depending on the season. Magnificent 360° views. 11/09/2024: The Imoucha trail will be closed for 3 months, from 1 October to 31 December (2024 and 2025). The hike cannot be undertaken during these periods. See practical information.

A circular route, apart from its length, which takes you up the Huveaune from Saint-Zacharie to the magnificent spring basins, returning via the Défens and Orgnon forests.

This is an unpretentious hike that allows you to discover the beautiful autumn landscapes near this peak overlooking Saint-Zacharie. Unfortunately, we were unable to climb this hill because part of the path is private and has been closed off. The GR®9A is completely inaccessible from the points (2) and (3) (perhaps the route will be modified at a later date).

A walk to the lovely 360° viewpoint of Mont du Marseillais in the hinterland of the Marseille region.

A beautiful hike above Cadolive that will take you to the summit of Mont Julien, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Sainte-Victoire, the Alps and the bay of Marseille.

It is a superb, very enjoyable hike with magnificent views, though it remains quite technical with tricky sections; there are always people at the Croix de Provence and the Prieuré de la Sainte-Victoire.

A pleasant walk with views of La Croix de Sainte-Victoire. The Bouquet car park can be busy during peak periods. It is therefore advisable to choose your timing carefully and not hesitate to set off early. Stop off at the Cézanne refuge before setting off along a wide path through groves of young oak trees and well-maintained olive groves. 07/11/2024: Hikes temporarily inaccessible: the black and green trails on Sainte-Victoire are closed by municipal decree due to rockfalls. See practical information.

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.

This trail is an alternative known to local hikers for reaching the Saint-Antonin car parks when they have just completed a circular in Sainte-Victoire: it avoids following the brown-marked route, passing through the Col de l'Oppidum (alt. 580 m), then descending a very steep and rugged path. There is a 40-metre less elevation gain, and when you are in a hurry to get to the car park or tired, taking this Trou trail is a good option, especially in bad weather.

Hike near Auriol, in the Encanaux and Infernets ravines, with an ascent of two rarely visited peaks, discovery of caves and a visit to the Encanaux ice house.

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.

As soon as you enter the park, you immediately tackle a steep climb. You’ll encounter much narrower paths, as well as unmarked paths and paths that are barely there: it’s a bit like a treasure hunt. So this is for experienced hikers. There will also be DFCI tracks. The off-track sections are no longer than 300 metres, so nothing to worry about. However, you will needto use the GPX track on your GPS. It is a physically demanding but lovely hike. It follows the ridges. It’s a great experience with magnificent scenery. For much of the way, there are also areas of undergrowth to cross, such as the Bois de la Lare, which the route passes through on the descent. The route also takes in the Grottes des Infernets, with views of the spring bubbling up, depending on the time of year.

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 walk among rockroses, thyme and rosemary with lovely views of all the mountains around Pourrières, including Sainte-Victoire and Mont Aurélien. Best done in spring when the rockroses and wild orchids are in bloom.

An exceptional hike at the bottom of Lake Bimont to be done before the dam is filled in 2019. Views of the most beautiful side of Sainte-Victoire, a beautiful climb, a magnificent panorama of the region, a walk at the bottom of the lake, old stones bearing witness to times gone by. Important: The end of this route, part of which is marked on the map in the lake, could be completed until May 2019, before the lake was filled. Read the practical information below. 11/09/2024: Closure of the Imoucha trail for 3 months, from 1 October to 31 December (2024 and 2025). Hiking is not possible during these periods. See practical information.

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.

Starting from the Micocouliers car park above Pichauris, this beautiful circular route around the Grands Ubacs will take you to the orientation table and beneath the antennas of Mont du Marseillais. You can discover the places where Yves Robert located Marcel Pagnol's holiday home in the film "La Gloire de mon Père" (My Father's Glory).

An alternative route to the Grand Vallon other than via Lascours. This route starts from Pichauris, climbs up to Mont du Marseillais, follows the Sentier des Tourdes, then descends to the Pas du Grand Vallon. The ascent of the Grand Vallon is a classic route featuring the famous, highly technical section equipped with chains (see § practical information) before reaching the Col du Régage. The return to the hamlet of Pichauris follows theGRP®2013. Varied and magnificent scenery throughout the route. Please note: there are a few difficult sections; please read the route description carefully.

A circular route through ridges and valleys, mostly on well-maintained paths, towards the Collet du Ratier hill. Magnificent scenery throughout the route and old stone quarries to explore. 

The main attraction of this route is reaching the summit of Cride de Peypin hill via a path with no truly visible or existing tracks (see § Practical Information). At the top: a cross, the remains of an ancient Gallo-Roman oppidum and, above all, magnificent 360° views of the surrounding hills and villages. Starting from Pichauris, the route passes by the Cride stream and its large limestone potholes and, on the return journey, through a picturesque valley extending from Mau Vallon to reach the hamlet of Le Régage.

A pleasant route around the old hamlet of Pichauris and the Bastidonne estate. Beautiful tracks and paths through heath and kermes oak trees, passing numerous wells. Beautiful views of Mont Julien.

Wide DFCI tracks, pleasant footpaths and one of the Ratier’s narrow, densely wooded valleys feature on this easy circular walk starting from Pichauris and passing at the foot of Mont Julien. Set against a magnificent panorama, you’ll come across two wells, an old limestone quarry and a karstic cave along the way. (See also the practical information).

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 pleasant hike starting from the Parc de Pichauris along beautiful, well-maintained and signposted tracks and paths. A steep climb to reach the summit of Mont du Marseillais with a 360° view of the Chaine de l'Étoile and Marseille, Sainte Victoire and the snow-capped Pre-Alps, Sainte Baume and Garlaban. The route via the summit of Le Défens towards the Puits de l'Aroumi offers views of the Grand Vallon. The route also passes close to numerous wells.

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.

Yet another hike to the sources of the Huveaune, but one that stands out from the others by heading towards the Grotte de la Castelette via the left bank of the "river" and then a steep (but not impossible) climb over the last few hundred metres to reach it.

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.

A wonderful outdoor excursion, perfect for a family day out and accessible to all fitness levels. In the heart of nature, this hike offers a peaceful getaway, where enchanting landscapes and easy trails allow you to recharge your batteries with ease.

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.