Saint-Chamas walks

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 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.

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.

A walk to discover bories (dry-stone huts), perfect for a little mountain biking special, alternating between false-flat single trails (be careful of the trees!) and wide rolling tracks to get your heart pumping or to work on your endurance.

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

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).

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

Interpretation trail and discovery of the agro-pastoral heritage around drystone walls and drystone shelters. Information panels along the trail explain the drystone constructions.

Hiking in the Alpilles, starting from the Eyguières bullring. A quiet start among olive trees and cicadas at the foot of the Opies. You'll discover the old Romanière sheep pens. The ascent starts on a beautiful path through the maquis and ends with a little climb to finish at the Tour de Guet where a magnificent 360° view awaits you. You can also visit the vestiges of Villa Gallo Romaine.

A fine, challenging circuit in rocky terrain. A few technical sections add spice to this route, as does the intriguing section passing through the two-ended cave on the Mont Menu. The Mont Menu ridge requires concentration and a sense of direction since the cairns are few and far between. There is always a superb view in every direction: the Étang de Berre, the plain of the Crau, Aureille, the Alpilles, the Mont Ventoux, the Luberon and of course the cliffs of the Mont Menu.

A hike starting from Eyguières with its two enclosed springs, the Fontaine des Bormes and the Fontaine Gilouse. A walk in the Défens d'Eyguières, with fine views of the ruins of Roquemartine Castle, the Durance valley and, if the weather is fine, the Mont Ventoux. Access to the Grottes de Calès site is forbidden. Return by the olive groves below the Défens d'Eyguières. __Caution! Because of the nature of the rock (mollasse sandstone, and therefore friable) and the cliffs, parts of the site are dangerous. A municipal order prohibiting access to these areas is currently in force. Take great care.__

The Tour des Opies is the highest point in the Alpilles mountain range, rising to 498 m and offering a 360° panoramic view of the Durance plain, the Rhône, the Comtat Venaissin, the Camargue plain and the Crau plain as far as the Étang de Berre. The route, located in the Alpilles Natural Park, begins in the wooded valley of Les Glauges. It leads to the ruins of a Gallo-Roman villa. On the way back, a visit to the charming village of Aureille is a must.

A nice hike in the Alpilles to see the ruins of Castellas de Roquemartine (Château de la Reine Jeanne), and end with the caves of Calès, a very interesting cave network.

An easy, family-friendly walk in the south of the Alpilles mountains. Passes near the Caisses de Jean-Jean oppidum.

This pretty little loop runs alongside olive groves and the Civadières climbing cliffs, climbs up to the watchtower and then descends to the village via a track and a large valley crossed by theGR® 6 hiking trail. The route mainly follows wide, easy paths that allow you to admire the landscape. From the top of the watchtower, on a clear day you can see the Crau plain, the Mediterranean Sea and the Étang de Berre to the south, and the Calans mountain range silhouetted against the horizon to the north.

In the heart of the Alpilles Regional Nature Park, this circuit crosses vast olive groves, runs alongside a canal and an old sandpit, and passes close to a Vaudoret oil mill.

A pleasant walk through the Alpilles. Not particularly difficult, this is a hike that is excellent for beginners. Nevertheless, there are beautiful stretches, commanding views and surprising natural displays of surprise and vigour.

The highlight of the walk is the wonderful view from the lookout tower over the Alpilles range, giving superb photo opportunities!

A pretty hike in this area of the Alpilles to discover the white cliffs of "Caisses de Jean Jean", the "Caisses de Servanne," the Castellas ridges and its viewpoints, and a walk along Servanne golf course in Mouriès.

Vernègues is a small village in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, rich in Roman and medieval remains.

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.

Short hike in the Alpilles, below Eygalières. Best done in autumn or winter.

A hike in the Alpilles along good paths. A varied landscape ranging from pine forest to Mediterranean scrubland with fine views over the hills and valleys.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

A short circuit to discover a little-known fortified site above Les Baux-de-Provence with an unusual view of the village. The circuit starts with a path that takes you to a plateau above the quarries and ends with good tracks. It offers beautiful panoramic views of the south and east of the Alpilles.

A short hike around Baux-de-Provence, mostly on good trails. There is a short climb down a well-maintained rocky path. 360° views at the viewpoint (or what remains of it). The Baux cover "every angle" with many panoramic views. Return via the village with the option to pay it a visit.

A short route for visiting the magnificent village of Les Baux-de-Provence and its immediate surroundings.