Saint-Chamas walks

This hike takes you through the Parc de la Poudrerie in Saint-Chamas (please note the opening hours; see Practical Information), as well as the medieval village of Miramas-le-Vieux. You can see the old buildings, exhibitions on site and, with a bit of luck, spot some birds.Following the GPX track may prove useful.

A short tour of Saint-Chamas, its town centre, the Notre-Dame Chapel with a view of the Étang de Berre, the Pont Flavien, a Roman ruin, and the Vallon de la Touloubre.

Miramas-le-Vieux is a pretty little medieval village overlooking the northern part of the Étang de Berre, which is well worth a visit at the start or end of your walk. This route crosses the site of the former national gunpowder factory, which can be visited on Wednesdays or Sundays, heading towards the Chapelle Saint-Michel, which overlooks Istres, the Étang de l’Olivier and its fountain, and the Étang de Berre. Unfortunately, we were unable to complete the planned circular route as, as is often the case in Provence these days, wire mesh barriers have sprung up since our last visit two years ago, so we had to settle for the route published today.

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.

A short hike above Istres with views of the Étang de Berre and La Crau.

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.

This easy, mostly shaded hike takes just over 3 hours and will allow you to discover the Cabasse and Belval plains as well as the Collet de la Garde with its 360° panoramic view. Along the way, you will discover the restored Jas du Pape sheepfold with its enclosure and well, evidence of pastoral activity in the hills. You will also walk alongside the medieval Pougnois Canal, dug in the 11th century by the monks of Montmajour Abbey.

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 lovely route around the Étang de l'Olivier lake near the town of Istres.

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.

Starting from Istres, you will park near the ZAC des Cognets. This walk is 50% on small roads and 50% on footpaths. Far from any houses, you will enjoy the peace and quiet and the scents of Provence.

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

A gentle walk with little elevation gain, on wide, sunny tracks, among kermes oaks, pines and Provençal herbs. Views of the Étang de Berre lagoon and, at times, Montagne Sainte-Victoire.

An easy walk around Grans and through the Crau Verte, avoiding busy roads as much as possible, starting from the west of Salon-de-Provence.

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.

This nearly 9 km hike starting from the Berre-l'Étang cooperative offers a beautiful immersion in the heart of varied and peaceful natural landscapes. With a very low elevation gain of 7 m, this loop is accessible to everyone, young and old, regardless of your level of fitness. The route starts at the cooperative car park (cooperative roundabout) and quickly leads you to flat paths surrounded by plains and unspoilt natural areas. You can enjoy the vast expanses typical of the region, walking along the lake with its reflections changing throughout the day.