Saint-Pons via the Vallon de la Galère

Start in front of the Parc d'Albertas; car parks nearby.

(S/E) Cross the roundabout towards Aix-en-Provence. Take the^first left, Chemin de Lieutaud. Continue straight on until you reach a small roundabout. Turn right onto Chemin de la République and follow it until you reach Route d’Aubagne, opposite a wine cellar.
Turn right and, at the Relais de la Madeleine roundabout, cross over to the opposite side onto Chemin de la Fontaine. At the end, turn right onto Chemin de Saint-Jean, then immediately left onto Chemin du Jas de la Lèbre, heading towards the hill. Follow the path for 650 m until you reach No. 647, where it crosses Chemin du Vallon de la Galère, which branches off to the right.

(1) Follow this path and continue straight on until the end of the tarmac.

(2) Continue straight on to the bottom of the valley. Pass a hairpin bend to the right and reach the next one to the left, where there is a fork.

(3) Turn left and continue along the Chemin du Vallon de la Galère (see photos), which winds its way up a few hairpin bends, then passes under a power line and reaches a fork.

(4) Continue straight on along the track that runs along the mountainside.
Further on, look out for a pretty little cave perched on the left and admire the views all along the way; with a bit of luck, you might even spot a squirrel!
The track then winds down through several hairpin bends and comes to a road.

(5) Turn left and, at^{the first} bend, take the path leading down to the right of the road. Follow this path, turning left then right, until you reach the bottom of the valley. Continue until you find the entrance to the left of the Old Abbey of Saint-Pons.

(6) Take a short detour to the old abbey and back, then head towards the spring.

(7) Return to the previous crossroads, passing by the abbey again.

(6) Continue down the slope to the left, following the valley, until you reach a road.

(8) Cross the road and continue the descent along the wide dirt tracks. At the Saint-Pons car park, walk alongside it then join the road.

(9) Follow it to the right for about 400 m, taking care as there is no pavement on this stretch. You must therefore be very careful of traffic. You will reach a street on the left, opposite a hotel.

(10) Turn left onto Boulevard de l'Espigoulier, heading towards Super Gémenos, and follow this street to the end, noting the beautiful properties, some in a modern style, others in a Provençal style.

(11) At the Corniche du Douard, turn left and head for No. 3.

(12) Take the hairpin bend to the right onto Chemin des Cigales. Follow the winding road down until you reach the entrance to the cemetery, opposite the École Vessiot.

(13) Walk a few metres to the right, then turn left onto Boulevard Vessiot and head towards the entrance to Parc d'Albertas (S/E).

In winter, keep an eye on your four-legged hiking companions, as processionary caterpillars may cross the paths (see photo).

Enjoy the various views of Gémenos, Aubagne and the Garlaban along the Galère valley.
Take a look at the cave above the Galère valley.
Walk around the Old Abbey of Saint-Pons and head up towards the Saint-Pons Spring.