Saint-Zacharie walks

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Huveaune river has its source in the Sainte-Beaume massif at the Castelette cave. It is actually several resurgent and petrifying springs.

Hike to discover the Piémont de la Sainte Baume along the banks of the Huveaune, with a permanent view of the long summit ridge of the massif.

This is a short, challenging hike, which could be described as "ravine hiking", in the steep, arid ravines of the Coutronne (now a dry river) and the Infernets to the Encanaux. There, the latter flows into the Vède in a charming, shady and fairly wide spot, which is popular with walkers at the weekend. The hike takes you through the potholes (giant's kettles) of the two rivers, in truly wild surroundings. The first ravine is very rarely visited.

The coolness of a large forest on the north side, the rocky beauty of the south side, magnificent views from the summit ridge, small paths along ledges, and a cool return trip. Please note that this hike can be difficult in bad weather or windy conditions, particularly between waypoints 3 and 5. Therefore, be very careful and do not take any unnecessary risks.

Religious history and panorama in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume.

This is a "hiking-climbing" route along the Voie Gombault and the Marcel Estruch trail on the north-east face of the Sainte-Baume massif. Direct access to the ridges via a vertical route, then a complete crossing of the balcony trail from east to west. Undergrowth, ridges, ledges and cave visits also feature on this aerial route. ⚠️ This hike should not be undertaken between 15 February and 15 July in order to respect the tranquillity of the area and not compromise bird reproduction on the Marcel Estruch trail.

A beautiful, challenging hike that combines many of the features of Sainte-Baume: undergrowth, ledges, chain passages, a visit to a cave, ridges, etc. "A protected species, the peregrine falcon, nests on the Béguines cliff and may be disturbed. Avoid using this trail between February and June to ensure its protection."

If you would like to discover a pretty spring in the South of France, I recommend a circular route starting from the Plateau, passing by the Oratoire de Miette, the Tumulus des Béguines and the Chemin de Rois. You will discover the spring and its magnificent colours and the Castelette cave on the way back.

There is a long, steep descent, but the views are magnificent on both the Sainte-Baume and Sainte-Victoire sides. The forest surrounding the Gorges de l'Huveaune is cool and dense, and the yellow waterfalls in the riverbed are surprising. This is a short excursion into the Sainte-Baume forest. a varied and challenging walk.

Une petite randonnée d'été dans les sous-bois du Plan d'Aups, bien agréable en ces temps de canicule.

A beautiful walk to the Dents de Roque Forcade in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume, passing by the Tour de Cauvin, starting from Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume.

A beautiful hike that leads to the Pic de Bertagne, where you can enjoy a breathtaking 360° view.

This is a family hike that allows you to visit the Huveaune springs via a rather unusual route starting from the Hôtellerie de la Sainte-Baume.

Walk along the Sainte-Baume ridge after visiting the Marie-Madeleine cave.

This summer walk allows you to enjoy the beauty of the Sainte-Baume forest while avoiding the heat.

La Sainte-Baume as you've never seen it before: a ledge at the foot of imposing rocky peaks, a short climb to reach an isolated plateau offering panoramic views of the Alps as far as Cap Sicié. The entire walk is on small, wild trails, just the way I like them. A challenging walk with an 8-metre rock climb, rated 2 at most (easy scrambling).

This is a fairly difficult circuit that will take you via the Pic de Bertagne to two of the most interesting spots in the Sainte-Baume massif: the Trou du Vent and the Grande Baume.

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.

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.

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.

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!

A fairly easy hike that leads along the Riboux valley and then towards the Château Renard estate, made famous by the film "Jean de Florette".

A beautiful route along the ridges of Sainte-Baume, from east to west via the Col du Saint-Pilon and the Pas de la Cabre.

A very beautiful hike starting from Riboux, with the ascent of Sainte-Baume on the south side to Saint-Pilon. You will follow theGR® trail along the ridge of Sainte-Baume to Pic de Bertagne. The panoramic views are breathtaking.

A lovely hike on the southern slope of Sainte-Baume, starting from the small village of Riboux. At its highest point on the ridges of Pic de Bertagne, you can enjoy a 360° view. La Ciotat, the Castelet route, Plan d'Aups...

This is a beautiful, easy hike, alternating between paths and tracks, where you can discover: a cade oven, a jas and a well. The Jas de Frédéric has been beautifully restored and is in an ideal location. The route is not always marked, so it is best to follow the GPS.

This hike will take you above the beautiful Falaise de la Galère cliff with its breathtaking views to the fascinating Grande Baume cave, which you will cross from end to end. Don't be put off by the elevation gain, as it wasn't too difficult for our old legs.

This is a beautiful loop with a very steady climb through a picturesque valley, under tunnels of vegetation and magnificent suspended rocks. There are splendid views of the Huveaune valley, Géménos, Aubagne and Marseille. Next, pass by the very welcoming Tuny refuge and descend via the Vallon de Saint Clair, which also offers beautiful landscapes of steep rocks.

This trail is another way of getting to the Petit Tuny hut. On this trail, you stay off the DFCI tracks as much as possible, by taking non-waymarked paths instead. At the highest point of the route, you will have a wonderful view over Garlaban, the Huveaune Valley and Bertagne Peak.

An easy, short hike where you can grill your meal.

Between Sainte-Victoire and Sainte-Baume, two prestigious mountains in Provence, you can reach Olympe.

Climb to the highest point of the Bouches-du-Rhône, located at the eastern end of the Sainte-Baume Massif.

On the way to Pic de Bertagne from Parc de Saint-Pons via the south side. The return journey will be via La Glacière and the abbey.

A beautiful, very easy walk in the Saint-Pons valley, in the heart of a well-maintained departmental park, towards the former abbey of the same name. A very shady walk along a tributary of the Huveaune, where you can discover old mills from the 17th and 18th centuries. Great fun for children and largely accessible to people with reduced mobility.

A very beautiful and challenging hike starting from Saint-Pons Park in Gémenos, where you will begin by climbing the Col de l'Espigoulier, then the Dents de Roque Forcade and the Pic de Bertagne. You will begin your return to Saint-Pons Park via the Col du Fauge and the Pas de Cugens. Some sections are tricky, but the views are magnificent throughout.

Circular starting from the Saint-Pons valley towards the old ice house, via the Vallon du Fauge path and then the Chemin de la Glace. Beautiful views of the Pic de Bertagne, the Dents de Roque Forcade, the Saint-Pons valley and La Ciotat Bay in the distance. Take the opportunity to visit all the old water-related facilities in the valley: paper mill, mill, monuments, springs and waterfalls.