Septèmes-les-Vallons walks

This hike, which runs through the north-western part of the Étoile massif, offers exceptional 360° panoramic views from Aix to Marseille, passing by the Étang de Berre and the Marseille harbour. The route alternates between valleys and paths with spectacular views.

This hike involves climbing to the summit of the Étoile from the north. The start and finish are in a wooded valley, but the rest of the route is very open: you are on a summit ridge and the landscape is magnificent, provided the visibility is good (Marseille, Côte Bleue, Étang de Berre, Alpilles, Mont Ventoux, Aix, Sainte-Victoire, Pilon du Roi).

A circular route to visit two springs between Vitrolles and Les Pennes Mirabeau. The first is completely unknown because it is hidden in the hollow of a cliff with a humid and tropical atmosphere with its fig trees and brambles. The second is much better known. This circular route serves as a base from which to add detours to the ochre-coloured cliffs of Vitrolles or Urbex, the Fermes des Plaines d'Arbois and also the abandoned stadium.

Hike from La Batarelle to La Grande Étoile and Le Petit Sanguin, avoiding the wide DFCI tracks as much as possible in favour of the small, steep paths, which give this route a sporty character. Along the way, you will see two wells, ruins, a cave, an old lime kiln and magnificent views of Marseille and the Côte Bleue.

An easy hike in the woods above Simiane-Collongue with some beautiful views of the Pilon du Roi, the Étoile and the Aix region with Sainte-Victoire in the background.

This hike takes you through different environments in a very short time 

An easy Nordic walking route at the foot of La Grande Étoile and on beautiful DFCI tracks. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of Marseille and the Côte Bleue.

An original circular in the Étoile massif to discover numerous wells and old lime kilns.

An oasis of freshness! One of the easiest walks to do with children, following the stream back to its source. Please note: A hiker has informed us that this hike is no longer possible due to a landslide reported by a municipal decree. In addition, between 1 June and 30 September, some areas may be closed to the public (fire hazard).

Starting from the Les Pinchinades district in Vitrolles, this hike begins peacefully along the La Cadière stream, which leads to the source of the Infernet and its waterfalls, surrounded by magnificent red ochre rocks, worthy of an American film set. After passing through the Ravin de l'Infernet and climbing back up to the plateau (unfortunately ravaged by fire in 2018), the crossing of the Ravin de la Cardeline allows you to reach the Marthe spring, hidden among the olive trees and thick vegetation, but whose flow can be heard. The return journey through the red ochre hills passes through a narrow, deep karstic cave before reaching the Infernet spring and the starting point. A complete change of scenery just a stone's throw from the city.

This route takes you to the main tourist attractions and picturesque spots in the Provençal village of Bouc-Bel-Air. The walk is fairly easy, with only a slightly challenging climb at the end of the route.

This moderately difficult walk takes you on a discovery of the Bouc-Bel-Air communal wood. You will see typical houses. You will overlook the town of Gardanne, its slag heaps and factories, and catch a glimpse of Sainte-Victoire. You will have the pleasure of getting some exercise while enjoying the forest and its scents.

This variation of the Bouc Bel Air communal wood hike is a little longer but has the advantage of being marked with small wooden signs and coloured markings. It takes you on a journey of discovery through the communal woods of Bouc-Bel-Air.

A beautiful hike in the Étoile massif on tracks or paths with magnificent views of Marseille, the Étoile and Mediterranean vegetation: fig trees, arbutus trees, heather, rosemary, etc.

A beautiful hike in the Massif de l'Etoile, with superb views of Marseille, its surroundings and the Frioul Islands. The colours and scents of the heath accompany walkers throughout the circuit.

This short but fairly challenging hike takes you along numerous small paths and immerses you in a fairly wild area. It also allows you to reach the famous Pilon, visible from all over the Aix region.

This hike first follows the start of the Côte Bleue to reach Figuerolles Beach, then climbs higher to overlook the bay of Marseille with magnificent views, and walks through the ruins of the old Figuerolles battery. The passages through the valleys give the walk a wilder feel. Moderator additions: Please note that there are difficult passages between points (2) and (4) Passages reported as prohibited (January 2021).

This is one of several hikes along the Côte Bleue. It is quite physically demanding and not recommended for young children as part of the route follows some steep cliffs above the sea. However, it offers wonderful views of the bay of Marseille, the islands and Notre-Dame de la Garde.

A circular walk on fairly wide tracks in the Plan de Cuques Communal Forest with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the city of Marseille, starting from La Montade. The first part of the walk is quite strenuous as it climbs steadily. The second part is downhill. Can be done on foot or by bike.

This hike starts at Logis Neuf near Plan-de-Cuques and takes you to Pilon du Roi, climbing up the beautiful valley of the same name. From there, follow the ridges offering magnificent panoramic views of the entire region to reach the Tête du Grand Puech. During the descent, you will discover the Aire de la Moure before returning, after a short climb, to your starting point.

Starting from the Marseille metropolitan area, a combination of classic trails and lesser-known paths to reach and explore a section of the Chaîne de l'Étoile ridges.

A challenging hike to the peaks of Bau Trauqua mountain via the valley of the Grotte des Ermites, then back via the Col Sainte Anne and the Grotte du Facteur. Along the way, you will find caves, grottos, springs and a well. A wild landscape with strangely shaped rocks.

A circular route in the heart of the Vitrolles plateau with balcony trails in the middle of the Provençal heath, small rocky valleys and wide tracks, former service roads for the villages of Vitrolles, Rognac and Velaux. A peaceful environment with beautiful views.

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.

A short hike in the Étoile massif between tracks and trails. You will often come across a herd of goats roaming free on or near the boules court. Please do not feed them (there is a sign reminding you that this is prohibited). However, if you have any water left over after your hike, especially in summer, please feel free to fill their water tanks.

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.

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 walk up high to enjoy the view of Marseille and the islands.

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

pLEASE NOTE: work is being carried out on the Gardanne-Luynes railway line. The hiking trails are closed to the public. A Sunday family walk through landscapes of small rivers and hills, without going into the department's large parks.

Head towards Fort de Figuerolles via Vallon du Coucourdier and with a circular loop on the Sentier des Douaniers. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views of Marseille harbour and discover old watchtowers and galleries carved into the mountain. After visiting the ruins of the fort, the return journey takes you along a superb ridge overlooking the Vallon des Fontêtes, ending at the Puits de l'Œuvre. Finally, take a short detour to Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours before returning to the starting point.

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 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.

A short family hike on wide, passable paths. Walk on the plateau and in the valley. Beautiful unobstructed views of Sainte-Victoire Mountain, the city of Aix-en-Provence, the Roquefavour Aqueduct and the TGV viaduct.

This short hike takes you through the Valabre Forest with beautiful views of the Étoile massif (Pilon du Roi) and the Luynes valley between Gardanne and Luynes. The nearby cliffs add to the picturesque nature of this route.

This is a two-part hike, with a shaded and refreshing first section along the banks of the Canal de Marseille to the Roquefavour Aqueduct. The second part offers a more desert-like landscape on the wide tracks that criss-cross the Plateau du Grand Arbois and pass through the Jas des Vaches. There are varied landscapes throughout the hike.

Hike on the central part of the Arbois plateau with a variety of views: Marseille canal, ruins, Arbois plateau, pine forests, cliffs, Étang de Berre. Return via the charming Mion valley, which is covered in its entirety on this hike. Despite its length, this walk is not difficult and can be shortened or lengthened.

From the Grand Arbois plateau to the barren landscape and green, lightly wooded valleys, this hike offers beautiful panoramic views of the Arc valley, Sainte-Victoire and L'Étoile.

This short hike is ideal for a family outing in open countryside (avoid days when the mistral wind is blowing). In summer, you may encounter a herd of red goats on the plateau. These are Rove goats. This hike is dotted with information panels about the environment.

We will take a tour of the old quarters of Marseille. The famous Panier district and the Old Port to see the fish stalls (best done in the morning). The Saint-Victor district where we will buy Navettes (small cakes). We will climb up to the Bonne Mère (Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde) and then head down to visit the Endoume neighbourhood, as far as the Vallon des Auffes. Finally, we'll head to the seaside via the Corniche, the Pharo gardens and then cross the Old Port by ferry (free).

Here is one of the many possible loops that will take us to the wonderful Calanque de l'Érevine where you can take a dip; this pretty loop is not particularly difficult. However, the customs officers' path, which is very busy at weekends, is steep in places and also has a few exposed sections where you need to watch your step and take care if you have children with you. It can also be tricky for people who suffer from vertigo. This walk is best enjoyed in autumn or spring

Small isolated coves, secret valleys and magnificent views of Marseille and the Frioul Islands are on the agenda for this hike, which begins and ends at the crystal-clear waters of the Côte Bleue. A beautiful route that winds its way through pine trees and heath, offering numerous opportunities to enjoy stunning views of the sea.

A short, very classic hike in the rocky inlets north of Marseille harbour between the ports of Niolon and La Redonne.

A short sporting excursion in the hills of Allauch: Petite and Grande Tête Rouge, returning via the Notre-Dame du Château Chapel, offering three magnificent viewpoints. Finally, a short stroll through the village of Allauch.

Double circular in the hills of Allauch starting from the Notre Dame du Château Chapel. Walk along the Baume des Pestiférés and the Tête Ronde, then climb up to the Pic du Taoumé. Then pass through the Escaouprés valley and begin the climb to the summit of Grande Tête Rouge, then Pounche des Escaouprés. Return via an old bauxite quarry at the foot of Petite Tête Rouge.

The hills of Allauch offer constant points of interest. Hunters use paths that are covered by vegetation (be careful, it can be quite prickly...). The caves are enigmatic, particularly the Étoile cave (a very large tunnel). As usual, the view of Marseille from the Grande Tête Rouge is well worth the climb. The section crossing the stream bed is very pleasant and accessible. There are springs to discover all along the route.

A pleasant hike to the Baumes des Pestiférés, then a detour to the Vallon des Escaouprés with its large limestone slabs and water-filled potholes. Along the way or nearby, you will find the Pichoun Ome spring, the Grande Tête Rouge, Le Col du Sauvage and La Tête Ronde with ancient bauxite deposits, the Berger and Etoile caves, La Source du Chien and its rock carvings, and finally La Pounche des Escaouprés. Beautiful views of Allauch, Marseille and the Étoile mountain range.

A beautiful hike along the cliffs of Rognac: superb views of the town of Rognac with the Étang de Berre lagoon and the surrounding towns of Vitrolles, Berre and Velaux.

A short, peaceful family walk along wide paths, with a magnificent view of the lake, which is even more beautiful at sunset. To see a beautiful waterfall, plan your walk a few days after rain, as this is Provence.

An easy circular starting from Rognac towards the Collet Redon hill, passing by the Malaga Waterfall (Fontaine de Rognac) and then the Fontaine de l'Oule on the way there. After going around Collet Redon, the route rejoins theGRP®2013 and then runs along the cliffs of Rognac to the cross overlooking the town. A magnificent and varied landscape throughout the route.