Country:
District:
In the Pinchinades district of Vitrolles, head to Avenue Jean Monnet. Around number 1693, park in the small car park marked with signs for "Le Petit Lac" and "La ferme de Croze": there are 7 to 8 spaces available.
(S/E) Go through the gate (Chemin Vert) and follow the shaded path that runs alongside the La Cadière stream. When you reach a tarmac road, cross it and go through the gate (Chemin de l'Infernet). Continue along the path, following the yellow and red markings, until you reach a right-hand bend in a large area of flat rock slabs: on your left are red ochre rocks and on your right is a waterfall. Keep to the right.
(1) Follow the path that leads into the vegetation to discover the Infernet spring emerging from a cave and a small waterfall. Turn back.
(1) Continue along the path that leads to the foot of the red ochre rocks. Turn left, heading west, and follow the rocky ridge, which then turns north. Look for a gap in the rocks at the yellow and red markings.
(2) Go through this gap and follow the ridge eastwards then north-eastwards. The wide space narrows considerably as you enter the heart of the Infernet ravine. With a little easy climbing, exit the ravine on the right and rejoin the path that climbs towards the plateau among the charred tree trunks, marked in yellow and red. You will come to a Y-junction (elevation 139).
(3) Turn right onto the track that passes higher up next to a fire hydrant. Pass a ruin on the left and arrive at a barrier and a crossroads of roads and tracks.
(4) Leave the barrier on your left and veer slightly to the right to cross the hollow of a stream bed and join a sandy track on the right that climbs slightly, heading south (see photo). Continue for about 80 metres on this track until you reach a Y-junction and another barrier on the right.
Go through this barrier, then about 50 metres further on, turn left at a Y-junction. Follow the track, heading east then south-east. When you reach a wider area and a T-junction, turn left, then about 15 metres further on, look for a large flat rock on the right and a path to its right (see photo).
(5) Descend this path, taking care not to slip, then climb up the other side of the Ravin de la Cardeline, keeping the electricity pylons in your sights. Pass by thefirst pylon, then arrive at thesecond.
(6) Turn right immediately afterwards and follow the path that descends to the right of a fence. Keep to the right and you will arrive at a road lined with houses, then at a crossroads between Allée 10 and Allée des Lauriers.
Turn right onto the road, then immediately left towards the Victor Mellan fitness trail. You will come to a barrier.
(7) Turn left onto Chemin de l'Agriculture, which descends in a straight line, lined with olive trees. After a right-hand bend, the road becomes a path with denser vegetation. You will arrive at the Marthe stream bed, then at a Y-junction.
(8) Descend to the right on the steep path and stone steps that lead to a small pontoon. In the background, you can hear the continuous sound of running water, but the source is not visible due to the dense and overgrown vegetation. A short detour to the right of a few metres allows you to catch a glimpse of the Marthe. Climb back up the steps and return to the Y-junction.
(8) Turn left and follow the deserted path heading north-west. Keep left at an X-shaped junction. On the right is the fence of a private property. You will reach the top of the hill and a large gate.
(9) Move to the left to follow a barely visible, thorny path below the cliffs, which runs alongside an old fence protecting a large water reservoir. Stay as close to the fence as possible, taking care to avoid scratches. Turn right after the reservoir and pick up a track heading north-east. There are picnic tables and benches at the edge of the track. You will arrive near a gate and some houses.
(10) Turn left at a large isolated pine tree. The path winds downhill and leads to the tarmac road of Pas de la Mue. Turn right and then, 50 metres further on, go down the stairs on the left. Follow Allée des Girolles to the end, then turn left onto Chemin du Pas de la Mue. Continue straight ahead until you reach a junction with Avenue des Magnanarelles, with a trailhead opposite.
(11) Follow this path northwards, then make a large circular loop through the red ochre hills. Turn left at an electricity pylon, pass by a ruin and follow the path that runs alongside the pylons, alternating between ascents and descents. You will arrive at an X-shaped crossroads.
(12) Turn left and follow the ridge as closely as possible, passing close to the source of the Infernet. You will arrive at a karstic cave equipped with ropes for descending but also blocked by tree trunks. It is best not to venture there. Return to the large open space from the outward journey and turn left.
(2) Follow the route back along La Cadière and return to the starting point (S/E).
Visorando member
Easy 
Difficult 
