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From Marignane, starting from Avenue du Général de Gaulle, take Rue Edmond Rostand towards Parc des Sports du Bolmon. Park in the car park opposite the stadium.
(S/E) Head west on Chemin de l'Estéou and the Ballade des Familles
trail.
(1) Cross the Cadière bridge to reach the swan beach and a children's playground. On the right are fishermen's huts.
Walk along the Estéou leisure centre, then at the bottom of the path, turn left at the roundabout. Walk along the Canal du Rove (Marseille to Rhône canal) to reach a rowing club.
(2) Turn right into the club and cross the footbridge over the canal. On the other side of the bank, turn right onto Chemin des Macreuses, which becomes a dirt track after passing through a barrier.
Turn right at thefirst junction to stay as close as possible to the canal and a water inlet inland. Return to Chemin des Macreuses and turn right.
(3) Turn left onto a small path lined with Provence reeds to reach the Paluns observatory. Retrace your steps and turn left. Stay on the left-hand track.
(4) Make a small detour to the left at the Barlatier observatory, then continue straight ahead.
(5) Turn right through a pine forest and return to the canal. Follow the canal.
The path then narrows through the Provence cane fields, runs alongside a vineyard, and arrives at a place called Cabanon des Pécheurs
and several houses.
(6) Turn left onto Chemin des Pécheurs and arrive at the N568. Turn right onto the national road.
NOTE: there is currently no alternative to this 700-metre stretch of busy national road. Take great care as the verges are narrow. Stay alert.
Go through a roundabout and then turn right onto Chemin de la Petite Carraire, which leads to Pont du Jaï.
On the bridge, note the mixture of fresh and salt water from the Canal du Rove opposite, the Étang de Berre on the left, and the Étang de Bolmon further to the right. Continue towards the beaches of Le Jai, following theGR® 2013 route (yellow and red markings).
(7) Turn right then left, following theGR® 2013, which passes through marshes and along sandy and sometimes muddy paths.
(8) Turn left, continuing to follow theGR® 2013. Cross the road and head for Jaï beach. Walk along the beach, past the horse riding club, then go through a barrier preventing vehicle access.
(9) Turn right, leaving theGR® 2013. Head into the marshes. Keep to the right and observe the different species of birds. Further on, you will see a flock of flamingos.
(10) Join theGR® 2013 at a bridge. Turn right and you will arrive in a residential area.
(11) Turn right at the roundabout towards Avenue Abraham Duquesne. Pass a campsite and continue along Avenue Robert Surcouf.
(12) Turn right, then left onto Rue Comte de la Bourdonnais Bertrand.
(13) Turn right, cross a small bridge and continue along the paths in the Parc des 4 Vents.
(14) Turn right at the crossroads. Continue along the wooden paths on stilts.
(15) Turn right onto these paths on stilts, which run alongside a trail that passes several observation posts and make a circular turn to the left. You will arrive in front of a hangar at Marignane Airport. At the end of the path, turn right.
(16) Turn right after the large concrete blocks blocking vehicle access. Continue along the path, which is still theGR® 2013. Pass through a barrier, and the path becomes a tarmac road with houses on the left. Go to the end of the road, which turns to the right.
(17) Turn left onto thefirst dirt track to reach a large roundabout further on. Turn right onto Avenue du Général de Gaulle.
At the other roundabout, turn right onto Rue Edmond Rostand and head for the car park (S/E).
a walk partly through countryside reminiscent of the Camargue.
Visorando member
Easy 
