Velaux walks

Leaving from Ventabren, a walk in the surrounding hills and then along the Canal de Marseille and ending at the Aqueduc de Roquefavour.

A loop hike starting from Ventabren Village, heading downhill and crossing Arc River to head up the hill on the other side reaching a stunning panoramic view over Mont Ventoux, Eguilles Village, the Aqueduc de Roquefavour Bridge, Sainte-Victoire Mountain and l'Etoile mountain range with the Pilon du Roi.

This hike offers three different environments: first in the woods, then on a plateau with very little vegetation, and finally on a hillside with breathtaking views. The start is initially a single track climbing to the height of the Roquevafour aqueduct. The path then widens considerably and is very easy to walk on. After the Domaine de Meynes, the landscape changes to a plateau.

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.

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.

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.

This nearly 9 km hike starting from the Berre-l'Étang cooperative offers a beautiful immersion in the heart of varied and peaceful natural landscapes. With a very low elevation gain of 7 m, this loop is accessible to everyone, young and old, regardless of your level of fitness. The route starts at the cooperative car park (cooperative roundabout) and quickly leads you to flat paths surrounded by plains and unspoilt natural areas. You can enjoy the vast expanses typical of the region, walking along the lake with its reflections changing throughout the day.

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).

This hike offers beautiful views of the Étang de Berre and part of the Marseille harbour. In the distance, weather permitting, you can see Sainte-Victoire, Luberon, Mont Ventoux and the Alpilles. The only drawback is the proximity of the motorway at the start and end of the route.

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 short walk in a protected area on the edge of the Étang de Berre and its industries. All the vegetation of the wetlands, birds galore. Moderator's note Please note that part of this loop is closed between April and July. See notices.

During this very easy walk on flat ground alternating between tracks and small roads, you can admire beautiful drystone shelters and a bee wall. Drystone shelters are huts built from dry stones that served as temporary dwellings for farmers in Provence in the 19th century. The bee wall, or Apier, is an 18th-century dry stone wall, 60 metres long, with 56 niches (originally 200) where beekeepers used to shelter their straw hives from the mistral wind and bad weather.

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.

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.

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

This is a very pleasant hike to do in spring to enjoy the scents, light, swimming and views that nature has to offer.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

A walk to discover bories (dry-stone huts), perfect for a little mountain biking special, alternating between false-flat single trails (be careful of the trees!) and wide rolling tracks to get your heart pumping or to work on your endurance.

A 2½-hour circular walk above Lambesc. A steady climb through the woods, then along the ridge of the Côtes mountain range, with superb 360° views of the Étang de Berre, the Alpilles, Mont Ventoux, the Luberon, the Alpes du Verdon and Sainte Victoire. Return via the plateau of the hamlet of Janet through vineyards along farm tracks.

This varied and easy loop takes you to the village of Cornillon-Confoux, one of the most beautiful hilltop villages in Provence. The village, with its stone houses and cobbled streets, offers exceptional views on both sides.The site of Cornillon, steeped in history, has been inhabited since Neolithic times.In the surrounding area, you will discover many traces of a farming and pastoral past.

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

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).

Located east of Salon-de-Provence, Tallagard is a plateau that stretches towards Aurons and Vernègues and offers easy hikes. Several well-preserved drystone shelters are visible from the start of the hike. The view is pleasant, overlooking the Alpilles, Mont Ventoux, Sainte-Baume and Sainte-Victoire.

This trail invites you to discover the pastoral and agricultural life of yesteryear. This circuit offers a glimpse of the unique features of the Tallagard Massif at every turn.

Interpretation trail and discovery of the agro-pastoral heritage around drystone walls and drystone shelters. Information panels along the trail explain the drystone constructions.

Vernègues is a small village in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, rich in Roman and medieval remains.

A hike along the balcony with superb views of the Etang de Berre (a small inland sea called Lake Berre).

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

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

Amidst sea, cliffs and rail roads, a beautiful active hike, emphasized by the horns of small passing trains, and an amazing little beach during the journey! Experienced on May 1st, 2013, having the first bathe of the year at the Everine's beach!

To the west of Marseille, the Côte Bleue owes its name to the colour of the sea. The coastal path offers spectacular views of quiet little ports, sunny creeks and secluded beaches. In the distance, Marseille... and above all, the Mediterranean Sea.

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.

An easy, family-friendly hike in a little-visited mountain range along the refreshing banks of the Durance. 15/05/2024: Route modified in (10) to avoid walking along the D66E.

Come and discover part of the Chaîne des Côtes, a 10 km long and 6 km wide mountain range separating the Touloubre Valley from the Durance, at the exit of the village of La Roque d'Antéron, very close to Silvacane Abbey. The start and finish are in the holiday village of La Baume.

Short, easy hike with a steady climb at the start. Views of the Durance, the Luberon and Mont Ventoux. After the hike, you can visit the12th-century Silvacane Abbey with its simple, perfect architecture.

A loop around the Bau Trauqua mountain, part of the Chaîne de l'Etoile between Marseille and Aix-En-Provence. Hike along the ridge and enjoy the many magnificent views over the well-known massifs of Sainte Victoire, Garlaban and Sainte-Baume. In spring, the scents are magnificent, not to mention the flora and fauna that awaken. This hike starts off moderately difficult, then becomes a medium hike with some very fine views.

A nice hike in the Alpilles to see the ruins of Castellas de Roquemartine (Château de la Reine Jeanne), and end with the caves of Calès, a very interesting cave network.

A hike starting from Eyguières with its two enclosed springs, the Fontaine des Bormes and the Fontaine Gilouse. A walk in the Défens d'Eyguières, with fine views of the ruins of Roquemartine Castle, the Durance valley and, if the weather is fine, the Mont Ventoux. Access to the Grottes de Calès site is forbidden. Return by the olive groves below the Défens d'Eyguières. __Caution! Because of the nature of the rock (mollasse sandstone, and therefore friable) and the cliffs, parts of the site are dangerous. A municipal order prohibiting access to these areas is currently in force. Take great care.__

Hiking in the Alpilles, starting from the Eyguières bullring. A quiet start among olive trees and cicadas at the foot of the Opies. You'll discover the old Romanière sheep pens. The ascent starts on a beautiful path through the maquis and ends with a little climb to finish at the Tour de Guet where a magnificent 360° view awaits you. You can also visit the vestiges of Villa Gallo Romaine.

A fine, challenging circuit in rocky terrain. A few technical sections add spice to this route, as does the intriguing section passing through the two-ended cave on the Mont Menu. The Mont Menu ridge requires concentration and a sense of direction since the cairns are few and far between. There is always a superb view in every direction: the Étang de Berre, the plain of the Crau, Aureille, the Alpilles, the Mont Ventoux, the Luberon and of course the cliffs of the Mont Menu.