Vitrolles (Bouches-du-Rhône) walks

An easy hike starting from Vitrolles Hill and continuing across the plateau.

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 picturesque and easy circular route, which almost makes you forget you’re on the Vitrolles Plateau, such is the diversity and variety of the landscapes. Trails that wind down into small valleys, with a few steep ascents and descents. The route concludes with a walk along the ridge overlooking Le Pouchon, with its magnificent red-ochre rocks. A real treat. (see the ‘Practical Information’ section)

Off the beaten track from the traditional route around the Vitrolles plateau along the cliff edges, this walk across the plateau takes you past wells, huts, olive groves, plantations and the ruins of old farmhouses as you cross small valleys along narrow paths, not forgetting the charming, wooded Mion valley.

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.

A lovely walk on the Vitrolles Plateau, starting from the Collets Rouges equestrian centre towards the cliffs of Vitrolles and Rognac, before crossing the red ochre hills of Le Pouchon. A varied landscape and magnificent views throughout the walk. GPX track required.

A unique walk on the Vitrolles Plateau, starting from the Collets Rouges equestrian centre, through small valleys and along the red ochre cliffs overlooking Le Pouchon. This route avoids the main tracks as much as possible, favouring smaller, sometimes steep paths. A varied landscape and magnificent views throughout the walk. (see ‘Practical Information’ section).

This is a long, easy circular route starting from Rognac and heading towards the small pass of Collet Redon, passing by a permanent spring, the Malaga waterfall (Rognac fountain) seen from below and then from the top of its cliffs, and the Fontaine de l'Oule fountain. After passing through the bottom of the valley and around the small pass of Redon, the route rejoins the GRP®2013 and then follows the cliffs of Rognac to the cross overlooking the town. Finally, a last detour to the remains of an ancient oppidum and the ruins of Castellas Castle before returning to the starting point. A magnificent and varied landscape throughout the route.

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.

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.

A long, varied circular route with stunning unobstructed views of the Étang de Berre, Velaux, Sainte-Victoire, the Étoile massif and the Pilon du Roi, and the Réaltor reservoir. The paths are sometimes very stony. A few steep climbs to spice things up.

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.

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).

A family-friendly walk, best undertaken when the wind isn’t too strong as the Plateau de Vitrolles is very exposed. You can stop for a picnic and a break halfway along the route at the cross, with an extraordinary view of the Étang de Berre and the lake’s surroundings.

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.

In the middle of a protected natural site, this easy hike allows you to discover the Canal du Rove, the Étang de Bolmon, part of the southern shore of the Étang de Berre, the beaches of Le Jaï and the Parc des 4 Vents. Through marshes and sand, observatories allow you to watch migratory birds and discover many aquatic animal species. Along the way, you will see fishermen's huts.

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.