Vitrolles (Bouches-du-Rhône) walks

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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).

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!

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.

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.

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.