From the famous Calanques and its magnificent Cassis stone to Mont Puget and Garbalan, here are 5 walking routes to try. And all without a car!
1/ THE SAINT-MICHEL LOOKOUT
9 km loop - 2 h 45 walking time
Luminy Parc National des Calanques" bus stop (Lines B1, 21j or 24)
We've put it at number 1 on the list because it's without doubt THE ideal hike for discovering the Calanques and achieving a sensational 360° view of all the Calanques, from the Torpilleur rock to Morgiou. You'll feel like you're at the end of the world, with the sea stretching out in front of you... Easily accessible by public transport and suitable for all levels of fitness, this hike is a must in Marseille. Don't hesitate to dip your toes in the turquoise water on the way down!
Hiking Map
2/ LE TOUR DES GOUDES
12 km loop - 3 hrs 30 mins walk
Madrague Mont Rose" bus stop (Line 19)
If you're looking for a change of scenery, Les Goudes is the place to be in Marseille, with its authentic setting, small traditional ports and rolling countryside... This walk offers breathtaking views over the harbour of Marseille, Ile Maire and the Riou archipelago. Head for the Calanques de Callelongue, de la Mounine and de Marseillevayre for a 3.5-hour loop, climbing hills and tumbling down valleys, and above all, refreshing yourself in the turquoise waters all the way to the Baie des Singes!
Hiking Map
3/ TOUR OF MONT PUGET
12 km loop - 4 hrs 30 mins walk
Luminy Parc National des Calanques" bus stop (Lines B1, 21j or 24)
It's impossible to miss Mont Puget, the big boss that towers over the Calanques at an altitude of 565m. This route starts in the Aiguille Guillemin couloir and then crosses the ridges of Mont Puget, offering breathtaking views that will make you forget your sweat. Here, you'll be overlooking the sea with a unique view of the Phocaean city. I promise it's worth the diversions!
4/ THE CALANQUES, FROM CASSIS TO MARSEILLE
18.5 km loop - 5 hrs 30 mins walk
Luminy Parc National des Calanques" bus stop (Lines B1, 21j or 24)
The Calanques are a bit like the stars of Marseille, and they're what make the region so beautiful. But it's also Europe's only national park covering land, sea and the outskirts of the city, so when it comes to scenery, you're in for a treat. On the menu: cliffs, little coves and sea as far as the eye can see, sprinkled with sunshine virtually all year round. So, for this walk, we suggest you set off from Cassis to reach Marseille via the Calanques! It's a fairly strenuous hike, with a good difference in altitude, but one that offers some absolutely magnificent views that you won't soon forget.
PS: Don't forget to bring water, good trainers and a friend to motivate you. So, are you up for the challenge?
5/ FROM PAGNOL TO GARLABAN
10 km loop - 3 h walk
Font de Mai" bus stop (Line 10)
A short diversions into Pagnol country for a lovely hike to the top of the Garbalan massif. Needless to say, the views over Marseille and the massif are truly breathtaking... Over a ten-kilometre stretch, you'll take in a succession of hills, the Tête Ronde, the Pic de Taoumé and the Tête Rouge, but you won't know which way to turn! And if you're still feeling nostalgic for Pagnol, don't hesitate to stop off on the way back at one of the little cafés in Aubagne that inspired the famous author of La Gloire de mon père.
Source internet: www.lebonbon.fr