Top 5 hikes in Marseille

The calanques, from Cassis to Marseille

A mythical, not-to-be-missed hike to be enjoyed during your stay at our campsite near Marseille, with a total length of 18.5 km and a 5h30 hike. The Parc National des Calanques is at once marine, terrestrial and peri-urban, making it unique in Europe. The classic Calanques hike starts in Cassis and heads towards Marseille. It’s a physical hike, not only because of its length, but also because of its double vertical drop – positive and negative – of over 1,000 meters. You’ll need a full day’s walk and good equipment, including plenty of water and sun protection. In return for your efforts, this hike offers sublime views of the calanques and Marseille. One instagrammable spot after another will fill your eyes. The hike makes a loop, so you’ll return to your starting point to take your vehicle or the public transport that brought you to the trailhead.

The Saint-Michel lookout

This is a must-do hike during your stay in Marseille, accessible to all levels. The circuit forms a 9 km loop, for a 2h30 to 3h00 walk, depending on your pace. The start of the hike can be reached by bus, using lines 24, B1 and 21J, getting off at the Luminy – Parc National des Calanques stop. This tour is ideal for discovering the calanques, avoiding the long day hikes that are difficult with children. The Saint-Michel belvedere hike takes you through the most beautiful areas of the park, with a panoramic view of the calanques on arrival. On the way back, the itinerary skirts pleasant beaches: the perfect opportunity to take a refreshing dip after a climb in the sun. Don’t forget your swimsuit!

Climbing Garlaban

In the land of Marcel Pagnol, follow in the footsteps of the most famous Provencal writer and film-maker by completing the Garlaban loop: a 10 km, 3-hour walk that takes you to the summit of the massif, at an altitude of 731 meters. You’ll have a magnificent panoramic view of the Marseille hills: La Tête Rouge, the Taoumé peak and the Tête Ronde. On your way back down the Garlaban massif, don’t miss a drink or an ice cream on a shady terrace in the center of Aubagne. The trail can be reached by bus, line 10, Font de Mai stop.

Tour of Mont Puget

The highest peak in the calanques at 565 meters, Mont Puget is the grail for hikers in the national park. Experienced walkers will love this 12 km hike, starting from the Domaine de Luminy (accessible by bus) at the entrance to the calanques. The circuit forms a loop that crosses the aiguille Guillemin corridor before reaching the crests of haut mont Puget. Some sections are a little steep and technical, but are rewarded on arrival with a sublime panorama of the Mediterranean, Marseille and its roadsteads. Allow 4h30 for the whole walk.

Tour des Goudes

A destination with a change of scenery for hiking enthusiasts: the tour des Goudes is a 12 km loop that can be completed in around 3h30. Bus no. 19 drops you off at the Madrague Mont Rose stop. The route takes you through rolling countryside to the calanques of La Mounine, Callelongue and Marseilleveyre. Allow a full day for swimming in the rocky creeks or on the pretty beach of Baie des Singes. s