The 8 most beautiful hikes to do around La Ciotat

Let's go to the National Park of the Calanques! We have selected for you the best hiking routes around La Ciotat.

With its pretty fishing port and its fake airs Italy , La Ciotat is a small town full of charm. Nothing surprising, therefore, that it attracts crowds of chicks every year! To seduce and distract them, La Ciotat has several cards to play.

To begin with, the picturesque city houses a rich heritage. She was also a cradle of cinema and boasts that she was born the petanque. But if she has inspired the artists from Georges Braque to Nicolas de Staël and Raymond Queneau, it is above all thanks to her magnificent landscapes.

Because the pretty city is also the gateway to the famous Calanques National Park . Nestled between sea and mountains, it is surrounded by impressive ridges and beautiful coves. This landscape shaped by rock, sea and Mediterranean vegetation is a privileged playground for walkers. So there is a thousand and a hike to go from La Ciotat, and we have selected for you the most beautiful!

1. The Subeyran cliffs via the climb of the Dent du Chat

Laceze your shoes, put your backpack on and whistle your cap. It is now time to get on your way to a nice hike near La Ciotat, in the heart of the Calanques. This hike presents the advantage of offering you a real immersion in the middle of nature without even having to take the car. Indeed, his starting point is located directly on the edge of the city of La Ciotat .

Through your itinerary you will discover some of the most breathtaking sites and panoramas of this part of the Calanques. First of all, you will admire the Dent du Chat, a spectacular natural stone arch. In the view of the Rocher Eléphant, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea and the cliffs. Finally, you will reach the view of the Calanques, after a journey that will offer you splendid views of the bay of Cassis .

2. The Mugel, Notre-Dame de la Garde chapel and the Bec de L’Aigle

In La Ciotat, nature does not hesitate to incursion in the city. You will quickly realize this with this hiking through La Ciotat to plunge into the Parc des Calanques . Indeed, a few minutes after your departure from the old port, you will approach the beautiful park of Mugel, bordered by the sea.

A hook by the promontory of the Notre-Dame de la Garde Chapel will offer you a plunging view of the famous Figuerolles calanque. You will then walk a few kilometers of ridge, enjoying beautiful views, before returning to the old port. If this hike offers its lot of beautiful natural landscapes, it should be noted that it is partly on a paved road.

3. The large beach of La Ciotat and the seaside of Figuerolles

If you want a easy hiking Ciotat, with bathing option Here is the route you need. This walk will take you to the discovery of the city, or more precisely its maritime slope.

Along the way, you will discover the most popular beaches of La Ciotat, such as the Grande Plage, the beach Light, and the beach of the Capuchins. You can also admire the famous marina, with the postcard air. In the distance you will see the wild Île Verte, which faces the city.

Finally, you will discover the beautiful calanque of Figuerolles. If taking this walk in the summer you will be able to swim on the way, you will also enjoy it out of season. Indeed, you can better enjoy the landscapes, away from the crowd.

4. The heights of Cassis and the road of the ridges

If you like La Ciotat, then you'll love Cassis, her little sister and neighbor! From La Ciotat , this hike will take you to the heights, in the heart of the National Park of Calanques. The small effort that will require ascent will be rewarded with contrasting landscapes.

You will discover green open plateaus on the sea, as well as large limestone cliffs. From the viewpoint of the Calanques, a superb panorama will be offered to you. Finally, you will discover the city of Cassis – and its bay – view of the sky. A postcard landscape that you are not ready to forget! It should be noted that this course can also be done in mountain biking .

5. The beach of the Capuchins, the beach of Fontsainte and the beach of Arena Cros

If you want to make a family walk combining walking and relaxation, this route is for you. No need to leave La Ciotat for this hike. Indeed, this will simply make you along the seafront and discover three beautiful beaches of the city. You will have all the leisure to refresh yourself on the way, but also to take full advantage of the Mediterranean and its horizon at a loss of sight.

For the bravest, this path can be extended to the old port , or to Mugel Park. It can also be available on footing for race enthusiasts.

6. The Baronnes plains, the Louisiana, the Telegraph

Direction the interior of the land and the heights of La Ciotat with this hike that will offer you beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Your starting point is at the edge of the highway, at the Arène Cros . Between pines and clear views, you will climb a slope that will make you cross the hamlet of Louisiana. By the way, you will discover the ruins of the telegraph, which once allowed the region to communicate.

Once you reach the top, you will take a great breath of fresh air while admiring the landscape. You will then follow a path that runs in part along the River Fainéant to return to your starting point.

7. The Pin Galaban, the Bau de la Saoupe and the valley of Bécasse

If you are ready to make a substantial effort to fully enjoy the treasures of the region, this route should seduce you. From La Ciotat , the hike will make you reach the heights of Cassis through the National Park of the Calanques.

You will make a big loop in the heart of the Calanques, discovering both their maritime face and their most mountainous face. You will have the opportunity to admire the bay of Cassis, but also its vineyard, and even the islands and calanques of Marseille .

You will also pass at the foot of two summits of the Subeyran cliffs: the Bau de la Saoupe and the Charlemagne Crown. This very comprehensive route is one of the most beautiful hikes since La Ciotat. Moreover, you can also practice it in mountain biking !

8. From Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde chapel to Cassis

This variant of the hikes connecting La Ciotat to Cassis will take you this time to the center of the latter. A great opportunity to combine nature and heritage during the same course! You will leave the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde chapel , which offers one of the most beautiful views of La Ciotat. You will then walk the sea by the ridges, taking full advantage of the tranquil beauty of the Azur blue expanses.

Suddenly, a superb viewpoint embracing Cassis Bay will offer you. You will then go down to the heart of the city, where you can admire the old port or visit the soap factory. To return to La Ciotat, you can take a bus or, for the bravest, make the same road in the opposite direction!

In this selection, we focused on hiking tours accessible directly from La Ciotat. If you have a vehicle available, you can venture further into the Calanques, and discover a multitude of other routes. One thing is certain: the hikes are not missing around La Ciotat!