The 6 most beautiful hikes to do in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume

It is in a typical Provençal setting that the hike takes place in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume, on horseback between the Var and the Bouches-du-Rhône: between ridge paths and shaded forests, peaks and gorges, often ancient trails allow you to explore every corner of the valley...

Rendu famous by the cave of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, a high place of pilgrimage from the Middle Ages, the Massif de la Sainte-Baume is now also a high place of hiking.

Dozens of marked trails pass through these low-altitude mountain landscapes, with two distinct summits, the Eagle's Joug at 1 148 meters and the Bertagne peak at 1 042 meters, offering fantastic views of the surrounding area: the Mediterranean, and even the Alps, are never far away!

We are in the South of France, in Provence, which means that hiking in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume is not done without a minimum preparation. Prive the spring and back-season to walk, while in the summer, do not underestimate the heat that makes the effort much more difficult. Even for an easy hike, always plan a good water reserve!

1. La Grotte Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and the Chapelle du Saint Pilon

This hike in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume leads us straight to the origins of the fame of this Provencal relief, with the objective of the cave of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine. It was a long time ago, Sainte-Marie-Madeleine would have found refuge in this cave, also called balm in the region, hence the name of the Sainte-Baume massif...

The trail starts at the Ostellerie de la Sainte-Baume, to lead you a few hundred meters higher to the famous cave Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, a must-see stage.

You pass through an ancient and preserved forest, well shaded. The “pèlerinage” then continues with the ridges of Sainte-Baume, offering a magnificent view of the surrounding area, until you reach the small chapel of Saint-Pilon.

The descent is done by following the Chemin des Roys to the starting point. Superb rando for a big half-day, which offers you in a loop all the beauties of the Sainte-Baume.

2. The path of the ridges by the Joug de l’Aigle

This hike in the Sainte-Baume massif is a more difficult variant around the cave Sainte-Marie-Madeleine: the departure route is very similar, until you reach the site. On the other hand, once you reach the path of the ridges, it is no longer a question to let it go!

A splendid path, following the marking of the GR9, takes you to the top of the Sainte-Baume, the Joug de l’Aigle: breathtaking scenery, for the point of view on the whole of the massif and much further (1 148 m above sea level), and the slope at peak of 300 m, below.

Continue to another summit, the Signal des Béguines, while enjoying an incredible panorama all along. It is then time to descend, paying attention to the path, to your starting point.

In total, a pretty demanding loop, plan time to stop on the way and take a break. The hike is full when the mistral blows strong, beware of the path of the ridges and prefer to leave in calm and clear weather, for the most beautiful view possible!

3. The Pic de Bertagne

There are several ways of hiking in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume to the peak of Bertagne, rocky promontory perched at 1,042 m of altitude, with varying degrees of difficulty.

Here we go from Plan-d’Aups-Sainte-Baume, in the heart of the massif, for a nice ascent that accumulates about 500 m of positive denial: it’s better to leave early in the morning when it’s hot, because we find little shade up there!

On the other hand, the view is unbeatable, the highlight of this march, with the Mediterranean as a backdrop. Possibility to continue on the way to the peaks of the Holy Balm.

Otherwise, the return can be done with a tower around the peak, then re-escent into the forest to the starting point. Good shoes and sticks recommended to face the denivelé and the rocks.

4. The Caramy Gorges

A very popular site to hike in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume, this path starts near Tourves, to discover the beautiful Gorges du Caramy.

The itinerary is widely borrowed, but presents by place some more technical passages: climbing into the rocks, crossing the river... Be prepared, and be careful with marking, by unclear location.

Once in the throat, the show is superb, with the Caramy that refreshes the atmosphere. Back with a small climber at the Saut du Cabri, to close the loop through the maquis to the starting parking lot.

5. La Boucle des Encanaux

A hike from the Massif de la Sainte-Baume is easy to walk with family for a pleasant half-day. The trail starts from a car park where you can leave the car.

The bridge of the Encanaux is quickly joined to make this beautiful loop in a typical Provencal setting, where you can enjoy the smells and natural essences. A naturalist random!

No difficulty to plan, we even find a few spots to rest on the way, in the shade. A south route allows you to explore the ravine of the Infernets, after the bridge, and from the same starting point.

6. Les Sources de l’Huveaune

Around Nans-les-Pins, here is a pleasant hike in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume, where the Baie de l’Huveaune takes its source: several resurgences scatter the itinerary, with natural vasques that fill with fresh water at certain times. Possibility to explore the cave of Castelette on the way.

A hike to be preferred in high season shift: in the summer, the water is absent and the tourists are well present on the site. Apart from this period, as in spring, for example, you can fully enjoy this accessible path that runs through a very beautiful natural environment.