The 10 most beautiful hikes to do on the Blue Coast

Crickets, pine forests and turquoise water: to give you a good dose of South, discover the best hikes to do on the Blue Coast.

The Blue Coast is a part of the Mediterranean coastline located between the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer and the Estaque, west of Marseille . She owes her name to the turquoise waters that border her. This little paradise stands out by its shredded coves formed of limestone layers and its typical vegetation. The Blue Coast extends over the towns of Rove, Ensuès-la-Redonne, Carry-le-Rouet, Sausset-les-Pins and Martigues.

The place is conducive to contemplation and, necessarily, to beautiful outdoor walks... iodized, of course. We have selected the best hikes to be done on the Blue Coast, hoping to meet you soon!

1. Circuit de la Pointe de Bonnieu from Carro

Welcome to the Blue Coast, splendor of the Mediterranean coast. We start our selection of the most beautiful local hikes with this easy route , short, from the village of Carro near Martigues. It is easy to park on one of the many free parking lots. You will take the direction of a marked path punctuated with explanatory panels.

You will go along the ankle of Bonnieu and then the ankle of the Laurons in the edge of pine forest. A nice family walk that will be enjoyed in the summer or better during the back-season.

2. Nice walk between cornice and pine forest

This hike on the Blue Coast Begin to the cornice of Sausset-les-Pins . From this seaside resort renowned for its picturesque marina, you will head to the old historic centre. The path of Valapoux will make you cross garrigues and wooded hills. The course stands out by its very beautiful views of the sea and the islands off the sea Marseille .

The beacon (blue, like the Coast) is particularly well realized which avoids any risk of losing. Finally, getting lost... in such a natural setting, wouldn't it be a good idea?

3. Valestéloué vallon

What a funny name! Valestéloué vallon is a natural area covered with garrigue. Close to the charming village of Sausset-les-Pins, you reach it through the botanical path of the Roselière . The route is punctuated with explanatory panels on local fauna and flora. This course, easy Despite its 15 kilometers, you also guarantee beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea from the pine forest covering the top of the hill.

It is the whole bay of Marseilles and the Cape Crown that extend on the horizon... You will also have the opportunity to observe the remains of a defence wall built by the German army in 1943, near the Anse du Four in Chaux. Water in quantity in summer, you will not find it on the way!

4. From Carry-le-Rouet to Sausset-les-Pins by the hill

This is nice course without real difficulties will allow you to connect Carry to Sausset in less than four hours. And again, taking the time to admire the hills of the Estaque and the Grande Bleue chain! You will evolve on the GR serpentant through a low garrigue composed of kermes oaks and typical shrubs.

It smells good at the rosemary on the heights of the village of Ensuès-la-Redonne when the pedagogical trail developed in the marine park of the Blue Coast... Small and large will be able to share exciting information terminals on the beautiful surrounding natural setting. Cherry on the cake, easy access to the coves for a well-deserved swim break at the entrance of Carry-le-Rouet.

5. Le Vallon de Jaume

This circuit at the departure of the Tourist Office Carry-le-Rouet is one of the most beautiful hikes on the Blue Coast. It allows you to cross the undergrowth of the Vallon de Jaume and visit the mysterious caves that follow the path. Some were still inhabited at the beginning of the twentieth century!

As the organ of your escapade, the orientation table: it allows you to spot the Star, Marseille and the Friuli Islands, the Planier Lighthouse and the Crown. Particularly pleasant in autumn , the itinerary, secure, willingly lends itself to a family walk.

6. In the valleys of the Estaque chain

Want a good bowl of fresh air? The valleys of the Estaque chain are waiting for you! This massif is a true splendor of local natural heritage. To find out, borrow this particularly well marked course dominant the blue of the Mediterranean Sea. After leaving in the urban area, you will reach the hills by surveying one sometimes caillious .

You may have the opportunity to see the queens of the place, the famous goats of the Rove, with majestic horns. These are used to the steep paths, probably more than you. We therefore strongly advise you to equip yourself with stiff boots or shoes to tackle them safely. Your ankles will thank you!

7. Beautiful circuit between Le Rove and Niolon

Ah, the calanques ... These spectacular formations pride the inhabitants of Bouches-du-Rhône. The route we present to you is the ideal way to explore them. This is circuit of nearly 20 kilometres constitutes a hike to be done on the Blue Coast quite engaged but O how sublime.

The route winds between Le Rove and Niolon and gives access to the turquoise water of one of the most beautiful calanques in the area. Sometimes perilous, the trace reserves itself to some Confirmed walkers ready to face difficult passages especially on the side of the beachside path leading to Niolon.

8. Le Sentier des Douaniers entre Niolon et Méjean

The Trail of the Douaniers is uncontournable among the walking routes of southern France. It is a return trip offering breathtaking views of the coastline. This hike on the Côte Bleue runs along the calanques and allows you to admire the art works of the Train and the military fortifications of the time.

From the Fort of Niolon Haut, you will cross the valley of Erevine before reaching the Mejean Cape Signal. The eponymous cove is not far and you can see those of Jonquier and Riflard.

A good point: a parking lot is located near the Niolon train station, just above the railway track. Practice... provided you get there early in the high season!

9. The loop of the Erevine calanque from Niolon

A nice hike like this one. This variant of the previous route is more steep: it is sometimes necessary to use hands to progress. The rocks can sometimes be slippery but the trail is wide enough and secure... up to the cliff edge portions. Subjects to vertigo, abstain!

For others, the view of the Moulon peninsula will make forget these strong sensations. This huge rock in the shape of a toad is a must-see natural site well known to walkers and diving enthusiasts. Further on, the calanque of the Vesse and the valley of the Erevine, whose small sheltered beach will serve as a well appreciated swim spot.

10. Cape Crown

Complete our selection of the best hikes on the Blue Coast with the Cape Crown trail, a long geological circuit. This cultural journey is punctuated with explanatory panels on the history of the site, its fauna, flora and many other interesting information. Long about 24 kilometers , it is also full of beautiful beaches. The remains of two Gaulish villages can be seen, one at the tip of the Arquet and the other at Cape Tamaris.

We recommend that you stop particularly in the Beaumaderie creek and the Sainte-Croix creek before continuing to the Gatasse pass, the Anse de Bonnieu and the tip of Carro. Ah, one last advice: plan a lot of water , because you will not find it on the way. For the rest, the route is simply idyllic!