The 10 most beautiful hikes to go to Garlaban

No time to waste: discover our 10 best hiking ideas in the Garlaban right away to make the most of them!

“I was born in the city of Aubagne under the Garlaban crowned with goats, in the days of the last deer. Garlaban, it is a huge turn of blue rocks, planted on the edge of the Plan de l’Aigle, this huge rocky plateau that dominates the green valley of the Habitaune,” said Marcel Pagnol a few decades ago. If the Garlaban is no longer crowned with goats, there are many cairns left by the walkers.

If Pagnol decided to make the first words of his most famous novel, we quickly understand why. Indeed, with its dry vegetation and its rocks typical of the Garrigue landscapes, the Garlaban can recall the Corsican maquis. Discover the 10 most beautiful hikes to go to Garlaban, near Aubagne.

1. The Louve

La Louve is a hiking trail in the Garlaban, where the start is not far from Domaine du Font de Mai. Strolling in the garrigue to the top of the Garlaban, it also bypasses a summit a less known hair of the name of Pic d’Elio.

By taking this route, you will enjoy some very beautiful views of the city of Aubagne and its surroundings, as well as, of course, the final panorama from the summit.

2. The Garlaban and the Mont du Marseillais

Here we deal with a hike in the Garlaban of a larger duration. Starting from the heights of Aubagne, it bypasses the two summits of the Garlaban and Mont du Marseillais before passing through the village of Peypin.

Beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and on Marseille you will be offered on the way. This route is ideal if you like to hike by bike. Anyway, we love it!

3. The Garlaban by the mas de Massacan

This route is completed at the start of Auberge La Ferme, above Aubagne. This beautiful hike in the Garlaban climbs all the way to the cross, and splendid views are revealed in the eyes of the walker as he advances to the heart of the forest.

4. Boucle in the Garlaban massif

We go to more serious things! This hike at the Garlaban, rather long, is labeled hard by those who have experienced it. We evolve on a path where the shadow is rare: good sun protection is required in high season.

It may be from there that comes its main difficulty since the paths are not specially steeped in it, even if foreseeing good shoes is necessary. In any case, we particularly appreciate the sumptuous views of this hike through the massif on the Aubagne valley!

5. The Treille

It is in the vicinity of Allauch that we will start this hike at the Garlaban. The Treille is the name of the trail, but it is above all a typical Provencal village located there, and Pagnol told us in his works. This route will take you through the Piches valley and will pass you through the famous Plantier balm to finish at the top of the Garlaban.

And if you want to add a cultural side to this walk, you can enjoy your presence in the corner to visit the filming places of the writer’s films, and Source manon in particular.

6. Garlaban buckle from Favary

It is this time since Favary and its castle that we take off for this hike in the Garlaban. The path of the Dansaires, a path overlooks the Garlaban ravine, which can be impressive in case of vertigo, even if this hike is not very difficult.

We then follow the trace of a loop that brings us back to our starting point through the garrigue.

7. Baume du Plantier

It’s like Source manon took us by hand for this hike in the Garlaban. From the Font de Mai, you pass through the Plantier balm and the Cerf cave.

The itinerary forms a loop through the Aubignane pass and has a refreshing side as it follows the rivers and caves to make us visit the Garlaban massif.

8. Holy Spirit bar

This small hike in the Garlaban is ideal for half a day. We do not climb to the top of the Garlaban, but we explore the surroundings by the massif to reach the top of the Holy Spirit Bar. Attention, however: even if its difficulty is medium, it is necessary to be in good physical shape to tackle this route, because the coasts are steep.

The pleasant redescent is made by the south side of the mountain. Our four-legged friends are welcome and can even be released in some places.

9. Not Loup

What a lovely name for this hike in Garlaban! We pass through the Aubignane pass and the Passe-Temps balm, another pretty cave worthy of Pagnol, to reach this summit of 453 meters high.

No special difficulty to report for this route dotted with rivers and where allies are welcome.

10. The Grand Vallon

Leaving to the Garlaban summit is one of the main challenges we face in the area. This hike from Roquevaire offers a 360° panorama from the top and very nice views of the valley. As most of its journey is quite exposed, we advise you to be expected in the summer season. However, it is appreciated to mark a stop by the fresh source of Barquieu.

If this hike in the Garlaban is not difficult in itself, it remains quite sporty and can be impressive by its chained and corded passages when not used to.

So, what hiking routes are you going to attack at the Garlaban?