Routes in France
25 routes
Port-Miou Cove - Port-Pin Cove - En-Wow Cove
This popular hike in Calanques National Park starts in Cassis and follows the Mediterranean coast to the impressive cliffs of En-Vau. The route passes Port-Miou, a small harbour offering beautiful views of Cap Canaille and its former limestone quarries, including the Solvay quarry. Some sections are rocky, so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. The Presqu’île car park may be temporarily closed to protect the environment; alternative parking options are available near the port.
Calanque d'En Vau
Starting from Avenue des Calanques in Cassis, this route leads to the spectacular Calanque d’En-Vau via Col de la Gardiole or the Labaume plateau. The trail passes through Aleppo pines, rosemary and rockrose, with beautiful views of Port-Pin and the cliffs of En-Vau. Some sections are technical, involving scrambling, slippery limestone and loose scree, so sturdy hiking shoes are essential. During summer, access to the massif is regulated due to wildfire risk and may be completely prohibited during strong winds.
A Wow Point
This hike in Calanques National Park starts near Calanque de Port-Miou and leads to Pointe d’En-Vau. The route passes the public beach at Port-Pin before following the calanque towards the headland, located between Castel Vieil and Pointe de la Cacau. Along the trail, impressive white limestone cliffs contrast with the Mediterranean waters and local vegetation, including numerous Aleppo pines, creating beautiful scenery characteristic of the Calanques.
Sugiton Cove
Starting from the Luminy campus, this popular hike leads to Calanque de Sugiton via Col de Sugiton, with an optional detour to a viewpoint overlooking Morgiou. The descent reveals Sugiton’s coves and the distinctive Torpilleur islet, surrounded by Aleppo pines and Mediterranean scrubland. The steep and sometimes slippery terrain requires sturdy hiking shoes and plenty of water. During summer, access to the calanque requires a free mandatory reservation to help protect this fragile natural environment.
Port of Cassis - Calanque de Port Pin
Starting from the port of Cassis, this 6.4 km out-and-back hike leads to the beautiful Calanque de Port-Pin in Calanques National Park. The route follows the Mediterranean coastline, offering impressive scenery of limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and Aleppo pines. With around 168 m of elevation gain, the trail is considered moderately challenging and usually takes 1.5–2 hours to complete. This is a popular hiking route, particularly pleasant from September to November. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
Rocher des Deux Trous from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Starting from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, this 7.2 km loop explores the Alpilles Regional Nature Park. It leads to Rocher des Deux Trous, a distinctive rock formation painted by Vincent van Gogh during his stay at Saint-Paul de Mausole. The route also passes Mont Gaussier and the Saint-Clerg valley, offering sweeping views across the Alpilles, Mont Ventoux and, on clear days, the Mediterranean Sea. With 263 m of elevation gain, this moderately challenging hike takes around 2–2.5 hours. During summer, check local access restrictions due to wildfire risk.
Barrage Bimont and Barrage Zola
This 9.3 km loop at the foot of Sainte-Victoire mountain starts near Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon and follows forested trails towards Bimont Dam. The return passes the dam and Lake Zola, whose dam was designed by François Zola, father of the writer Émile Zola. With around 261 m of elevation gain, this moderately challenging hike usually takes 2.5–3 hours to complete. The route offers beautiful Provençal scenery in the countryside near Aix-en-Provence.
Imoucha Trail: Bimont Lake - Croix de Provence
Starting from Bimont Dam, this challenging 10 km hike follows the blue-marked Imoucha Trail to the Croix de Provence. The route crosses the rugged landscapes of Sainte-Victoire mountain and passes near Bimont Lake, the Sainte-Victoire Priory and Brèche des Moines. With around 697 m of elevation gain, allow approximately 4.5–5 hours for the out-and-back journey. Hikers can also extend the route to visit the Grotte des Hirondelles.
Calanque de Marseilleveyre Loop
Starting from Callelongue, this 8.9 km loop explores the spectacular landscapes of Calanques National Park and leads to Marseilleveyre beach. The route offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Riou archipelago. With around 480 m of elevation gain, allow approximately 3.5–4 hours to complete the hike. The terrain is very rocky, with several technical sections requiring some easy scrambling and confident footing. Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are strongly recommended.
Sugiton Lookout
This easy 6.3 km hike leads to the Sugiton Lookout in Calanques National Park. The route crosses a distinctive limestone landscape and follows the cliffs before reaching the viewpoint at around 227 m above sea level. From the lookout, enjoy beautiful panoramic views over Calanque de Morgiou, the surrounding cliffs and the Mediterranean Sea. With only 137 m of elevation gain and no major technical difficulties, this out-and-back trail generally takes around 1.5–2 hours to complete.
Lac Blanc via Grand Balcon Sud
This 8.7 km loop in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve starts at La Flégère, accessible by cable car or on foot from Chamonix. The mountain trail leads to the Chéserys Lakes and then the famous Lac Blanc, offering magnificent Alpine scenery along the way. At Lac Blanc, hikers can enjoy spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif. With around 586 m of elevation gain, this challenging route can be completed in either direction. If using the La Flégère cable car, check its operating days and hours before setting out.
Large South Balcony - The White Lake
This 6.4 km out-and-back hike leads to Lac Blanc from the Grand Balcon Sud in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. The route offers spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif and crosses an Alpine landscape where marmots, eagles and wildflowers may be seen. With around 536 m of elevation gain, allow approximately 3–3.5 hours to complete the hike. Mountain conditions can include lingering snow even in July, so sturdy hiking shoes and equipment appropriate for the conditions are essential.