The journey begins in Marseille, gateway to the Mediterranean and easily accessible by high-speed train or air. Just a few hours from Paris, this port city offers a vibrant first taste of the south of France before you head into more tranquil landscapes.

From Marseille station, a short transfer takes you to Gémenos, a peaceful spot at the foot of Sainte-Baume. There, among wooded hills and fragrant air, you can rest upon arrival and prepare to begin your journey.

Pont d'Etoile: in the event of no availability in Gémenos, you will be accommodated in Pont d'Etoile. We will make the necessary arrangements for you to have the necessary transfers between locations.

Overnight in Gémenos

Hotel Le Provence

You will begin your route by leaving behind the peaceful atmosphere of Gémenos and entering the heart of inland Provence. As you climb along ancient country lanes towards the ridge above the Vallon St Clair, the sounds of the village fade away, giving way to the song of cicadas and the murmur of the wind in the pine trees.

The path rises gently, revealing increasingly expansive views, from the distant silhouette of Marseille to the jagged outline of the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, small hamlets and terraced olive groves are reminders of the traditional way of life that still endures in this region.

Finally, you will reach the village of Plan d'Aups, perched at an altitude of 682 metres, where the remains of ancient structures evoke a little-known Roman past. Here, among quiet streets and the scent of wild thyme, you will spend the next two nights, in complete harmony with the landscape and the slow pace of Provençal rural life.

Ascent: 777m (2,549ft) / Descent: 217m (712ft)

Overnight in Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume

Hotel Lou Pèbre d'Aï

Leaving behind the quiet streets of the village, you will enter the alpine meadows of the Lubac estate, where the scents of wild herbs and the changing tones of the landscape herald the beginning of a journey that is more spiritual than physical.

The path begins to climb, zigzagging decisively through the wooded Vallon de Betton, where the shade of the trees and the coolness of the valley accompany your steady pace. Among twisted roots and silent glades, you will advance through terrain that seems suspended in time.

Soon you will reach the cave of Marie-Madeleine, a place of contemplation and legend, where tradition says that the saint lived in solitude and penance for three decades. The place exudes a special energy, reinforced by centuries of pilgrimage and contemplation.

The return journey takes you through the same forest, this time with the feeling of having crossed not only a landscape, but also a sacred history that still lingers among the stones, trees and silence of the path.

Ascent: 409m (1,342ft) / Descent: 409m (1,342ft)

Overnight in Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume

Hotel Lou Pèbre d'Aï

The day begins by following the old Chemin de Fer railway line, a forgotten railway track that now guides your steps towards the Col de Bertagne. As you progress, the landscape becomes increasingly impressive, with the Pic de Bertagne rising vertically and majestically above the path, guarding the Peace Monument that crowns the pass.

From there, the trail descends gently through Mediterranean scrub and open meadows, crossing the silent ruins of an ancient Cistercian abbey. Among moss-covered stones, water springs unexpectedly from the rocks, adding a constant murmur to the journey.

The route continues through wooded areas until it reaches Gémenos Park, a peaceful space where locals enjoy the shade and the sound of the fountains. Shortly afterwards, the path takes you to the church of Saint Martin, the end point of this stage before taking the bus to the coast.

You can find all the information about the buses on the La Metropole Mobilité website.

In Cassis, where you will spend the next three nights, the landscape changes radically. This small fishing port, nestled between hills and vineyards, welcomes you with its relaxed atmosphere, warm light and the discreet charm of a destination much loved by the people of Marseille, far from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy Riviera.

Note: Please be aware of restrictions on local transport between Gémenos and Cassis, as it does not operate on Sundays.

Ascent: 108m (354ft) / Descent: 646m (2,119ft)

Overnight in Cassis

Hôtel Cassitel

After a short transfer ride to the coastal town of La Ciotat, the day begins with breathtaking views of the sea. Looking back, the rocky silhouettes of Les Trois Secs, Le Bec de l'Aigle and Île Verte stand out on the horizon, giving the landscape an almost cinematic feel.

From here, the trail enters the Soubeyranes cliffs, where the path winds between vertiginous drops and the scents of garrigue. With every step, a new panorama of the Provençal coast opens up as you make your way through landscapes such as Grande Tête and the majestic Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliff in Europe.

Upon reaching the Mirador de las Calanques viewpoint, the sea once again dominates the horizon. From there, the descent begins gently through the peaceful valley that stretches beneath La Route des Crêtes, an area of calm and open skies.

The final stretch follows a peaceful secondary road through sun-drenched vineyards, where the first houses of Cassis herald your return to this charming port town. The Mediterranean light, the reflections on the water and the promise of a good local wine mark the perfect end to the journey.

Ascent: 749m (2,457ft) / Descent: 741m (2,431ft)

Overnight in Cassis

Hôtel Cassitel

Start your day with a stroll along the Quai des Baux, where elegant waterside cafés invite you to enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere and the gentle sway of the boats. Next, head to the exclusive Plage de Bestoun, a spot bathed in turquoise waters that reflect the clear Provençal sky.

From there, you'll wander through the picturesque streets of Port Miou, a small harbour filled with white boats glistening in the sun. Descend to the shore at Calanque de Port Miou, then make a short climb to Calanque de Port Pin, where the waters welcome you back in calm.

The path continues to climb towards Calanque d'en Vau, from where you will enjoy unique panoramic views of the calm, deep waters that characterise this Mediterranean gem. Finally, you will descend to Vallon d'en Vau, a rocky ravine adorned with stone pinnacles that leads to the calanque's hidden beach, a natural refuge that invites you to pause and contemplate.

Ascent: 448m (1,469ft) / Descent: 448m (1,469ft)

Overnight in Cassis

Hôtel Cassitel

After a delicious breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and return to your place of origin.

End of our services.