Natural or historical treasures around Marseille
Provence is a region rich in history and all its villages have managed to keep their soul and preserve their heritage. Nature and walking enthusiasts will also be in heaven: the trails are endless! Enough to have a great time for a day trip or a trip of a few days around Marseille.
Think of yourself as a Cowboy in Provencal Colorado
Located near Marseille, in the Luberon, the Colorado Provencal is a unique place in France. In a panorama worthy of the Far West, you can admire many landscapes sculpted by erosion: fairy chimneys, canyon, needles, cliffs, peaks, ravines and ocher-colored caves. The range of pigments for this kind of clay is very varied: from yellow to red, including all the variations of orange. On site you will have the choice between two trails for a magical ride one or two hours. Two little tips: remember to put on lightly messy clothes and plan a picnic to be able to make the most of it! You can combine the visit with the village of Roussillon, which has the label “most beautiful village in France”. All its facades are covered with orange ocher.
Colorado Provencal
Discover the Baux de Provence
The village of Baux de Provence is a must see around Marseille. Dominating the Alpilles natural park and perched in the mountain, it offers exceptional panoramas on the surroundings. Considered one of the most beautiful in France, this medieval village is charming : small cobbled streets, ramparts, tiny chapels, quirky mansions… So many wonders that will make this visit unforgettable! In summer, the atmosphere is in full swing (as is the flow of tourists) but the magic is present all year. The Christmas period, for example, is magical!
Take a look at the Carrières de lumière
Located right next to Les Baux de Provence, these old quarries have been fitted out to offer visitors breathtaking sound and light shows. In this bewitching mineral setting, animations are projected all around you: on the floor, on the walls, on the ceiling. You will live like this an immersive experience out of the ordinary in the world of great artists such as Dali, Picasso or Gaudi. To make the most of this moment, remember to cover yourself well, the temperature inside is very cool. A must to do around Marseille, which will captivate young and old!
USEFUL INFO : find all our month by month climate forecasts and you will know when the best times of the year will be to go to Marseille.
Stroll on the Sainte-Victoire
Sainte-Victoire marks the beginning of the Aix region. Go away in the footsteps of Cézanne who has painted it so many times: a hike on the sides of its hills is a must-do around Marseille. It is home to many trails, with different levels of difficulty. Something to satisfy all kinds of walkers! The most seasoned can go to the top, at 1 meters. Depending on the route, you can also discover the religious heritage de la Sainte-Victoire: priory, the Croix de Provence, Hermitage Saint-Ser, small chapels ... And regardless of the walk you choose, the view will always take your breath away!
Walk on the Côte Bleue Customs Trail
A hike not to be missed around Marseille! The trail starts in Niolon and ends in Méjean and runs along the sensational landscapes of the Blue Coast. The ideal is to leave for the day by taking the train, this trip constituting one of the most beautiful journeys in the department. On the program of this walk: the Mediterranean and its turquoise waters as far as the eye can see, creeks, valleys, old military fortifications and steep rocks. The route is flat, therefore accessible for families who wish to spend a day in the great outdoors in an enchanting setting!
The Blue Coast
Explore the Saint Pons Valley
Located around Marseille, near Gémenos, the Saint Pons Valley will offer you a beautiful walk in the heart of nature. In the heart of a lush forest, the path runs along and crosses a stream, which makes this valley a refreshing getaway ideal if the temperatures are scorching in the city. Throughout the walk you can admire many waterfalls, old washhouses as well as tiny chapels. The course is dotted with many picnic tables, which will allow you to take breaks. You will also find informative panels on the vegetation of the place.
Take the Route des Crêtes to Cap Canaille
An essential car route to do around Marseille! Take the Route des Crêtes which runs along on top of the highest cliffs falling into the European Sea. Between Cassis and La Ciotat, you can take in your eyes, stopping at one of the many viewpoints. The most emblematic is that of Cap Canaille: an ideal place for have a drink at sunset ! If you are a fan of hiking, or if you just want to stretch your legs, many trails start from the different lookouts. What do they have in common? A sensational view of the Big Blue!
Dirty Cape
Hiking in Sainte-Baume
Real symbol of provence, the Sainte-Baume will allow you to take a walk in the heart of nature, around Marseille. This massif has a very rich fauna, flora and history. To discover them, several more or less difficult trails. For example, you can go up to the Grotto of Sainte-Marie Madeleine: the 40-minute walk to reach it is sporty, but the view is worth the effort! The Saint-Pilon or Pic de Bretagne hikes are easier, but longer.
A day in the world of cowboys at Ok Corral
Welcome to the Western universe! Ok Corral, one of the oldest amusement parks in France, will immerse you in the Far West: cowboys and Indians will be at the rendezvous for the greatest pleasure of all! With its attractions suitable for all ages, the park will make you live a great day. The more daring will be able to climb in the big 8 with sensations: beware, it takes your breath away! While the others will pass from merry-go-round to merry-go-round, before attending the show retracing the adventures of the masked avenger. Want to extend the experience? You can book a night in a tipi, a unique moment to experience around Marseille!
Approach the animals at the Barben Zoo
Shiver when seeing a boa constrictor, marvel at the majestic giraffes or laugh at the grimaces of the monkeys… so many emotions to experience at the Barben Zoological Park! This family business hosts 650 animals, representing 130 different species. It is committed to the preservation of biodiversity and supports numerous animal protection programs. You can admire them along the 9 km of tree-lined trails in the heart of the Provençal scrubland. To eat and rest your legs, you will find picnic areas and a snack bar on the terrace.
Have fun at the Bois des Lutins
Le Bois des Lutins offers a multitude of fun activities, scattered throughout an enchanted forest, populated by playful leprechauns. Something to feed the imagination of young and old! On site, you can climb to the treetops and stroll on giant nets, overlooking the four hectares of the park. On the ground await you trampolines, inflatable wheels, slides and a host of surprises. In summer, the water games will delight children, so don't forget the swimsuit! Everything is there to spend a wonderful day around Marseille.
Ready to discover all these wonders around Marseille?
Pack a picnic, put on your sneakers and go on an adventure ! The surroundings of the Phocaean city are full of walking trails or charming Provencal villages. Do you know other secret or unusual places? Do not hesitate to share them with us in the comments!
