Deep-set coves, pine forests and turquoise waters: for a good dose of the South, discover the best hikes on the Côte Bleue.
The Côte Bleue is a stretch of Mediterranean coastline located between the shores of the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer and l’Estaque, west of Marseille. It owes its name to the turquoise waters that border it. This little paradise stands out for its jagged coves formed by limestone inlets and its typical vegetation. The Côte Bleue stretches over the communes of Rove, Ensuès-la-Redonne, Carry-le-Rouet, Sausset-les-Pins and Martigues.
The area is ideal for contemplation and, inevitably, for walks in the fresh air… iodized, of course. We’ve selected the best walks on the Côte Bleue, and hope to see you there soon!
1. Pointe de Bonnieu circuit from Carro
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Distance: 5.6 km
- Height difference: 30 m
- Difficulty: easy
- See the route
Welcome to the Côte Bleue, the splendor of the Mediterranean coastline. We begin our selection of the finest local walks with this short, easy itinerary, starting from the village of Carro near Martigues. Parking is easy in one of the many free parking lots. Follow the signposted path.
You’ll walk along the Bonnieu cove, then the Laurons cove on the edge of the pine forest. A lovely family walk to enjoy in summer, or even better, in the off-season.
2. A lovely walk between cornice and pine forest
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 1h30
- Distance: 6.8 km
- Height difference: 89 m
- Difficulty: easy
- See the route
This Côte Bleue hike begins at the corniche of Sausset-les-Pins. From this seaside resort, renowned for its picturesque marina, you’ll head for the districts of the historic old town. The Chemin de Valapoux takes you through garrigues and wooded hills. The route boasts magnificent views of the sea and the islands off Marseille.
The signposting (blue, like the Côte) is particularly well done, so there’s no risk of getting lost. Well, getting lost… in such a natural setting, wouldn’t that be a good idea after all?
3. The Valestéloué valley
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 3h30
- Distance: 14.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 260 m
- Difficulty: easy
- See the route
What a funny name! The Valestéloué valley is a natural area covered in scrubland. Close to the charming village of Sausset-les-Pins, it can be reached by crossing the Roselière botanical trail. The itinerary is punctuated by explanatory panels on the local flora and fauna. Despite its 15-kilometre length, the trail is easy to follow, and guarantees fine panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea from the pine forest at the top of the hill.
The whole bay of Marseille and Cap Couronne stretch out to the horizon… You’ll also be able to see the remains of a defensive wall built by the German army in 1943, near Anse du Four à Chaux. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water in summer – you won’t find any on the way!
4. From Carry-le-Rouet to Sausset-les-Pins over the hill
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 3h30
- Distance: 14.2 km
- Difference in altitude: 246 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- See the route
This attractive route, with no real difficulties, will take you from Carry to Sausset in less than four hours. And that’s if you take the time to admire the hills of the Estaque chain and the Grande Bleue! The GR winds its way through low scrubland with kermes oaks and typical shrubs.
The scent of rosemary wafts over the village of Ensuès-la-Redonne as you stroll along this educational trail in the Côte Bleue regional marine park… Young and old alike can dissect the fascinating information terminals on the splendid natural surroundings. The icing on the cake: easy access to the creeks for a well-deserved swim at the entrance to Carry-le-Rouet.
5. Le Vallon de Jaume
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: approx. 2 hours
- Distance: 8.2 km
- Height difference: 206 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- See the route
Departing from the Carry-le-Rouet Tourist Office , this trail is one of the prettiest hikes on the Côte Bleue. It takes you through the undergrowth of the Vallon de Jaume to visit the mysterious caves along the way. Some were still inhabited in the early 20th century!
The highlight of your walk is the orientation table, where you can spot the Etoile chain, Marseille and the Frioul islands, the Planier lighthouse and the Couronne lighthouse. Particularly pleasant in autumn, the safe itinerary lends itself to family outings.
6. In the valleys of the Estaque mountain range
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Distance: 12.1 km
- Difference in altitude: 216 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- See the route
Looking for a breath of fresh air? The valleys of the Estaque mountain range are just waiting for you! This massif is a true splendor of the local natural heritage. To discover it, take this particularly well-marked trail overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea. After starting out in an urban area, you’ll reach the hills by following a sometimes stony route.
You may even catch a glimpse of the local queens, the famous Rove goats, with their majestic horns. They’re used to steep paths, probably more than you are. We therefore strongly advise you to equip yourself with ankle boots or rigid shoes to tackle them in complete safety. Your ankles will thank you!
7. Beautiful circuit between Le Rove and Niolon
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 5 hours
- Distance: 18.8 km
- Difference in altitude: 578 m
- Difficulty: difficult
- See the route
Ah, the calanques… These spectacular formations are the pride of the people of Bouches-du-Rhône. This itinerary is the ideal way to explore them. This almost 20-kilometer circuit is a challenging but sublime hike on the Côte Bleue.
The route winds between Le Rove and Niolon, giving access to the turquoise waters of one of the most beautiful calanques in the area. At times perilous, the route is reserved for experienced hikers ready to tackle some difficult sections, particularly on the beachside path leading to Niolon.
8. Sentier des Douaniers between Niolon and Méjean
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 3h30
- Distance: 9.8 km
- Height difference: 491 m
- Difficulty: easy
- See the route
The Sentier des Douaniers is one of the most popular walking trails in the south of France. It’s a round trip offering breathtaking views of the coastline. This hike along the Côte Bleue skirts the calanques and allows you to admire the engineering structures of the Tourist Train and period military fortifications.
From the Fort de Niolon Haut, you cross the Erevine valley before reaching the Signal du Cap Méjean. The eponymous creek is not far away, and you can see the Jonquier and Riflard creeks.
A good point: parking is available near the Niolon station, just above the railroad line. Convenient… provided you get there early during the high season!
9. The Erevine calanque loop from Niolon
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: approx. 2 hours
- Distance: 6.1 km
- Difference in altitude: 294 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- See the route
A very pretty hike this one is. This variant of the previous route is steeper: you may need to use your hands to make progress. The rocks can be slippery at times, but the path is wide enough and safe enough… right up to the cliff-edge sections. Vertigo sufferers please refrain!
For the rest of us, the view of the Moulon peninsula will take our minds off the thrill. This enormous toad-shaped rock is a natural must-see for walkers and scuba divers alike. Further on, the calanque de la Vesse and the vallon de l’Erevine, with its small sheltered beach, are a popular swimming spot.
10. Cape Crown
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 5 hours
- Distance: 23.8 km
- Difference in altitude: 272 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- See the route
Let’s round off our selection of the best hikes on the Côte Bleue with the Cap Couronne trail, a long geological circuit. This cultural trail is punctuated by explanatory panels on the history of the site, its fauna and flora and other interesting information. Almost 24 kilometers long, it is also dotted with pretty beaches. The remains of two Gallic villages can be seen, one at Pointe de l’Arquet and the other at Cap Tamaris.
In particular, we recommend stopping at the Beaumaderie and Sainte-Croix creeks, before continuing on to the Col de la Gatasse, Anse de Bonnieu and Pointe de Carro. Ah, one last tip: bring plenty of water, as you won’t find any on the way. For the rest, the route is simply idyllic!