Strolling along the Rhône River in Avignon
This gentle hike leads you uphill above Villeneuve les Avignon, this town that faces the Palais des Papes in Avignon. It takes place on the other bank of the Rhône, second longest river flowing through France. During this nature walk, you stroll through pine groves, garrigue scrubland and pass by one or two dairy goat farms. On a bend, the landscape opens and you see Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail in the distance. But the best views are the ones over the river, especially the outlook from the Château Pointu: this watch tower was built on a cliff towering the valley; you can admire from up there the island called Ile des Papes at your feet. Southward, the Fort St André in Villeneuve les Avignon, and, a little farther, the towers of the Palais des Papes can be seen. An easy and pleasant hike to get some fresh air just outside Avignon.
Walking time : 2.5 hours
Rating : easy
A scenic trail over the southern districts of Marseille
Every city should be so lucky to have a national park in its own backyard. You start this hike from the Pointe Rouge district, which is located on the sea front. You reach it from the city center within a 20-minute drive southward. Your local guide then leads you within a good hour’s walk up to the top of a rocky escarpment, where you are surrounded by a pine grove and white cliffs. Rising to 263 meters (863 feet), this crag offers from this height a great panorama over southern districts; the outlook covers Marseille Bay, with the Frioul islands in the middle. Up there, you stand in the foothills of Marseilleveyre, part of the Calanques mountains. And you can admire above your head, on your left, the view of their white limestone cliffs and peaks. A beautiful scenery offered by a short trip, not difficult and of good access from downtown.
Walking time : 2.5 hours
Rating : leisurely
The Frioul islands :
peaceful beauty in front of bustling Marseille
After jumping on a boat, you reach the Frioul archipelago within 20 minutes from downtown Marseille. Once landed, you explore the two largest of its four islands; they offer an outstanding heritage, both natural and cultural. As part of the Calanques National Park, they are genuine and wild. And their microclimate makes the local flora very specific: many plants that live there exist nowhere else in the world, except on the stretch of coastline to the east of the Marseille Bay. Moreover, the islands are considered as a major European site regarding the reproduction of seabirds. 5 species are remarkable, among which the European shag and the yelkouan shearwater. During this hike, your guide also interprets the Frioul Islands‘ human legacy. And this cultural heritage is dual : military (two ruined forts and numerous batteries of cannons) and sanitary (a two-century-old hospital, partly restored) ; indeed, they were the quarantine islands for France in the Mediterranean a few centuries ago.
Walking time : 3 hours (the total duration, boat trips and breaks included, is at least 4.5 hours)
Rating : leisurely
Boat trip tickets are not included.
Walking from one lake to the other, outside Aix
This 3-hour guided hike takes place in the outdoors halfway between the city of Aix-en-Provence and Mont Sainte Victoire. And it allows you to enjoy views of two beautiful lakes: Lac Zola and Lac Bimont. From the last one, the walking route follows the bottom of the beautiful gorge downstream through a mixed vegetation of pine wood and garrigue¹, this low scrubland so typical of Provence. On your way back, you will be hiking in the Mont Sainte Victoire foothills, with the imposing mountain about 2 miles away. The lack of shade along the trails makes the hike a perfect one on cool, sunny days of spring, autumn or winter.
Walking time : 3 hours
Rating : moderate (rugged terrain / steep slopes)
Season calendar : year-round (summer : 8am – 11am only, not allowed on fire risk days)
Just outside Aix en Provence :
the val de l’Arc and Montaiguet hills
Starting at the gates of the town, this half-day hike allows you to explore two contrasted landscapes : the green and shady banks ot the Arc river that passes through the southern districts, and the dry and open Montaiguet hills rising above. During your short walk along the river, where nature is still present, a stone’s throw from Aix-en-Provence, you can immerse yourself into a countryside atmosphere. You pass between two of the forty monumental piers of the famous railway viaduct, the Arc de Meyran ; this semi-circular arch bridge was painted seventeen times by Cézanne. Leaving the river banks, you then head towards the foot of the Montaiguet hills. The gentle climb up there will give you access to some great views of the Aix countryside and Mont Sainte Victoire.
Walking time : 3 hours
Rating : leisurely
The lovely horn of St Jean Cap Ferrat in Nice
Once fishing port, St Jean Cap Ferrat is today a quiet seaside resort very quickly accessible from the city of Nice. This coastal walking path around its peninsula is a short and pleasant getaway from the bustle of the French Riviera towns and cities. Walking all the way as closely as possible to the sea, under the leading of your local guide, you will marvel at the beauties that Mother Nature has created for us: the sublime contrasts between the blues of the sea and sky, the whites of the rocks and the greens of the Aleppo pines and garrigue shrubs. And if you are lucky enough to come between March and June, you will see, during this nature walk, thousands of beautiful flowers of varied colors : pink, blue, purple, white, red and yellow.
Walking time : 2.5 hours
Rating : leisurely