The Étoile massif

Le massif de l’Étoile borde le nord de la cité phocéenne. Cette petite chaîne de montagnes en roche calcaire offre un vaste espace naturel qui séduit les amoureux d’activités de nature.

A dominant position to the north of Marseille

The Étoile massif stretches for almost 14 km. The Pic de l’Étoile is home to a television and FM radio transmitter, as well as communications facilities belonging to the army. Its 148-metre-high radio tower can be seen from many parts of Marseille and much of the Bouches-du-Rhône region. Its highest peak is 778 metres above sea level in the commune of Mimet, and is known as La tête du Grand Puech.

The highest hills of the Étoile massif offer breathtaking views of the city of Marseille, the harbour and islands of Frioul, the Garlaban massif, Sainte-Baume, Sainte-Victoire and the Luberon mountains. On a clear day, you can see Mont Ventoux and several peaks in the Southern Alps in the distance.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Une publication partagée par Jerem Rod (@j.e.y.r.o.d)

Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Une publication partagée par 🐊Stéphane🐊 (@israfil39)

A playground for nature lovers

Numerous hiking trails await you. You can walk through valleys covered in garrigue, through pine forests and past olive and cypress trees. The paths are often steep: we strongly recommend that you wear hiking boots to avoid accidents.

You can also explore the mountain bike trails. Numerous routes have been created in the heart of the massif, to suit all levels and physical conditions.

Several climbing sites are popular with rock-climbing enthusiasts, with routes to suit all levels.

To enjoy nature activities in complete safety in the Massif de l’Étoile, we recommend that you bring plenty of water, a hat, sunglasses and sun cream in summer.

The Nègre departmental park

Accessible from the old village of Château-Gombert via the Palama path, the Parc Départemental de la Nègre is a privileged access point to the Étoile massif.

Olive, fig and almond trees have been planted, and a 2.5-hectare meadow created. Beehives contribute to the renewal of this natural site with its many assets.

This former property is now home to the people of Marseilles who love nature. A number of improvements have been made to enhance the park. There’s a pétanque pitch, a botanical trail and an orienteering table. You can also try your hand at orienteering on a course lined with markers, or try your hand at mountain bike trials on the dedicated course.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Une publication partagée par Guillaume Courbouleix (@guillaumecdesign)

Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Une publication partagée par MB Mymy (@wonderwoman1366)

The Pichauris departmental park

Accessible from the Route des Termes linking Allauch and the communes of Peypin and Cadolive, the Parc Départemental de Pichauris lies between the Étoile and Garlaban massifs. You can explore the park on foot or by mountain bike, and discover a surprising diversity of flora and fauna. In particular, the park promotes sylvo-pastoralism.

You can also explore the hamlet of Pichauris, with its chapel and sheepfolds, or approach the ruins of Château de Ners, an ancient medieval fortress built in the 12th and 13th centuries. The hamlet of Pichauris is also home to the property used as a film location in Yves Robert’s film La Gloire de mon père.

Practical Information

You can easily reach the Étoile massif by car from Marseille, Plan-de-Cuques, Allauch, Simiane-Collongue, Mimet, Saint-Savournin, Cadolive or Peypin.

You can also reach the Parc de la Nègre in Marseille by public transport :

metro line 1 station la Rose, bus lines 5s and 5t
metro line 1 station Malpassé, bus line 5

The Étoile massif may be closed depending on the weather conditions, to prevent the risk of fire. Please consult the map published by the authorities the day before or the day of your hike for real-time access conditions: http://bpatp.paca-ate.fr/