Massif de Marseilleveyre

Dominating the southern districts of Marseille at an altitude of nearly 432 metres, the Massif de Marseilleveyre offers fascinating landscapes. In just a few minutes, you leave the second largest city in France to enter a mineral universe, both wild and grandiose. Marseilleveyre is a masterly gateway to discover the best kept treasures of the Calanques National Park, between sky and sea.

Hiking and outdoor activities

For lovers of nature and outdoor activities, Marseilleveyre is an invitation to go hiking. Numerous itineraries cover its valleys, hills and ridges. A wide variety of landscapes awaits walkers of all levels. There are easy trails for families or walkers who wish to stroll through a remarkable setting. The more experienced walkers can take much more aerial paths, such as those that weave their way between the vertiginous blades of rock tapering from the Goudes summits. Hundreds of kilometres of marked paths await you, and your hike from Marseilleveyre can take you to the most secret corners of the Calanques National Park, from Callelongue to Morgiou, Sugiton or even Cassis.

The white limestone of Marseilleveyre rises to the sky in rocky bars and cliffs, and offers numerous routes of all levels to climbing enthusiasts. From secure sites for beginners to large, challenging routes for thrill-seekers, lovers of vertical climbing meet every year in the hills bordering the south of Marseille.

Cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts can explore some of the tracks and roads of the Marseilleveyre massif. Along the water’s edge or in the middle of the pine trees, cyclists alternate descents, bends and climbs in a beautiful setting.

Nature sports enthusiasts can also discover the marine treasures of the Marseilleveyre massif, which plunges into the Mediterranean Sea. Several service providers offer discovery courses or scuba diving in the protected waters of the Park.

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A preserved natural area

To the south of the Marseilleveyre massif, the flora has adapted to the aridity of the area and the salinity of the air. Here you can observe unusual plants such as the Marseille astragalus. The valleys, which are more sheltered from the sun, are home to beautiful holm oak forests or astonishing mantles of sarsaparilla.

The hills are home to many birds, especially birds of prey. The Great Horned Owl, the Short-toed Eagle and Bonelli’s Eagle reign supreme, while several species of bats nest in the caves and rocky crevices. Wild boars, rabbits, foxes, genets and roe deer have also found refuge in this protected area. You might also discover an ocellated lizard or a gecko snoozing in the sun at the bend in the path.

A viewpoint over Marseille and limestone Provence

To the north, the massif borders the city. The Campagne Pastré, the Parc du Roy d’Espagne, the Cayolle district, the Baumettes hamlet and the Luminy estate, with its universities and colleges, follow each other at the foot of the hills. This privileged location, at the gateway to the city, is one of the main assets of Marseilleveyre.

This lilting name can indeed be translated, for some linguists, by the expression “Seeing Marseille”. The name of the second summit of the massif, the Béouveyre, owes its name to the Provençal term for “belvedere”. The etymology pays tribute to the 360 degree view that the hills of Marseilleveyre offer over the city of Marseille, the Mediterranean Sea, the harbour, the islands, the Côte Bleue and the many hills that have surrounded and protected the city for thousands of years.

As you stroll along, you will discover breathtaking views of the different districts of Marseille. The golden statue of the “Bonne Mère” (“Good Mother”), who has watched over the city and its inhabitants from the top of the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica for several centuries, is a real eye-catcher.

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Explore Marseilleveyre safely

The Marseilleveyre massif is one of the driest places in France. The paths are potentially steep, and some routes offer conditions similar to those encountered in the mountains or high mountains. We invite you to bring appropriate equipment: sufficient water (at least two litres of water per person in summer), a hat and sunglasses, walking shoes…

The Calanques are a fragile and protected area. You must stay on the marked paths, do not pick plants or flowers, and bring back your rubbish. More detailed information is available on the official website of the Calanques Natural Park.

Access to the massifs may be restricted depending on the weather conditions. A total ban is possible in periods of high heat, drought or strong winds. You should find out the day before your visit on https://www.myprovence.fr/en/enviedebalade to find out the conditions of access to the Bouches-du-Rhône massifs.

Practical information

From the Rond-Point du Prado metro station (M2), several bus lines take you to the gates of the Marseilleveyre massif:

Calanque de Callelongue: take bus line 19 towards Madrague de Montredon. Get off at the terminus, and take line 20 to Callelongue.
Roy d’Espagne: take bus line 44 towards Collège Roy d’Espagne. Get off at the terminus.
Sormiou: take bus line 22 towards Beaumettes. Get off at the terminus.
Sugiton: take the B1, 24 or 21J bus towards Campus de Luminy. Get off at the terminus.

You can also drive to the edge of the Marseilleveyre massif and park near your hike.

We invite you to consult the official website of the Parc National des Calanques for more information: http://www.calanques-parcnational.fr/en