In the Footsteps of Saint Mary Magdalene

from Carry-le-Rouet to Marseille L’Estaque

Stage 5

Your adventure continues along the coast where Mary Magdalene roamed. This stage takes you from the Côte Bleue coast all the way to the buzzing city of Marseille for the promise of sights, sounds and tastes to remember.

Stage profile

Length: 20 km
Ascent: 1034 m – Descent: 1021 m
Duration: 7 hours
Level of difficulty: fairly difficult

On your way: Landscapes and relief

Head out of Carry-le-Rouet in the morning on Chemin des Eaux Salées, for a fairly sporty hike on the Côte Bleue coast. After the Chapel, go down to the water’s edge and pace your steps to the rhythm of the lapping waves. A little further on, you’ll come to Chemin de la Calanque du Puits, then Chemin de la Redonne. The sea air offers some welcome refreshment. The trail heads upwards after Port de Grand Méjean and arrives adjacent to Calanque de Niolon fjord. At Grand Méjean, if you wish, you can take an alternative route that will take you through the Ensuès-la-Redonne hinterland, the Sui plain and the plateau du Médecin. Admire the magnificent views over the Bay of Marseille and Frioul islands. Next on your route are Collet de Figuerolles and Vallon de l’Establon, before arriving in Marseille’s Estaque quarter after crossing Plage de Corbières beach.

Must-see sights: Keep your eyes peeled

Your first point of interest is Chapelle du Rouet. Set on Cap de la Vierge, this 17th-century chapel is guarded by a statue of the Virgin Mary breast-feeding her baby. The chapel nearly fell into ruin after WWII, but was saved by devoted local inhabitants who worked tirelessly to restore this priceless little piece of heritage. A few kilometres further on, Calanque des Eaux Salées fjord resembles a wild and unspoiled paradise. Take time to admire the sweeping views and chill awhile… You’ll also notice the viaduct (a listed monument) spanning the landscape. When you arrive in Marseille, Plage de Corbières beach offers an ideal spot for relaxing after a long day out on the coastal footpaths.

Where to sleep?

The Hôtel B&B Marseille L’Estaque offers simple, comfortable rooms at reasonable prices. It’s ideally located for strolling through the neighborhood’s narrow streets, if you feel like it. The Hôtel Ibis Budget Marseille L’Estaque makes the same promise. Practicality and quality are the order of the day after your hike along the coast. Unlike the previous two, Hôtel du Nord is a B&B cooperative where you’ll feel right at home. At Joëlle et Roger’s in l’Estaque, it’s a real philosophy! In Marseille, you can set down your belongings at the Hôtel Meininger Joliette to discover the west of the city. In a more religious atmosphere, the community of the Sisters of the Lamb open their monastery “Lumière de la Sainte Rencontre”.

Find out more

Practical info

Contact: Office Métropolitain de Tourisme et des Congrès de Marseille / 0826 500 500 €0.15/min)/ www.marseille-tourisme.com – information@marseille-tourisme.com

Top addresses

B&B Marseille EstaqueHOTEL

The 70 air-conditioned rooms have a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV (varied TV bouquet with sports and international news channels).

Marseille 16ème

Ibis Budget Marseille l'EstaqueHOTEL

During your next stay in Marseille, don't forget to make a stop at Ibis Budget Marseille Estaque.

Marseille 16ème

“Martha, Martha”, the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her”. (Luke 10, 41-42)

Words from the Gospels to meditate on

See the "Step by Step" directions