Discovering the Hidden Gem: The Gardanne Walk, 30 Minutes from Marseille

Marseille evokes the merthe soleil and the turquoise Calanques… But did you know that around Marseille, there are also marvelous vegetation which allow you to create a mini bubble of freshness ?

The Gardanne walk, located 30 minutes from Marseille, is the perfect example. This promenade of 2 hours is little known. And yet, it is full of treasures.

five kilometers in length

The walk starts at the King René’s hunting lodge, in Gardanne. Then follow the trails. It is also not recommended for hikers to deviate from it, to preserve nature.

The walk is divided into two parts. “There is a drier part, the other more shaded”, specifies Maeva Trapolino, who lists the walks in Provence via the application Ecobalade. The route passes through the forest mixed in the Vallon de Portalier. You can find a whole species diversity.

Birds and rabbits as neighbors

It is not rare, for example, to see sympathetic wild rabbits jump. There are also noble European kingfishers, which lie in wait for walkers and which you may be lucky enough to spot.

Throughout this wonderful walk, you will have the chance to contemplate the elegant stream and the Gardanne waterfall which are both on the way.

A journey that requires endurance

The path makes a loop, passing through the forest but also through beautiful vineyards. Be careful though, it is also a sports circuit.

“It’s a drop of 94 meters so it goes up a bit anyway. It is also advisable to take a water bottle with you, ”underlines Maeva Trapolino.

Free parking and other amenities

On the practical side, there is a free car park near the Gardanne hunting lodge with around thirty spaces for cars.

Finally, along the promenade, you will also find picnic tables for lunch, which stand at the very beginning of the promenade. “You can directly see a small stream passing by,” smiles Maeva Trapolino.

For more information, the app Ecobaladein Marseille, lists the beautiful walks to do around Marseille but also the fauna and flora that can be discovered on site.

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