• French Fjords & Coastal Provence

• 1 January - 31 May & 1 October - 30 November (Please note that it is also possible to book the holiday from 1 - 15 June and from the 15 - 30 September, but during these periods there is a higher risk that walking will be forbidden by the authorities due to the high risk of fires. If this is the case you will be responsible for finding alternative activities.

• £535 (£610 with extra night in Cassis at the end of the walking holiday)

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• 6 nights, 6 days independent walking - multi-centre holiday with some day walks and some walks moving between guest houses (possibility of extra night at Cassis at the end of your holiday)

• Wonderful walks exploring the dramatic fjords or calanques of the Provence
• Enjoying beautiful secluded beaches enclosed by spectacular cliffs with azur blue waters lapping at your feet
• A pleasant Mediterranean climate which makes this walking holiday perfect for winter, spring or autumn
• The charming small port of Cassis
• Wonderful Provence cuisine
• Rugged and enchanting Sainte Baume with great views towards the Mediterranean and beautiful Provence villages
• A circuit which has one foot in the Mediterranean sea and the other in the mountains
  

• 6 night's accommodation in three different, two star hotels on a half board basis (click the tab above for more information)

1. 6 nights accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 6 evening meals, transfer of luggage, walking guide and maps

1. Transport to hotel near Aubagne at the beginning of your walking holiday and from Cassis at the end, lunches, drinks with evening meals, transfers by bus during the holiday (about 30 euros), holiday insurance

Walking Profile

This independent walking holiday is suitable for most walkers of an average fitness (with a minimum of preparation). You should be used to walking on a variety of paths and be confortable on rocky ground. The paths are variable in their quality and nature. The landscapes are relatively mountainous for the grade but the distances involved are moderate. Walking days average just under 5 hours and the amount of ascent in the day varies between 200m and 700m. The walks allow for time to rest and take advantage of some of the interesting sites on route.

Day 1: Arrival

Meeting point at 6pm at your Hotel in Pont de l’Etoile (2 km from the town of Aubagne).

At the foot of Sainte Baume mountain, Aubagne is located at a crossroads of Provence. Your hotel is a haven of peace with a swimming pool. (Please note that if you arrive on Sunday, your evening meal won’t be included as the restaurant is closed)

Day 2: Aubagne - Plan d'Aups (Sainte Baume Mountain)

Splendid day's walking to reach Plan d’Aups. Your trail passes through a number of cols or mountain passes including the pass of Espigoulier. You'll traverse beautiful woodland before reaching Plan d'Aups, a lovely Var village perched at 682m, where historic remains including towers, testify to the presence of Romans in the area.
Dinner and overnight in Plan d’Aups with great cuisine.
Stage: 05h30 walk  +694 m  -164 m

Day 3: Walking tour from Plan d'Aups

Today's walk will take you on a voyage of discovery, exploring the northern and western sides of the mountain of Sainte Baume, such a famous landmark in the southern Provence. You'll follow the crest of the mountain, with magnificent walking and superb panoramic views, before discovering the cave of Mary Magdalene, an important site of pilgrimage, and the Grotte aux Oeufs,

Stage: 05h00 walk   +/-516 m       

Day 4: Plan d'Aups - Gemenos

Your walking trail takes you across Sainte Baume Mountain, from north to south, in a wild and special place, where the air is full with the sweet scents of Provence ! From the "summit" of Provence, you'll enjoy wonderful views all the way to the sea and its islands to the south, and to Ventoux and other alpine summits to the north east.
You'll then descend to Gemenos via “La Glaciaire” (an ice making installation used in the XVII and XIX century) and Saint Pons Parc offering welcoming shade and fresh air even during the summer, thanks to the waterfalls of Sainte Baume. Here you'll also discover a historic chapel and a Cistercian abbey dating from the XIII century.

Transfer by regular bus service to Cassis (about 30 minutes). Your hotel is within the port. If you arrived by car you can take a short transfer to Aubagne to collect your car and drive to Cassis.

Stage: 03h00 walk   +184 m  -722 m

Day 5: La Ciotat - Cassis

Your day starts with a short bus trip to La Ciotat. From here, you'll follow the cliff top all the way to Cassis with superb views and enjoyable walking. The walking trail rises to reach “La Grande Tête”, with amazing views of the cliffs of the Bec de l’Aigle. The high point of the cliffs rise to an amazing 399m above sea level. After a small descent the path rises over Cap Canaille, before descending back down to the lovely port of Cassis... Superb! The arrival in Cassis is spectacular. Overnight in Cassis
Stage: 05h00 walk   +/- 580 m           

Day 6: Western Calanques

After taking a short bus trip to Luminy, your walking trail takes you on a round circuit overlooking Les Calanques, passing by the Col de Sugiton to reach the ridgeline of the Cret de Saint Michel. From here you'll have a glorious view over the calanque or fjord de Morgiou. Short bus trip back to Cassis.

Stage: 05h00 walk    + 700m   -520 m      

Day 7: Calanques de Cassis

Your last day's walking is a fitting finale to your holiday. You'll stay close to the water's edge as you explore the two beautiful inlets of Port Miou and Port Pin. Incredibly beautiful places whose images will remain with you forever and amazing to think that such a wild and stunning coastline is only a few miles from the heart of Marseille, France's second city. Your route will then climb the picturesque valley d'En-Vau. Afterwards you'll return to Cassis via the plateau du Mussuguieres and the Pas des Marmots.

Stage: 4 h 30 walk    +/- 450 m                  

End of the tour in Cassis after your walk.

Possibility of extra night in Cassis