Martigues’ vineyard trails - The Venice Provençale’s trails

Between the Mediterranean and Etang de Berre, on the western borders of the Nerthe massif, lies the terroir of Venice Provençale.

This panoramic loop is the largest loop of the winegrowers' trails. In addition to discovering the fields and vineyards located on the land of the Saint-Julien-les-Martigues wine cellar, you will reach the village of Saint-Pierre-les-Martigues to discover its church and its oppidum. On your way, you will discover ruins of the past, cultural heritage and a panoramic view between sea and industrialization on the Col de la Gatasse.

1 – From Saint Julien’s winery, take the D 5 road on your left (road to Sausset).
2 – After 0.3 miles, at the traffic light, turn right in the Chemin des Jardins. Stay on the right. Go to the Chemin des Jourdans. At the street lamp, turn left between the vineyards and up to the houses. Turn right, follow the trail overhanging the vineyards up to an ancient farmhouse. Round the construction by walking on the left (threshing yard).
3 – Go up the path on the left.
4 – Keep the PR? (yellow and blue) on the left. Walk on the right past the watchtower. Keep on following the plateau trail straight ahead to reach the Gatasse pass (pylon).
5 – Cross the D 49 (carefully!). Go down on the right towards the ancient road. At the hairpin bend (CB 47 sign), turn left. When arrived to the Gatasse, bifurcate to the right until you see a cittern. On the right, follow the stony path and reach a ruin (ancient sheepfold). After a great (open) grilled gate, turn right. The trail follows the hamlet and reaches the Chemin des Gides.
6 – At the intersection, go left, for 0.1 mile, in the Rue Abbé Villard. When you reach number 10, on your left, take the stairs to access the church (remnants of an oppidum). Go around the building, following the graveyard.
7 – Go down to the Rue des Tilleuls on the left, until you get to the roundabout. Right across, follow the D 49a for 0.4 miles. On the left, take the trail (0.4 miles).
8 – At the crossroad, go left, keeping the power line on your left. Reach the electric pylon.
9 – Keep the pylon on your right. Go along the ancient mills by the left and go down until you reach the D 5.
10 – Cross the road at the pass (carefully!), (signpost CB 30). Take the path that goes up to the plateau.
11 – Go back to the GR ® 2013 that comes from the left and follow it straight ahead. At the following intersection, follow a hairpin bend and go down
into the glen. Walk along the vineyards.
12 – Turn on the left. Follow the road on 0.4 miles. Follow
the panoramic trail path from point (15).