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Discover Saint-Savournin from DESTINATION AILLEURS

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Welcome to Saint-Savournin, a hidden gem in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur! Make the most of your stay at DESTINATION AILLEURS by exploring this charming town and its delightful surroundings.

Saint-Savournin is a fantastic spot for hiking enthusiasts. Embark on the trails of the Garlaban massif, beloved by Marcel Pagnol, where nature unfolds in all its glory. Don’t miss the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine cav...
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Walking around DESTINATION AILLEURS

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Explore the parks and paths of DESTINATION AILLEURS.
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The Garlaban
11 km

The Garlaban

This hike leads to the summit of Garlaban, where you can discover the Douard engravings. The Garlaban, which rises to 714 metres, is easily distinguished when you're in the south-eastern part of the Bouches-du-Rhône département. Whether arriving from Toulon or from the sea, it dominates the landscape. Its shape is so distinctive that it served as a landmark for sailors navigating the Marseilles roadstead. Some even describe it as the crown that sits atop a hill so dear to Aubagne-born writer Marcel Pagnol. The Garlaban and its surroundings, whether in Marseille or Aubagne, were Marcel Pagnol's favorite playground as a child. He later made it a central element in his work. Let's recall the opening lines of his first novel, "La Gloire de mon père": "I was born in the town of Aubagne, under the goat-crowned Garlaban, at the time of the last goatherds. Garlaban is an enormous tower of blue rock, planted on the edge of the Plan de l'Aigle, the immense rocky plateau overlooking the green Huveaune valley. The tower is a little wider than it is tall: but as it rises out of the rock at an altitude of six hundred meters, it towers high into the Provencal sky, and sometimes a white July cloud comes to rest there for a moment. So it's not a mountain, but it's no longer a hill: it's Garlaban." The starting point for the hike is at the "Gastaude" bus stop, where there is also a parking lot. Join the Chemin du Ruissatel and follow the brown signposted path "Font de Mai, sentier Marcel Pagnol". Enter the Font de Mai park and pass in front of the large bastide. After the bastide, fork left to join the Font de Mai road, which you can follow along a path that runs between oak and pine trees. You'll pass an excellent gourmet restaurant, l'Auberge la Ferme. At the crossroads with Chemin du Ruissatel, continue straight ahead on Chemin de la Font de Mai, which winds its way up to Col d'Aubignane. From here, follow the yellow markings to the Garlaban. Shortly afterwards, there's a narrower path on your right. Follow it until you reach a sign suggesting a 100-metre detour to the Manon cave. Then return to the gently ascending corbelled path. Pass the Col Salis and continue on to the Pas Garrigue, a small steep slope, as we like them in Provence, to reach the Col du Garlaban. From here, it's just a short climb to the summit of Garlaban. The path zigzags through the garrigue. Yes, it's tough! But the panoramic view from the summit is your reward. It's sublime! An orientation table helps you decipher the landscape at your feet. You are the kings of Provence. Return to the Col and turn left onto the wide path leading down to the plain. On either side of the path, you'll discover engraved stones. The path overlooks the Draioulet valley, whose name comes from "petite draille", a reminder that it was once a transhumance route used by shepherds. A shortcut takes you straight downhill for 250 metres, avoiding 4 bends, before reaching an intersection where you must turn left to reach the park and the Font de Mai bastide more directly. After a 950-meter walk, you reach the edge of a hill. 4 circular cement shapes (remnants of an old high-voltage line support?) are the markers for turning left onto a path that zigzags downhill. Another landmark you'll pass: the ruins of a sheepfold. You then come to a wide DFCI track which you must take to the right, rounding a hill dominated by a rocky peak. Keep to the path along the rocky ridge. The Font de Mai estate can also be reached via an alternative route at the bottom of the valley, but the view is less unobstructed. Finish the hike by following the same section back to the parking lot or bus stop.

4 h
12 km
Medium
Parking de la Font de Mai route d'Eoures d44 13400 Aubagne
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Stroll through the Saint-Pierre district
17 km

Stroll through the Saint-Pierre district

This walk takes you through the peaceful Saint-Pierre district, in the heart of the city of Marseille. It's best known for its cemetery, established in the mid-19th century. Today, families love the area, which boasts schools, numerous shops, a village atmosphere and good transport links (tramway, metro, bus and main roads). The starting point for this exploration of the neighborhood is the "Sainte-Thérèse" streetcar stop, on the T1 line towards "les Caillols". Follow Boulevard Sainte-Thérèse until you reach the rear of the Saint-Pierre church (1). Join the church square and admire the Art Deco facade on your right. At the corner of the square, turn right into rue Pascal Ruinat, which leads to the Louis Loucheur housing complex (2). After crossing the housing estate, whose facades are painted in a monochrome of orange, follow the railroad tracks to reach boulevard Daumas. At the end, turn right under the arch. You're now on the chemin de Saint-Jean du Désert. When you reach the traffic circle, turn left onto boulevard Jeanne d'Arc and walk back towards the railroad (3). You'll pass the Cristal Limiñana company (4) and the cabaret l'étoile bleue (5). Continue straight ahead on boulevard Jeanne d'Arc (6) until you come to the church of Saint-Pierre, then turn right. Rue Ruinat (7) leads to Rue Saint-Pierre (8). If you're observant, you'll notice that the Saint-Pierre district is home to many small buildings with tiled roofs, representative of traditional Marseille architecture. Turn left into rue Saint-Pierre and drive 300 meters to the main entrance to the cemetery (9). It's like entering a hemicycle extended by a vast magnolia-lined avenue. On either side of the alley are the tombs of the Marseilles bourgeoisie, who made Marseilles famous from 1850 onwards (10). Walk straight ahead to reach a little-known site: a military crypt (11). Continue straight ahead until you reach the 4th intersection (12), then turn left until you reach the depository. Turn right and climb the stairs. On the way, you'll come across several remarkable graves (13) and (14). Go straight on until you reach a staircase, then turn left to reach a secondary gate which takes you out of the cemetery. Go left down rue Saint-Pierre until you reach the remains of an aqueduct on your right (15). Continue straight ahead, skirting the streetcar tracks (16) and (17). The walk ends at the "Saint-Pierre" stop on tramway T1, which takes you back to the city center.

2 h
2.9 km
1 rue Moreau Point de départ : en sortant du Tramway T1, arrêt Sainte-Thérèse 13005 Marseille
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PLAN D’AUPS SAINTE-BAUME - Saint-Pilon Chapel
18 km

PLAN D’AUPS SAINTE-BAUME - Saint-Pilon Chapel

A must-see in Sainte-Baume! A genuine trove of natural, cultural and landscaped treasures. With your back to the Sainte-Baume Tourist & Discovery Area, cross the road to the corner of the “Parking de l'Hostellerie Est” (information sign), on your left. 1- Facing the Sainte-Baume mountains, take GR9® (red and white markings) going due south, via the trail leading to the forest. After the wooden bridge, take Allée Royale on your right.2- At the junction with the Compagnons du Devoir obelisk, start climbing Chemin du Canapé, to your left. At the intersection with Chemin de Giniez (pole), turn left in the direction of Grotte de Sainte Marie-Madeleine (Mary Magdalene's cave) and go past a first oratory. 3- At the “Oratoire” junction (pole), continue the climb on your right until you reach the stairs and then Mary Magdalene's cave. Taking the same route, descend to the Carrefour de l'Oratoire junction. Then start the climb on your right (GR®9). Go past the Chapelle des Parisiens chapel and continue to the Col du Saint-Pilon pass (952 m). 4- Take GR98® on your right and stay on the trail amidst the limestone pavements until you reach the Chapelle du Saint-Pilon chapel. Then take the same route back to the Carrefour de l'Oratoire junction (point 3). 3- Turn right and continue the descent via Chemin des Roys, following the yellow markings. Pass by the Source de Nans spring and stay on the main path. 5- At the Placette des Trois Chênes plot, with your back to the sign, take Allée Royale on the far left to the wooden bridge you took earlier and head back to the starting point. VARIANT: After visiting the sanctuary of Mary Magdalene's cave, go back down to the Carrefour de l'Oratoire junction (point 3) and continue the descent via Chemin des Roys until you reach the Placette des Trois Chênes plot (point 5) and directly return to the starting point.

3 h
6.3 km
Medium
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Stroll along the south shore of the Old Port
19 km

Stroll along the south shore of the Old Port

This easy walking tour combines beautiful facades along the streets with panoramic views and grand monuments. The route is suitable for strollers. * The itinerary begins on the Canebière, a mythical and historic artery, lined with majestic facades, which in its heyday was home to grand hotels and the most beautiful cafés in Marseille. At number 9 is the Palais de la Bourse, the chamber of commerce and industry. Rue Beauvau leads to the Opera House. It was partially destroyed by fire in 1919, hence its Art Deco facade. At the back of the building. * Turn right onto rue Francis Davso which leads to the Cours Estienne d'Orves. A real city within the city, the Arcenaulx were the former warehouses of the arsenal of the royal galleys at the time of Louis XIV. Today, this Italian-style square is an attractive district with its cafés, restaurants and artists' galleries. * Parallel to this is the Rue Sainte, which leads to the Abbaye Saint-Victor, join it. Stop at the Four des Navettes, the oldest bakery in Marseille (1781) where you can taste the navettes, a dry orange blossom cookie typical of Marseille and very popular with gourmets. To the right of the Bertie Albrecht square, enjoy the panoramic view of the Old Port and the old city. * Then head for Fort Saint-Nicolas (17th century), the work of the Chevalier de Clerville. During the construction of the Palais du Pharo, the fort was cut in two, in order to create an access road and that is why today, Fort Saint-Nicolas is composed of Fort d'Entrecasteaux for the upper part and Fort Ganteaume for the lower part. * When you arrive in front of the gates of the Palais du Pharo, cross the public garden which offers other magnificent views of Marseille.

45 min
2.6 km
Very easy
11 La Canebière 13001 Marseille
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What to do in DESTINATION AILLEURS

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Trip to the Villages of Luberon with Regional Wine Tasting
16 km

Trip to the Villages of Luberon with Regional Wine Tasting

Explore the hill-top villages of Lubéron and savour regional wines during a tasting session at a Provencal vineyard.  EXPLORE THE HILL-TOP VILLAGES OF LUBÉRON AND SAVOUR REGIONAL WINES DURING A TASTING SESSION AT A PROVENCAL VINEYARD.  You will begin your trip with a drive by Mount Saint-Victoire, a great source of inspiration for the illustrious artist Cézanne.  You will then visit the vineyards of Saint Victoire Côtes de Provence located at the foot of the mountain, before taking part in wine tasting sessions at two of the region's wineries. After the tasting, you will return to Aix en Provence to have lunch wherever you choose.  In the afternoon you will head to the hill-top villages of Lubéron. Your first stop will be at Lourmarin village, where you'll have the time to stroll through the streets and admire the magnificent architecture of the Renaissance Castle.  Back on the road, you'll go to the village of Bonnieux before heading to Roussillon, considered as one of the most beautiful towns in France. Observe the yellow, orange and red-hued ochre deposits that give the village its name and its unique charm. Your tour will end with a visit to the medieval village of Gordes. Its buildings are constructed entirely from shale stone, lending the village an enchanting architectural style and a traditional atmosphere.  At the end of the day, you will driven back to Aix en Provence.

avenue Giuseppe Verdi 13100 Aix en Provence
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Aix-en-Provence & Pays d’Aix City Pass: Tours, Activities, Museums & Transportation
16 km

Aix-en-Provence & Pays d’Aix City Pass: Tours, Activities, Museums & Transportation

Discover Aix en Provence and its surrounding areas thanks to the City Pass. Whether for one, two or three days, enjoy unlimited access to public transportation, visit popular tourist sites and benefit from several shopping discounts in the Pays d’Aix region! DISCOVER AIX EN PROVENCE AND ITS SURROUNDING AREAS THANKS TO THE CITY PASS. WHETHER FOR ONE, TWO OR THREE DAYS, ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCESS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, VISIT POPULAR TOURIST SITES AND BENEFIT FROM SEVERAL SHOPPING DISCOUNTS IN THE PAYS D’AIX REGION! The pass offers freee access to several sites a few steps away from the city centre such as: * The Musée Granet & Granet XXe museum * The Fondation Vasarely museum  * The Atélier de Cézanne workshop (book in advance) * The Pavillon Vendôme  * Tapestry Museum * Vieil Aix Museum * Califet Art Center Go on a tour of the old centre with your guide and travel from district to district on a small tourist train. You can also use your pass to discover the Pays d’Aix region. With unlimited access to the bus network, journey through the 36 towns and enjoy the beauty of the Provençal landscapes. Then, head to the essential sites in Provence, such as:  * The Jardins Val Joanis gardens (except weekends) * The Mémorial des Milles * The Silvacane Abbey * The Mediterranean Forest Eco-museum Upon returning to the city centre, use your free time to browse through the boutiques in Aix-en-Provence. Get several discounts and benefits in stores, restaurants and vineyards in the region.  Make the most of your trip and discover the beauty of Provence thanks to the City Pass! 

avenue Giuseppe Verdi 13100 Aix-en-Provence
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Discover the Villages of Luberon and the Lavender Fields
16 km

Discover the Villages of Luberon and the Lavender Fields

Discover the Provencal backcountry by minibus. Spend the afternoon strolling through the beautiful villages of Lubéron and admiring the lavender fields. DISCOVER THE PROVENCAL BACKCOUNTRY BY MINIBUS. SPEND THE AFTERNOON STROLLING THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES OF LUBÉRON, SOAKING UP THE COLORS AND SCENTS OF SOUTHERN FRANCE! Your minibus will set off from Aix en Provence for the village of Bonnieux. On the way, you’ll pass through the Combe de Lourmarin, a natural valley carved by a river flowing from the Luberon mountain range. When you stop in Bonnieux, you’ll get a splendid view of Cavalon valley, the Ventoux and Vaucluse mountains, as well as the small hilltop villages scattered throughout Luberon. The excursion then carries on towards Rousillon, crossing the Pont Julien on the way, a bridge built by the request of Julius Cesar. The minibus will make a stop-off here, giving you time to take photos of the impressive 2,000-year-old edifice. You’ll then visit the region’s vast fields of lavender. Known locally as 'blue gold', its flowers possess a delicate scent that is eternally associated with the landscapes of Provence. After the lavender fields, you’ll move on to explore Rousillon village Located on the site one of the world’s largest ocher deposits, Rousillon has a distinct charm. Its buildings are built from different shades of the rock; the yellow, orange and red tones of the façades striking a stark contrast to the deep blue sky. The resulting effect is reminiscent of a painter’s palette, and it’s hardly surprising that Rousillon is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France! At the end of your day, your driver will bring you back to Aix en Provence.

avenue Giuseppe Verdi 13100 Aix en Provence
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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾