Hikers' Day: a must-do panoramic hike
HikingPresentation
At a glance :
- Duration : 1 day
- Distance: 19 km (Sentier des Vignerons loop), plus the stretch to Les Laurons beach. +270 m.
- Level: Sporty, recommended for hikers used to long distances and elevation gain
- Ideal for : Experienced hikers, solo, as a couple or with friends, for a demanding day balancing effort and reward
- Advantage : Spectacular views over the Mediterranean, particularly clear and peaceful outside peak season
A sporty morning on the Sentier des Vignerons
The day begins with the Venise Provençale loop, also known as the Sentier des Vignerons (Winegrowers' Trail), a demanding 19 km route with 270 metres of elevation gain. This sporty trail winds through vineyards and scrubland, regularly offering spectacular views over the Mediterranean and the surrounding landscape. The effort is real, but every climb is rewarded with breathtaking panoramas, especially vivid outside peak season when the air is clearer and the trails are quieter. A hike that calls for a good level of fitness, but which rewards you with total immersion in Martigues' vineyard and coastal landscapes.
Good to know when hiking in Martigues: As the Sentier des Vignerons is a sporty hike with significant elevation gain, bring good walking shoes, plenty of water, and plan an early start, especially in hot weather. Outside peak season, conditions are generally cooler and more comfortable for this kind of effort.
"The elevation gain is no joke, but every sea view made us forget the fatigue. This is exactly the kind of hike we look for: sporty, but with landscapes that make every bit of effort worth it."
Mathieu
A delicious picnic with local produce
Halfway through the route, it's time for a well-earned break with a picnic made up of local producers' goods and wine bought from the shop at Saint-Julien cooperative winery, located at the trailhead. This shared moment offers a chance to recharge while savouring the authentic flavours of Provençal terroir, in an unspoiled natural setting. A simple, generous break that extends the spirit of the hike: taking your time, savouring the moment, and setting off refreshed for the rest of the route.
Good to know when hiking in Martigues: It is recommended to shop at the Saint-Julien cooperative winery store before setting off on your hike. To put together a picnic well-stocked with local products, consider the farmers' market held every Tuesday from April to September (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) in Place J. Jaurès (in the town center). Remember to bring a lightweight, insulated bag to carry your provisions without weighing yourself down during the walk.
An afternoon of relaxation between the beach and a hearty homecoming
The afternoon takes a detour towards Les Laurons beach, for a well-earned break by the water after the morning's effort. This moment of relaxation offers a chance to catch your breath, whether with your feet in the water or simply lying back facing the sea, before deciding how to spend the rest of the day. Hikers then have two options: those who left their car at the cooperative winery's car park head back the way they came, while others continue along the greenway to the village of Carro, for a local dinner facing the fishing port. A lovely way to close this sporty day on a warm, convivial note.
Good to know when hiking in Martigues: Outside peak season, Les Laurons beach is especially peaceful, far from the summer crowds, ideal for a genuinely restorative break. If you choose to continue on to Carro, check the opening hours of the port's restaurants during the low season before setting off on the greenway.
"The break at Les Laurons beach was the perfect moment after all that effort. We then carried on to Carro for dinner facing the port, pure happiness to end the day with our feet in the sand, tired but completely fulfilled."
Laura
- Parking :
- Free car park
- Levels of sporting experience :
- Level red – hard
- Leisure facilities :
- Beach
- Environments :
- Sea view
- In the country
- Panoramic view
