Mountain Trail: The 5 Best Routes Near Marseille in 2025

Marseille is not just pastis and wild games of pétanque.

It's also the perfect starting point for mountain trail adventures that will make you sweat like never before. To save you from spending hours looking for the best spots, here are our top 5 mountain running routes to absolutely try in 2025.

Come on, put on your trail shoes , hydrate, and let's go.

1. The Calanques: the blue and white jewel

Unmissable and always so spectacular, the Calanques between Marseille and Cassis are the perfect playground for a mountain trail worthy of the name. On the program: 20 km of trail between steep cliffs, hidden coves and a difference in altitude that will make you burn all your calories of the week . The highlight of the show? The view from En-Vau, which will almost make you forget the hellish climb to get there.

Muule's little tip: The stones of the Calanques are terrible for your soles. Choose trail shoes with excellent grip.

In the coves, trail shoes with good grip are essential.

2. Le Garlaban: the Provençal soul

Want to follow the paths taken by Marcel Pagnol ? The Garlaban, an emblematic massif of the region , offers you a 15 km trail route between pines, rocks and panoramas worthy of the most beautiful Provençal postcards . A route to savor for its authenticity and its “off the beaten track” side.

Little Muule tip: For these sometimes steep trails, consider our ultra-light trail poles , perfect for lightening your legs on the toughest climbs.

Don't hesitate to use ultra-light poles for difficult climbs.

3. La Gineste: the gentle trail

No need to be an ultra-trail runner to enjoy this route. La Gineste, with its 10 km of relatively accessible trail, is ideal for a "quiet but efficient" jog . As a bonus, the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean will remind you why you love running in the great outdoors.

Muule Little Tip: Even on an accessible course, a hydration belt can be your best ally. Discover our ergonomic models tested and approved by the pros.

Trailer taking a break to contemplate the Mediterranean Sea.

4. Mont Puget: the challenge for the strong

Are you looking for a real challenge? The Mont Puget climb is made for you. With its 20 km of mountain running and calf-tickling gradients , it is the perfect route to test your limits. But the reward is at the top: a panoramic view of Marseille and the Calanques that will leave you speechless - or breathless.

Muule's little tip: You have to prepare for elevation changes. Remember to wear compression sleeves to reduce the risk of injury.

Technical passages during a trail near Marseille.

5. The Arbois Plateau: a nature escape

Head to the Arbois plateau for a quieter but equally enjoyable route . This 13 km trail course is perfect for working on your cardio without blowing up your thighs. The landscapes between wooded hills and open valleys provide a real breath of fresh air.

Muule tip: To track your progress and measure your performance, a GPS watch can be an excellent investment.

A GPS watch can be useful to avoid getting lost when out and about.

Get ready to hit the trails.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert in mountain trail running , these routes near Marseille promise you moments of pure pleasure - and a few aches and pains, let's not lie to ourselves.

To maximize your experience, remember that the right equipment makes all the difference. Find everything you need in our trail section .

So, are you ready to take on the challenge?

Article written by Solenn de Muule on December 19, 2024.