Trail in Pays d’Aubagne Trail | Pays d'Aubagne et de l'Étoile

Trail in Provence

discover the Pays d'Aubagne region

Trail running: a nature race between paths and vertical drops

Trail running is defined as running in the great outdoors. This sporting activity is practised all year round, ideally from September to June, on dedicated paths and tracks. It combines endurance, challenge and a feeling of freedom. You alternate between ascents and descents over a wide variety of terrain, discovering lush green landscapes while taking on a physical challenge that’s accessible to everyone.

Trail in Aubagne: a sporting immersion in the heart of nature

The Pays d’Aubagne is a natural destination for trail runners in the Provence-Mediterranean region. Known as a great place for trail running, the area offers hundreds of kilometres of waymarked trails, spread across the Garlaban,Étoile and Sainte-Baume massifs, with spectacular views all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.

The scenery takes in soaring ridges, Provençal forests and panoramic views over the hills, making every outing a unique experience. Accessible all year round, the Pays d’Aubagne attracts runners on a simple outdoor weekend as well as those preparing ambitious sporting objectives.

Itineraries

the most beautiful trail panoramas in the Pays d'Aubagne

In the hills around Aubagne, you’ll find a wide range of signposted routes to suit all abilities: loops for gentle beginners, technical routes to work on agility and gradients, and long routes for thrill-seekers.

See more Trail routes

Trail recommendation

Trail running in the Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Étoile means running in a protected natural environment that is sometimes technical and exposed. To make the most of these routes in complete safety, a few recommendations are in order.

Before setting off, it’s essential to choose a route suited to your level and physical condition. The routes on offer indicate the difficulty and altitude difference. Take the time to consult the detailed information sheets and plan ahead. For your outings, favour spring and autumn. If you plan to go trail running in the summer, set off early in the morning or at the end of the day, take plenty of water with you and protect yourself from the sun (hat, sun cream). Don’t forget to ask about access to the massifs from 1 June to 30 September. In winter or after rainy spells, some paths can become slippery: suitable trail shoes are highly recommended.

Trail weekend in Provence: nature and sport

To extend your outdoor experience, take a look at our special offers for runners: a trail adventure in Provence! The right accommodation, practical advice, guided sessions, technical courses or themed weekends. Whether you want to discover the region or prepare specifically for a competition, Pays d’Aubagne offers flexible packages to suit your objectives.

from135 €

2 days

Adventure trail weekend in Provence2 days / 1 night

Treat your group to an intense trail weekend in the heart of Provence. From the emblematic Garlaban hills to the wild trails of the Sainte-Baume, this trip, supervised by a...

Trail races in Provence

events not to be missed

The Pays d’Aubagne lives to the rhythm of trail running at the start of each year, thanks to some emblematic sporting events that bring together local runners, nature lovers and experts who come to confront the verticality of our mountain ranges.

The race that kicks off the season is the Trail de la Galinette in Cadolive, held at the end of January. It invites you to explore the wild trails of the Étoile and Garlaban massifs in a range of formats to suit all abilities.

Another not-to-be-missed event is the Trail de la Sainte Baume in Cuges-les-Pins. This is one of the most comprehensive and popular trail events in Provence. It offers several race formats, from ultra-distance to accessible distances, as well as an event for younger runners to help them discover this emblematic massif with its varied landscapes. The most spectacular? the Ultra Baume, with over 100 kilometres on the clock and 5000m of ascent. It’s an opportunity to combine a sporting challenge with immersion in a magnificent natural setting.

In March, the Trail du Garlaban heralds the arrival of spring with three flagship routes in the Pays d’Aubagne. The signposted trails, starting in Roquevaire, will take you over technical sections and up some of the region’s most emblematic mountains.

Organised by the association un jour la fin, the Ekiden trail Les Relais de l’Espoirin Aubagne revisits the trail in a relay version, with several routes on offer, all in a friendly atmosphere. The event promotes team spirit and raises awareness of organ donation.

The Font de Mai trailin Aubagne immerses you in the exceptional landscapes so dear to Pagnol. At the beginning of May, this race offers a range of formats to suit all abilities, combining challenge with the popular Provence mountain range.

Key trails around Aubagne

Marseille-Aix, Sainte-Victoire and Calanques

In addition to the Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Étoile, the trails in the South of France also offer a number of well-known trail events that attract nature lovers from Provence every year.

These include the Marseille-Aix Metropolitan Trail, which links the two cities over a 42km course, the Sainte-Victoire Trail, which overlooks the crests of this majestic massif, and the Calanques Trail, which takes place in the spectacular setting of the Calanques in Marseille.

Guide to good practice

Access to the site by public transport, bicycle or on foot.

Keep to the marked paths.

Respect flora and fauna: do not pick flowers and plants.
Respect the peace and quiet of residents and neighbours.
Do not contaminate springs or wells.
Do not throw stones.
Do not throw away paper or rubbish, but collect your rubbish carefully.

Keep your dog on a lead.

Do not smoke or light fires.