The tracks and classic routes

The massifs which encircle the Country of Aubagne are visited by pedestrian or equestrian hikers (short or large walks) but also, more and more, by stunt bikers.
The GR9, (the French Riviera hike path) crosses the Sainte Baume Mountain by Saint Zacharie.

On both main massifs, the Sainte Baume and the Garlaban, two paths are in elaboration as parts of an inscription to the PDIPR (Department Plan of Routes and Walks). Routes appearing on this plan are reserved to pedestrians, horses and touring cyclists. The PDIPR participates to the protection of our heritage and landscapes.

A special map concerning the massif of Garlaban proposes seven hikes, whose length and difficulty are various (from 2 to 9 miles and from 1.30 to 5 hours)
The village of Roquevaire has also edited a map proposing 5 walks from 2 to 4 miles.

The Marcel Pagnol guided tours

Pagnol wrote about his childhood, in the hills between Marseilles, Allauch and Aubagne. In 1995, both communities of Marseilles and Aubagne worked together to mark out a network of paths across the Garlaban massif which links up the sites evoked by Marcel Pagnol in his books and the places where he shot some of his movies: the Pagnol Tracks.
The Tourist office of the Country of Aubagne proposes several ways of guided discovery concerning individuals or groups. (We remind you that during summer, the access to the massif of Garlaban is restricted).
 Departures are made from the park area located at the ‘Raimu’s pit’, in Aubagne.
•    A 6 miles walk (which takes about 3 to 4 hours) passing by the Raimu’s pit, Marcel Pagnol’s grave and ending at the village of la Treille.
•    A 13 miles walk (which takes about 7 to 8 hours), passing by the ‘Manon’s cave’ and the Garlaban top.

For several years, Theatrical Walks, named ‘In Marcel Pagnol’s steps’ are proposed: these are 6 miles guided walks, animated by the Scenes d’Esprit actors company (6 walks are proposed every year, from March to June and in September and in October).
accueil@oti-paysdaubagne.fr


Every Saturday and Wednesday in July and August, from 3 to 6.30 p.m.: a guided bus tour on Marcel Pagnol’s sites is proposed, including the visit of the ‘The Small World of Marcel Pagnol’ and his native home.

Every Friday in July and August, from 8.30 to 12 a.m.: a 2 miles guided walk is proposed.

Please notice that all these tours are only proposed in French language.

The discovery and interpretation of the natural heritage

The discovery by the Sainte Baume massif Eco Museum, in Auriol, or by other associations (Geo2)

These are some examples of the activities proposed by the Sainte Baume massif Eco Museum:
•    Guided visits of the Sainte Baume Massif (several topics are proposed such as geology, history, fauna and flora, ancient jobs…), of the Pivaut ice-house, of the Saint Pilon cave, of the state-owned forest in partnership with the National  Forests Department
•    One or several days-tours for groups
•    One day-tours dealing with the discovery of the massif, for individuals
•    Conferences and projections about the ice-houses, fauna and flora, prehistory of the Sainte Baume Mountain.

Leisure and relaxation in natural areas

The Country of Aubagne offers numerous areas of relaxation, along the Huveaune River, or in forest…

The main sites are:
•    The Huveaune riversides, in Aubagne : picnic areas, games,  paths
•    The natural park of la Coueste, in Aubagne : a more than 3 hectares forest-public park, possibilities of picnic, departure of the track to the 'Languillard plateau' (orientation table, panorama on the Valley of Huveaune)
•    The Jean Moulin Park, in Aubagne : a 10 hectares-park, including a picnic area, paths and playground
•    The Encanaux area, in Auriol: picnic area, sport round and departure of the track to the Infernets cave.
2006 Communication File. Contact: (0)4 42 62 85 49
Fax: (0)4 42 62 85 24. Email: Laurence.Soler@agglo-ghb.com

 
•    The country site by the Huveaune riverside, in Saint-Zacharie : departure of walks
•    The state-owned forest of la Penne sur Huveaune : a 60 hectares-park, sport round
•    Saint Antoine, in Cuges les Pins : departure of the track to the Saint-Antoine chapel

Equestrian free time

Horse has an important place in the Country of Aubagne. It is deeply involved, in usual activities of equestrian clubs, in the development of equestrian tourism, but also in markets or fairs, especially dedicated to horses, and in traditional Provencal celebrations (such as the Saint Eloi 'cavalcades').
The OK Corral amusement park, in Cuges-les-Pins, has led equestrian shows-professionals to create original clubs, proposing various animations dealing with horses.
•    About 10 clubs and equestrian farms offer activities of classical education of equestrian clubs (ponies and horses) in covered carousel for beginners, or jumping. Many of them are also owners’ stables.
•    Some clubs offer equestrian tourism activities (rides around Aubagne, Cuges, or Roquevaire).
•    La Palomanon equestrian club proposes a tourist tour in barouche (for individuals and groups), in and around the village of Saint-Zacharie.
•    Some clubs, in particular in Cuges, offer even more original activities such as stunt flying, Western mounting and animations such as dinners-shows. Some of them also breed livestock, such as Horse Valley in Cuges, which breeds appaloosa and offers Western dressage.

'Journée de l'Ane' in Roquevaire
•    Donkeys Fair
•    Each 1st of May

'Cavalcade et Bénédiction des chevaux' in Saint Zacharie
•    Horses parade and blessing
•    In June

Saint-Eloi Celebrations
They take place between harvest and September.
It is a very living tradition which is celebrated every week-end in July and August, in every village or hamlet.
These are Provencal 'Cavalcades', beautiful parades in traditional clothes, with horses and decorated carts.

- 'La Grande Cavalcade Provençale' in Aubagne
•    A biennal
•    A hundred horses participate to this parade.
•    In August
•    Next edition in August 2006
- 'La Saint Eloi' in the hamlet of Beaudinard (Aubagne)
•    Every year, from the end of July to the beginning of August
•    Many days of celebrations with dances, banquets...
- 'La Saint Eloi' in Auriol
•    Every year, in July
- 'La Saint Eloi' in Cuges les Pins
•    Every year, from the end of July to the beginning of August
- 'La Saint Eloi' in Roquevaire
•    Every year, on the 15th of August
•    Grande Cavalcade
- 'La Saint Eloi' in the hamlet of Lascours (Roquevaire)
•    Every year, last Sunday of August

Fishing in the Huveaune River
The Huveaune River is listed in 1st category from the border of our district to the village of Pont de l’Etoile (Roquevaire) and 2nd category from Pont de l’Etoile to Aubagne.
Trout can be fished there.
Associative structures are in charge of this field, such as The Fishing School of Saint Zacharie and the Aubagne Marseille Fishing association (1.000 cards a year).

Hunting in the massifs
Hunting in the hills is a part of the local traditions of our territory. Just read Pagnol’s books to make sure!
The hunting practice is regulated and possible on some sites and periods. As an example, the massif of Garlaban sees many hunters.