La Ciotat and Cap Canaille

Hike exploring the sights and features of Cape Canaille.

Technical sheet

4098766
A La Ciotat walk posted on 05/05/14 by LB_Neil. Last update : 12/10/16
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.33 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 4h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 455 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 462 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 330 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 m
  • ⚐
    District: La Ciotat (13600)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.167909° / E 5.602219°

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Description

(1) From the end of Avenue du Mugel, head in the direction of Figuerolles cove by Avenue des Myrtilles or Avenue de Figuerolles. Arriving in the car park of the cove, head down the large stony stairs. The cove is dominated by spectacular, wild, ochre-colour conglomerate cliffs.

(2) Head back up the stairs and follow Avenue de Figuerolles. Pass in front of the houses to reach a major intersection. Turn left into the Chemin de Notre-Dame de la Garde following the yellow line.
After a steady climb, turn left towards the Notre-Dame de la Garde chapel via the side road that runs along the houses.

(3) The chapel is built against a rocky conglomerate mound which can be climbed following a route carved into the rock by taking the path on the right. There is a very nice view of the Trois Secs to one side, and the beginning of the Soubeyranes Cliffs to the other. Head back to the start of the path at the chapel and turn left onto a trail that cuts through fields to reach a beautiful building,

(4) This is the former home of Michel Simon. Reach Chemin du Sémaphone after the entry gate to the property and turn left. Continue to follow the yellow signs. A long steady climb leads to the last houses, then continue to the right on a small paved road that turns into rocky path through scrubland to the semaphore tower of Bec de l'Aigle, which offers a magnificent view of the sea and La Ciotat. From this point it is possible to head back and forth to the highest point of the cliffs at 394 m, allow for an additional hour.

(5) Follow the access road to the semaphore tower or the path below right, then from right towards La Grande Tête following the sign in the direction of La Ciotat via the Sainte-Croix chapel.
Follow the yellow-marked path that leads back to La Ciotat via the ridge overlooking the town and bay.

(6) Arriving at the port, continue to the right towards the shipyards and Mugel park (along the yards). Near the car park, take the small road down to the beach and Parc du Mugel.

(7) The park is free to enter. L'Anse du Sec is accessible by a path that heads south-east. The park’s viewpoint, which is well signposted, is accessible by a rough stony staircase; located 82 m above sea level, it offers impressive views of the sea and the cliffsides of the Bec de l'Aigle. Head out of the park and continue straight ahead along Avenue Mugel to return to the start.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 25 m
  2. 1 : km 0.42 - alt. 31 m - Start
  3. 2 : km 0.6 - alt. 7 m - Figuerolles cove
  4. 3 : km 1.93 - alt. 92 m - Notre-Dame de la Garde chapel
  5. 4 : km 2.62 - alt. 84 m - The home of Michel Simon
  6. 5 : km 4.97 - alt. 310 m - Bec de l’Aigle semaphore tower.
  7. 6 : km 8.66 - alt. 0 m - Harbour.
  8. 7 : km 9.83 - alt. 8 m - Mugel Park
  9. S/E : km 11.33 - alt. 25 m

Useful Information

Mugel car park is a paying car park all year round, in off-peak periods it is possible to park for free in the Avenue du Mugel or nearby.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.

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