Top 5 hikes in nature parks
Top 5 hikes in nature parks
Would you like to take a walk through nature and discover some beautiful places in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region? Here are five ideas for hikes in regional nature parks. Enjoy the perfect weekend getaway, family outing or trip with friends.
Route Napoléon at Logis du Pin in La Martre
Difficulty: Very easy
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Distance: 9.6 km
This peaceful round trip takes you through the heart of the Verdon Regional Natural Park along a bucolic trail. You will walk alongside the Taulane golf course before reaching the village of La Martre, which is nestled at an altitude of almost 1,000 metres. Once there, take the time to stroll through the narrow streets and admire the local heritage. Why not stop off at the local bistro, La Merenda, to sample a regional speciality?
📍 Recommended starting point: Tourist Office car park at Logis du Pin, La Martre (83)
They du Mazet in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Distance: 4.7 km
Here, the Camargue reveals itself in all its splendour. This walk takes you through a pristine coastal landscape dotted with "sansouires" (salt marshes typical of the Camargue) and lagoons. Information panels along the route provide insight into this unique environment. Keep your eyes peeled: flamingos, grey herons and other migratory birds can often be seen here.
📍 Recommended starting point: Car park on the edge of Route de la Plage Napoléon, near the Port Saint Louis du Rhône marina (13)
💡 Public transport: Take the ZOU ! line 703 to La Tour (from Arles), bicycles can be taken on board free of charge (booking recommended)
The Aiguille botanical trail in Buis-les-Baronnies
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Distance: 5.9 km
This walk in the Baronnies Provençales offers stunning views of Mont Ventoux. At 1,910 metres high, Mont Ventoux is nicknamed the "Giant of Provence". Set off on a well-marked 5.9 km loop. The trail climbs steadily from the outset, passing on either side of the striking Aiguille rock formation before descending into the picturesque Bourges ravine. The highlight of this hike is the opportunity to walk through landscapes that are typical of the Drôme region. As an added bonus, the view of Buis-les-Baronnies, nestled in a mountainous valley, is simply magical.
📍 Recommended starting point: Quai de l'Ouvèze car park in Buis-les-Baronnies (26)
The peaks of Mont Ventoux in Bédoin
Difficulty: Medium
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Distance: 12.2 km
This high-altitude hike takes you to discover both sides of Mont Ventoux. The trail from the Reynard chalet climbs steeply from the outset, but you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views. En route, you will encounter flora typical of mid-mountain ranges, and with a bit of luck you may catch sight of chamois or birds of prey in flight.
📍 Recommended starting point: Reynard Chalet car park in Bédoin (84)
On the peaks of the Alpilles in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Distance: 16.5 km
This hike offers panoramic views of Provence. Starting from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, follow the well-marked 16.5 km route. Although the elevation gain is quite significant (+453 m), the trail climbs gradually. You will pass near Lake Peiroou, then follow the ridges, enjoying breathtaking views of Les Baux-de-Provence, olive groves, and the surrounding hills.
📍 Recommended starting point: Parking des Antiques, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (13)
💡 Transport: Take the ZOU ! bus line 707 (operating from 5 June to 31 August), Glanum site stop