The GR2013 trail that is shaped like a double loop is really worth doing for the diversity of the landscapes it passes through: countryside and housing estates, huts and garrigue, nature reserves and highways, farms and industrial estates, towns and peri-urban landscapes.
Discover the imposing Étoile mountain range and the Garlaban, walk from the vast waters of the Berre to the l’Arbois plateau via Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. The elevation gain of the trail is 2,913 metres and it passes through 39 municipalities from Aubagne to Miramas, with the lowest point being the beaches and the highest the Pic de Bertagne that tops at 877 metres. The best starting point is the TGV train station in Aix-en-Provence, since it links to two loops, otherwise any of the 24 stations along the trail.
The GR2013 is a unique touristic, cultural and artistic project, created as part of the MP2013 European Capital of Culture programme and mapped out over 3 years by a collective of artists, hikers and ramblers alike. This year it is celebrating its tenth anniversary with invitations to gather and celebrate what the author Gary Snyders refers to as “the sense of place” with events organised by the Bouches-du-Rhône department, Provence Tourisme, the Comité Département de la Randonnée Pédestre des Bouches-du-Rhône and the Bureau des guides. This 365 km trail in the shape of the infinity symbol is definitely worth doing with a first loop around the Etang de Berre, joining a second loop around the Étoile and Garlaban mountain range!
Other ideas that may interest you. Beaureceuil in Aix-en-Provence to admire the Sainte-Victoire range landscapes, Lake Zola and the Bibemus marble quarries. The Provencal Colorado, an ochre desert with superb colours and varied plant life. Or why not a walk around Istres to discover the bakns of the beautifully discreet Pamparigouste lagune.
A multitude of not-to-be-missed outings and cultural expeditions and numerous trails to take you to places like no other.
www.myprovence.fr
www.bureaudesguides-gr2013.fr
www.departement13.fr
