A 58-metre-high red-brick chimney, the Oppidum des Mayans and trails towards Pilon du Roi give Septèmes-Les-Vallons a variety of starting points for a stay. The municipality borders Marseille to the north and lies along the A7 motorway and the N8 national road. Archaeological history, heritage, nature and a municipal goat farm offer different perspectives on the area.
Nature and trails around Septèmes-Les-Vallons
Around 67% of the municipal area consists of natural spaces and natural areas within the urban area; 49.41% is designated as protected woodland. The two figures refer to the municipality as a whole: the first share includes natural spaces and natural areas, while the second figure refers to protected woodland. Together, they give an indication of the importance of these areas to the character of the place.
The municipality is home to the very rare plant Germandrée faux-petit-pin, as well as protected notable trees. Along the Caravelle/Aygalades watercourse, the ecological programme includes a turquoise ecological corridor, the protection of riverside vegetation, the safeguarding of ecological corridors and the restoration of riverbanks. In this way, botanical features and measures for riverbanks and ecological connections represent distinct aspects of local nature.
Several hiking trails start in Septèmes-Les-Vallons and lead into the area around Pilon du Roi. Hiking thus complements visits to heritage sites with an activity connected to a named landscape. If you would like to include both in your stay, you can consider local history and trails into the surrounding area as separate points of interest.
Oppidum, chimney and heritage
The Oppidum des Mayans was built in the last third of the 6th century BC and was used until the middle of the 5th century BC. Its fortified rampart has ten square towers, with an enclosure wall inside. Together, these form a double defensive system considered unique in the south of France. Its design and long history make the oppidum a distinctive archaeological landmark in the area.
The Grande Cheminée du Plomb is a large red-brick chimney structure, 58 metres high. It is visible from almost every point in Septèmes-Les-Vallons. Since 4 October 2024, it has been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. Its height and visibility give the structure a clear place among the local landmarks; its listing adds heritage protection status to its architectural presence.
The Church of Sainte-Anne is also one of the notable heritage sites you can visit in Septèmes-Les-Vallons. The municipal exhibition space, Jardin des Arts, is also located in the Médiathèque Jorgi Reboul. It was an exhibition and meeting space that hosted public talks, acoustic concerts and art workshops connected with the exhibitions. Alongside archaeological and architectural remains, the church and cultural activities therefore offer different aspects of the area to explore.
Chèvrerie communale and local cheese
The Chèvrerie communale is located in the foothills of the Étoile Massif and is a goat farm and educational facility. Visitors can discover the sustainable building at the entrance to the massif. Direct sales are also organised; sales arrangements may vary. If you would like to visit, bear in mind that the sales arrangements may not always be the same.
The facility is associated with Brousse du Rove. This cheese received AOP recognition in May 2020, and the Chèvrerie also has an integrated cheese dairy. Unlike the archaeological and architectural heritage sites, the focus here is on goat farming, education and cheese. You can therefore consider the Chèvrerie a separate point of interest alongside the walking trails and cultural sites.
Discover more destinations: Saintes-Maries-De-La-Mer, La Bouilladisse, Lamanon, Roquefort-La-Bédoule, Gardanne, Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde, Eguilles, Rognes
For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
