A limestone plateau, bird habitats on the Étang de Berre and cultural sites bearing traces of different eras give Vitrolles its varied character. During your stay, you can focus on nature watching, outdoor activities and history according to your interests. The landscape is particularly striking on the Plateau de Vitrolles, which covers nearly half of the municipality. Its colors range from white limestone to red clay and sandstone.

Plateau de Vitrolles: Landscape, Nature and History

Walking, horseback riding and cycling are possible on the plateau; seasonal access restrictions may apply. Take this possibility into account when planning. The plateau also offers specific opportunities for nature watching: Mediterranean flora and numerous bird species can be observed in their natural habitat. If you are interested in the history of technology as well as the landscape, you will also find the Chappe telegraph on the plateau, preserved as a historic relic dating from 1821.

Les Salins du Lion offers a different perspective on nature: this 53-hectare natural bird sanctuary lies on the Étang de Berre. It can be reached on foot from Chemin Saint-Bourdon, where there is also a parking lot. Local access conditions may change, so check them before your visit. The marked Sentier du littoral de Vitrolles combines nature with discoveries about local history along the Étang de Berre.

Trails and Nature by the Water

The Chemin vert is an urban route through Vitrolles for walking and cycling; it is also suitable for strollers. A bridge over the Ravin d’Aix makes the route a loop. Motorized traffic and parking are generally prohibited along the route, with exceptions for certain vehicles. This sets the town-based route apart from the natural areas and trails by the Étang.

At Lac de la Tuilière, biodiversity can be found both in and out of the water. The lake is ideal for refreshing walks and family fishing; anglers must follow the applicable regulations. This combines enjoying nature by the water with an activity for which you should observe local rules.

Cultural Traces and Viewpoints

Le Rocher is a butte témoin, a landform created by the erosion of the rock face, and is nearly 65 million years old. The steps leading to its summit offer panoramic views of the Étang de Berre area and Sainte-Victoire. If local conditions have changed, check access before climbing. The Vieux Village can be explored independently using a free audio guide. If you would like to use it, check its availability in advance.

A Gallo-Roman villa dating from the first centuries of the Common Era was discovered in Parc du Griffon. It had an exceptional heating system and private baths. Domaine de Fontblanche tells another part of the town’s history: in the 1830s, it was a large agricultural estate; today, it is a major cultural venue in Vitrolles. Numerous cultural events are held there every year. For specific dates, check the program for the relevant year, as individual events may vary.

Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Vie and the Pilgrimage

Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Vie was built around the year 1000 in the early Romanesque style. It can be reached via steps carved into the limestone. Here too, if local conditions have changed, it is advisable to check access before climbing. A special tradition is the annual torchlit pilgrimage on the evening of August 14: the 17th-century statue of Notre-Dame-de-Vie is carried from the chapel on the rock down to the Church of Saint-Gérard. The program and access conditions may vary from year to year; check them if you plan to attend the pilgrimage.

Discover more destinations: Maillane, Peyrolles-En-Provence, Plan-De-Cuques, Belcodène, Les Baux-De-Provence, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, Miramas, Beaurecueil.

For the regional travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.