Suspended between the sky and the sea, Le Candélon stands as a symbol of rock climbing in the Calanques. It is a truly unique place. I am excited to share its story with you today.
Le Candélon is a small needle-like peak opposite the Pointe de la Grande Candelle. Its name in the Occitan language is Lo Candelon. The Arête de Marseille on La Candelle is a classic route.
Now look up at the imposing rock formation of La Candelle. Imagine daring climbers scaling its heights. The first ascent of the Arête de Marseille was in 1927. J. Laurent H. e M. Paillon and E. Wyss were the brave pioneers.
Gianni Lanza a mountain guide describes the route. It faces west and stretches 190 meters. The climb is rated at a difficulty of 6a. This makes it a challenging but rewarding experience for climbers.
Getting to the base of La Candelle requires a bit of a trek. From Marseille you’ll head east toward Cassis. You’ll reach the university at Luminy. From there you walk along a dirt track. This leads towards Col de Sugiton and then Candelle.
The path turns left along the GR track. After a few hairpin bends it goes downhill. This leads to the couloir de Candellon. You will scramble up this steep rocky section. Just below the ridge’s base exit right. This leads to the notch between the first tower and the ridge. This initial hike takes about one hour and fifteen minutes.
The Arête de Marseille route involves seven pitches or sections. The first pitch is rated 6a and is 30 meters long. Climbers often find it very polished due to frequent ascents. The second pitch is 30 meters at 5b. It features an impressive gap called Le Saut de l’Ange the Angel’s Leap.
The third pitch is 30 meters at 4c. It follows the ridge. Pitches four five and six are 30 30 and 10 meters. These are rated 5a. The final pitch is a short vertical face at 2a and 30 meters.
After reaching the summit climbers move east. They go about 50 meters to a belay and abseil chain. A 30-meter abseil onto the north face is required. This leads to a path. The path descends to Col de Sugiton.
Hiking the Couloir du Candelon provides another perspective. It leads to the Col de la Candelle. Starting from the parking area of the Domaine de Luminy the trail heads to the Col de Sugiton. It passes the Crêt de Saint-Michel and Aiguille de Sugiton. The landscape opens onto the bay of Morgiou.
The descent continues along a path. This path is supported by stone walls. A trail goes up to the east. This rejoins the couloir du Candelon. The climb through the rocky couloir requires scrambling. It leads to a chain-assisted section. This chain helps climbers traverse a gap above a void. This route emerges onto the rocky dalles of the Col de la Candelle.
From the Col de la Candelle trails lead down to the Col de Sugiton. Hikers can return to the starting point via the Sentier des Treize Contours. This provides panoramic views of the Calanques.
Le Candélon and La Candelle offer outdoor adventures. These range from challenging climbs to scenic hikes. They invite you to experience the beauty of the Calanques. They also invite you to appreciate the spirit of adventure.