Was Dominique Piazza dreaming of postcards when he named this point? Maybe not. But his legacy is etched in this modest rock. Here we are at Pointe Piazza. It is more than just a landmark. It is a tribute to a visionary.
Dominique Piazza was not just any name. He was the first president of the Excursionnistes Marseillais. This hiking and climbing association shaped Marseille’s exploration. Along with Paul Ruat, Piazza founded the society in 1897. His contribution extended beyond leadership. He invented the photographic postcard. Imagine Marseille spreading across the world one card at a time.
The Excursionnistes Marseillais had a tradition. They honored active members. They named prominent sites after them. These sites included mountain passes, peaks, and trails. Pointe Piazza became Dominique Piazza’s namesake. It immortalized his dedication to the association.
Pointe Piazza itself is humble. It is a small candle-shaped rock. Its altitude reaches 224 meters. It sits on the ridge. This ridge separates the high Vallon de Callelongue. It also separates the western slopes of Béouveyre. The Pointe Piazza is visible from the Route des Goudes. You can see it near the Calanque des Trous.
Reaching Pointe Piazza requires a journey. Hikers take trail 5 marked in yellow. This trail passes through the Vallon de l’Agneau. It goes near the western face of the rock. This face is the only interesting climbing route. The other faces are too easy for a challenge.
This area is part of a larger hiking circuit. Pointe Piazza is near other peaks. These include Pic de la Famille at 288m. There is also Tête du Miougranier at 276m. And Tête de la Mounine at 384m. The loop through Marseilleveyre at 433m offers a strenuous hike. It has a total elevation gain of 1250m. The hike takes about 7.5 hours.
The path to Pointe Piazza involves some scrambling. There are small climbs and descents. Some sections can feel exposed. Unstable scree fields add to the difficulty. Good physical condition is necessary. Hiking poles are recommended for stability.
To get to the trailhead begin in Marseille. Head to the 8th arrondissement. Then follow Avenue de la Madrague de Montredon. Continue on the small road along the coast. This leads to the port village of Les Goudes. Park on the left side of the road. Do not obstruct traffic at the entrance of the village.
From the parking spot follow the main road. Walk about 200 meters toward Marseille. Look for trail number 5 on the right. It is marked in yellow and opposite the Calanque des Trous. Follow the trail uphill. It intersects with the G.R51-98. Continue the ascent.
At about 200 meters altitude find the northeast face of Pointe Piazza. Leave the yellow trail. Turn right toward the summit. The climb is fun and optional. It offers great views. The climbing is easy but exposed. Stay focused.
From the summit the view is clear. You can see the sea and Île Maïre. Cap Croisette is also visible. The village of Les Goudes lies below. To the northeast is Pic de la Famille.
After enjoying the view descend carefully. Rejoin the yellow trail. Follow it to the south base of Pic de la Famille. Ascend to its summit at 288m. The view is similar to Pointe Piazza. But it also includes the northeast face of Pointe Piazza.
Dominique Piazza’s spirit lives on here. It lives on in every step taken on these trails. His invention the postcard captured moments. Now Pointe Piazza captures our imagination. It reminds us of the man. The man who connected Marseille to the world. One picture at a time.