What if I told you this Traverse de la Croix offers more than just a route? It is a portal to panoramic views and historical trails. Traverse de la Croix is located in Marseille. More precisely, it is in the 14th Arrondissement.
This area is easily accessible by public transport. Several bus and metro lines serve it. You can take bus lines 27, 31, 33, 53 or 38 to get here. The C2 train line also stops nearby. If you prefer the metro, lines M1 and M2 are your options.
Forge Dolet is the nearest bus stop. It is just a two-minute walk away. Ansaldi La Javie is another option. It’s about a six-minute walk.
For train travelers, Gare De St-Joseph-Le-Castellas is the closest station. The walk from there is around 15 minutes. If you are coming by metro, Malpassé station is a 23-minute walk.
Now that you have arrived at Traverse de la Croix, let’s talk about the hiking trails nearby. They offer breathtaking views of Marseille and the Huveaune valley. One popular hike starts at La Barasse. This trail is considered easy and suitable for all skill levels.
The hike lets you discover an area rich in human history. You will see valleys once cultivated in terraces. Plus, you can enjoy the Huveaune valley. It connects Marseille to its hinterland. Autumn is a particularly good time to hike here. This is when the heather blooms and the arbutus trees are full of flowers and fruit.
The starting point for the hike is accessible by public transport. You have two options from the metro. You can go to La Timone station on Line 1. Then take bus RTM 40 towards La Solitude. Get off at Lycée Camille Jullian. Alternatively, go to Ste-Marguerite Dromel station on Line 2. Take bus RTM 15 or 15S towards La Valentelle or Les Escourtines. Again, get off at Lycée Camille Jullian. From there, walk about 400 meters up Vallon Chaumery to reach the trailhead.
Along the way, you will find several points of interest. These include Parking La Barasse and Parking Vallon Chaumery. There is also a path leading to the Croix de St Marcel. After about one kilometer of walking, you’ll arrive at the Croix de St Marcel. This spot provides stunning views of the Huveaune valley. Continue along the path to the old fence of the Domaine de la Forbine. You can leave the Domaine de la Forbine through an opening in the fence. Follow the blue markings. Before reaching the Col de Galvaudan, you’ll get an exceptional view of Marseille and the Côte Bleue.
At the pass, the path joins a DFCI track near cistern number 444. Descend towards the Vallon de la Vigie on your right. The path is marked in yellow. It descends through a landscape of heather. This flowers in late October and early November. Follow the path until it crosses a track. Continue straight ahead. After a few meters, you’ll face the Chaîne de l’Étoile. You can see the village of Allauch with its Notre Dame du Château church.
After 200 meters, leave the wide path before a bend to the right. Descend a path that follows the bottom of the Vallon de la Vigie. Follow the yellow markings. This pleasant route passes through a undergrowth of Kermes oaks and green oaks. Also, there are ash and pine trees. The vegetation has reclaimed old terraces. When you reach the first houses, follow the path along the fences. Arriving on Boulevard de la Forbine, go down it. Pass the Trúc Lâm pagoda. Leave this road near parking and cistern number 407. Take the path to the right. It crosses the Domaine de la Forbine again. You are now on the way back. A little further on is a beautiful view of the old Forbine enclosure. Plus, there is the oppidum of Baou de St Marcel. Continue to the parking of Vallon de Chaumery. Take the Chemin de la Maque. A few meters later, you will return to the parking of la Barasse.
So, as you stand here on Traverse de la Croix, remember it’s more than just a street. It is a gateway to exploring the natural beauty and rich history of Marseille.