Gréasque: Mining History and Forest Trails

Discover Gréasque through its mining heritage and the trails described here. The Musée de la Mine displays structural remains, tools and a reconstructed gallery. Outdoors, the focus is on a variety of routes: the Sentier de la Mine has a specified distance, duration and difficulty level, while the Parcours VTT offers several distance options. You can therefore shape your stay around the museum, the historic landscape or outdoor activities.

The Musée de la Mine

The Musée de la Mine de Gréasque showcases significant remains from its years of operation, from 1919 to 1962. These include the headframe of the former shaft and the engine house; both are classified as historic industrial monuments. The museum also displays numerous vehicles and tools from the last mines, as well as a gallery reconstructed at ground level. The museum brings together structural relics, exhibits and the reconstructed gallery.

Self-guided visits are available without a reservation; you can use a smartphone, an audio guide or printed materials. The visit takes about one hour to one hour and 15 minutes. Check the visiting arrangements before you travel if you want to schedule time at the museum.

Trails through the forest and mining landscape

The Sentier de la Mine starts at the Musée de la Mine car park in Gréasque and passes through former mining sites now covered by forest. The route is 13.6 kilometres long, takes four hours, is rated moderate and is marked in blue. Its stated distance, duration and difficulty level give you a concrete basis for deciding whether this route suits your stay.

The municipal forests along the Parcours du pôle historique minier lie over the remains of Europe’s oldest mining settlement. They are suitable for walking, mountain biking and horse riding. Here, the historical connection goes hand in hand with time spent in the forest landscape; the activities mentioned offer different ways to experience the area.

The Parcours VTT runs through a forest made up mainly of pines and holm oaks. Its route options range from 2.6 to 9 kilometres; the trail is accessible on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. In terms of distance, these options are shorter than the 13.6-kilometre Sentier de la Mine. The stated distances help you distinguish between the routes without treating them as the same trail.

The Parcours VTT is open to the public year-round, except when access is restricted due to wildfire risk. Before setting out, check whether any such restrictions are in effect. The route also includes the Tombereau site, with a retention basin on the stream and a picnic area. The Ronde des mineurs running race is held on the route each year; check the dates in advance if you want to plan around the race.

A former transport route

Transport history is also part of Gréasque’s mining context. The former station on the Gardanne–Aubagne line served rail traffic carrying coal and passengers to Aubagne, Marseille, Gardanne and Aix. Alongside the museum and trails, this historic transport connection offers another perspective on the area.

Discover more destinations: Allauch, Beaurecueil, Saint-Mitre-Les-Remparts, Port-Saint-Louis-Du-Rhône, Mimet, La Destrousse, Saintes-Maries-De-La-Mer, Ceyreste.

See the regional travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.