Septèmes-Les-Vallons: Culture, Nature and Local Highlights

Septèmes-Les-Vallons brings together a range of interests for a stay: the Oppidum des Mayans as an archaeological heritage site, the Grande Cheminée du Plomb as a distinctive structure, the municipal Chèvrerie with its goat-breeding and educational role, and hiking trails in the area around the Pilon du Roi. This gives you the option to weigh cultural history, agricultural experiences, and hiking separately when planning your trip.

Location and Orientation

Septèmes-Les-Vallons borders Marseille to the north and lies along the A7 motorway and the N8 national road. The large red-brick chimney structure, the Grande Cheminée du Plomb, stands 58 metres high and is visible from almost anywhere in Septèmes-Les-Vallons. Since October 4, 2024, the structure has been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. Its visibility makes it a distinctive landmark within the municipality.

Archaeology and Heritage

A distinctive feature of the Oppidum des Mayans is its double defensive system: a fortified rampart with ten square towers is complemented by an inner enclosure wall. Together, these elements form a double defensive system described as unique in southern France. The oppidum was built in the last third of the 6th century BC and used until the middle of the 5th century BC. Another heritage site is the Church of Sainte-Anne, one of the notable places to visit in Septèmes-Les-Vallons.

The Chèvrerie and Its Cheese

The municipal Chèvrerie is a goat-breeding and educational facility in the foothills of the Étoile massif. Visitors can discover its sustainable building at the entrance to the Étoile massif. Direct sales are organized there; arrangements may vary. The Chèvrerie is associated with Brousse du Rove cheese. The cheese received AOP recognition in May 2020, and the facility includes an integrated cheese dairy. If you also prioritize agricultural education and the connection to cheese, alongside architectural and cultural history, this offers a different focus from the Oppidum or the Grande Cheminée.

Natural Areas and Species

About 67% of the municipal area consists of natural areas and natural enclaves within the urban area; 49.41% is designated as protected woodland. The two percentages describe different aspects: natural areas and natural enclaves on the one hand, and designated protected woodland on the other. The very rare plant Germandrée faux-petit-pin grows in the area; there are also notable protected trees. Thus, alongside the broader natural landscape, there are specific botanical highlights in the local natural environment.

Hiking Trails to the Pilon du Roi

Several hiking trails begin in Septèmes-Les-Vallons and lead into the area around the Pilon du Roi. This offers a different focus from the heritage sites mentioned above: the trails take you into the area around the Pilon du Roi, while the Oppidum, Church of Sainte-Anne, and Grande Cheminée relate to archaeological and architectural themes.

Discover more destinations: Moulès, Fos-Sur-Mer, Martigues, Lançon-de-Provence, Peynier, Fuveau, Maussane Les Alpilles, Le Rove

For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.