Simiane-Collongue: Nature, Hiking and Heritage

Simiane-Collongue lies at an altitude of 235 metres in a valley on the northern slope of the Chaîne de l’Etoile. Forests cover about two thirds of the municipality, which has an area of 2,400 hectares. The vegetation also gives the area a distinctly Provençal character: its landscapes are typical of Mediterranean habitats and include garrigue with kermes oaks, holm oaks, Aleppo pines and dry grasslands. Ecological zones and protected-area designations such as Natura 2000, ZNIEFF and ENS are also found in the area.

Forest Trails and Hikes

There are numerous hiking trails in the municipal forest; walkers can fill up with drinking water at the Venel spring. The Boucle de l’Horloge is an easy circular walk that takes 20 minutes. The Simiane-Collongue / Mimet – Pilon du Roy & Baou Trauqua hike takes 2.5 hours, is moderately difficult and begins with a challenging ascent. The hike at Col des Ouides takes four hours and is also moderately difficult; the pass is reached by a fairly steep climb, and the route offers lovely panoramic views. The Balade dans le Canyon Provençal starts at the Simiane-Collongue Tourist Office and is done on foot.

These options range from a short, easy loop to two longer, moderately difficult hikes with different time commitments and ascents. Choosing your hike based on this comparison makes it easy to gauge the time required: 20 minutes compared with 2.5 or four hours. Check current trail conditions before setting out on a particular hike.

Tower, Château and Village Life

The Tour de l’Horloge, also known as the Tour Sarrasine, stands on a rocky outcrop and is a surviving remnant of the former fortress of the Lords of Collongue. The viewpoint at the tower overlooks the village, the entire valley, the Terril and Saint Victoire. The Château de Simiane was built at the end of the 18th century to replace the former Château de Collongue. It is considered the last example of an Ancien Régime bastide built in Provence. The tower and château offer insight into two distinct historical periods: the former fortress and the later bastide.

The Cours des Héros hosts a market and other events throughout the year; pétanque is still played there, too. If you are travelling for a specific event, check the date in advance, as event schedules may change.

Ferme des Marres and the Benedictine Community

The Ferme des Marres is open to the public year-round without a reservation. There you can see farm animals, including cows, sheep, ponies, goats, donkeys and chickens. You can also walk along the paths around the grounds. Check the current visitor arrangements before your visit.

The Benedictine community of the sisters and brothers of Simiane offers a place for silence, prayer and retreat. An exhibition of work from the community’s workshops is on view: alongside artistic weaving, batik and terracotta, it includes glasswork, mosaics, lamps and enamelled pieces. Check the current arrangements before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Plan-D'orgon, Cornillon-Confoux, Salon-De-Provence, Paluds De Noves, Vauvenargues, Rousset, La Roque-D'anthéron, Puyricard.

For the wider travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.