Vitrolles: Discover nature, trails and heritage

Vitrolles offers several ways to shape your stay: the plateau and its natural surroundings, trails through the town and along the Étang de Berre, and traces of local history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Vitrolles, first consider whether landscapes and wildlife, outdoor activities or history will be the focus of your trip.

Plateau, birdlife and water

The Plateau de Vitrolles covers almost half the municipality. Its colors range from white limestone to red clay and sandstone. You can walk, ride horses and cycle on the plateau; seasonal access restrictions may apply. You can also observe Mediterranean flora and numerous bird species in their natural habitat. Here, landscapes and nature watching go hand in hand, without limiting your outing to a single activity.

On the Étang de Berre lie Les Salins du Lion, a 53-hectare natural bird sanctuary. You can reach the area on foot from Chemin Saint-Bourdon, where there is also a car park. Local access conditions may change, so it is advisable to check them before your visit. At Lac de la Tuilière, biodiversity can be seen both in and out of the water. It also offers refreshing walks and family fishing. Fishing is subject to the applicable regulations.

Trails and views

The Sentier du littoral de Vitrolles is a developed coastal trail along the Étang de Berre that combines nature experiences with discoveries about local history. The Chemin vert offers a different focus: this route through the town is designed for exploring the area and is suitable for walking, cycling and strollers. A bridge over the Ravin d’Aix completes the Chemin vert as a loop. Motorized traffic and parking are generally prohibited along the trail; certain vehicles are exempt.

Le Rocher adds a geological and scenic highlight. This formation is a butte témoin created by the erosion of the rock face and is nearly 65 million years old. A staircase leads to the summit, where panoramic views open up over the Étang de Berre area and Sainte-Victoire. Local conditions for the climb may change, so check access on site.

History and cultural heritage

On the Plateau de Vitrolles, the Chappe telegraph has been preserved as a historic relic dating from 1821. Another glimpse into the area’s history can be found at Parc du Griffon, where a Gallo-Roman villa dating from the first centuries of our era was discovered. It featured an exceptional heating system and private baths. These details not only help date the site, but also show the distinctive architectural features of its facilities.

In the 1830s, Domaine de Fontblanche was a large agricultural estate; today it is an important cultural venue in Vitrolles. Numerous cultural events are held there every year, and the program varies from year to year. During your stay, this place can therefore offer a different way to explore the town’s history than its geological and archaeological sites.

You can explore Vieux Village independently using a free audio guide. If you’d like to use the audio guide, check whether the app is available, if needed. Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Vie was built around the year 1000, in the early Romanesque period. A staircase carved into the limestone leads to it. Conditions on site may vary; check accessibility before planning your visit.

Associated with the chapel is the annual Notre-Dame-de-Vie pilgrimage. It takes place on the evening of August 14 by torchlight. During the procession, the 17th-century statue is carried from the chapel on the rock down to Saint-Gérard Church. If you’d like to include this event in your trip, check that year’s program and access arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Plan-De-Cuques, Lançon-de-Provence, Lambesc, Senas, Aigues-Mortes, Luynes, Saint-Chamas, Chateaurenard

For the overview of the wider region: Bouches Du Rhone.