Belcodène brings together opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, a distinctive forest landscape, horse-riding activities and local traditions. The commune lies in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, at the gateway to the Sainte-Baume Massif. It is surrounded by mountain ranges with pine and oak forests; the area around Belcodène also offers panoramic views. The Sainte-Baume Massif defines the wider regional setting, while the forests shape the landscape closer to the village. When planning a trip, you can therefore consider both outdoor activities and recurring events and traces of history.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

In Belcodène, you can go hiking and mountain biking. The Trail des Castellas covers a 17-kilometre route with 430 metres of elevation gain. The GR de Pays “Sentier Provence d’énergies” passes through Belcodène and is a marked hiking trail with a total length of 120 kilometres. The two offer different scales: the trail has a specified distance and elevation gain, while the GR de Pays can be understood in terms of its total length and marked route through the commune. When choosing a route, you can therefore decide between a single named trail and a longer route that forms part of a wider network. Mountain biking adds another outdoor activity to the hiking options.

Horse-Riding Activities

The Horse Amazone Ranch offers private or group riding lessons. For adults, the ranch offers rides and trail rides by prior reservation. Activities involving ponies can be arranged for children. The options vary by format and intended audience: lessons are available privately or in groups, while rides are for adults and require a reservation. Pony activities are a separate option for children. You can therefore decide before planning whether lessons, a reserved ride or a children’s activity is the main priority.

Traditions and Events

The calendar also offers specific points of reference. The Roumavage is celebrated on Easter Monday around the Chapelle de l’Ermitage. The Trail des Castellas takes place each spring in Belcodène. The timing differs: the Roumavage is tied to a specific public holiday, while the trail takes place in spring. When planning your trip, you can decide whether Easter Monday or the spring event is more important. If an event is a deciding factor for your trip, check the specific dates in advance.

Traces of History

The former underground mushroom farms of Belcodène preserve rails, galleries and extraction areas. These surviving features point to earlier industrial use and add another dimension to the local history alongside nature and outdoor activities. Remains of Agache and Tonneau are also still visible in Belcodène. The area therefore has several kinds of historical traces: the underground mushroom farms and their industrial heritage, and the archaeological remains of Agache and Tonneau.

Discover more destinations: Peyrolles-En-Provence, Marignane, Vitrolles, La Penne-Sur-Huveaune, Istres, Gréasque, Rognonas, Moulès

For the wider travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.