Wetlands, prehistoric sites and hiking trails give Châteauneuf-Les-Martigues several distinct points of interest. In the Barlatier-Patafloux area, pine forest and marshland go hand in hand; wetlands shape the natural environment around Étang de Bolmon. Archaeological sites include Abri de la Font-aux-Pigeons and Vallon du Saut. There is a themed route about 500 metres long for walks, while section A05 of the GR2013 offers a different kind of route at 13.3 kilometres. This lets you plan your stay around wildlife observation, prehistory or a longer hike.
Wetlands and Birdlife
Barlatier-Patafloux combines a pine forest with a marshland area. It lies between Étang de Bolmon to the north and farmland to the south. The Étang and the surrounding marshes are designated as a Natura 2000 site. Hundreds of bird species are found in Barlatier-Patafloux, including flamingos, little egrets and herons. A designated path and two observation points allow visitors to explore the area.
The observation points and path provide a clear framework for visiting the wetland. Those particularly interested in birds will find not only the species mentioned above, but also the broader landscape of woodland, marsh and the areas around Étang de Bolmon. This natural side of the area complements its archaeological and cultural themes; it is a distinct focus for planning a trip.
Prehistory and Themed Trails
Abri de la Font-aux-Pigeons was inhabited for more than 5,000 years, from the Mesolithic to the end of the Neolithic. The Sentier de Découverte leads from Font-aux-Pigeons to Puits de Barbe along a route about 500 metres long through the hills of Châteauneuf-Les-Martigues. It follows the historic path from the old village to Puits de Barbe and includes a stop at Grotte du Figuier. The route serves as a basis for guided or educational walks on prehistory, geology, farming and pastoral life, Mediterranean flora and geography.
Prehistoric sites in Vallon du Saut include Grotte du Desbaussadou and Fortin du Saut. The rock faces are suitable for climbing; the circuit in the valley is included in the departmental plan for small hiking trails (PDIPR). The shelter and the sites in the valley offer different ways to explore prehistory: one through a rock shelter inhabited over a long period, and the other through several sites in a valley.
Museum and Local History
At the Musée des Amis de Castrum Vetus, individual visitors can explore the museum without a guide or take a guided tour on request. General, period-based and themed tours are offered. One room is devoted to local geology. The museum is located in the Hôtel particulier of the Seytres-Caumont family, the last lords of Châteauneuf-Les-Martigues.
The Chapelle des Marquis de Seytres Caumont is also part of the area’s history; it dates from the 17th century. A September 2021 municipal agenda describes Chapelle Sainte-Cécile as the oldest religious building in the municipality. The same historical context explains the Trabaques: a lottery introduced in 1763 allocated places for fishing nets on Étang de Bolmon. In September 2021, the municipality noted that the tradition continues, even though fishing in the Étang has been prohibited since 2000.
Hiking Routes and Getting to the GR2013
The route length is a practical distinction when choosing: the Sentier de Découverte is about 500 metres long, while section A05 of the GR2013 from Châteauneuf-Les-Martigues to Martigues is 13.3 kilometres. The starting point for the GR2013 section is at the Rond-point de la Glacière bus stop. Cartreize route 34 from Marseille and route 39 from Aix-en-Provence serve this stop. If you plan to use the bus, check the timetables for these routes before setting off.
Châteauneuf-Les-Martigues therefore offers short themed paths, a longer marked route section, and natural and cultural attractions as distinct options. The specific themes range from birds and wetlands to archaeology, geology and local history.
Discover more destinations: Miramas, Maussane Les Alpilles, Entressen, Beaurecueil, Gémenos, Jouques, Saint-Antonin-Sur-Bayon, Saint-Rémy-De-Provence
See the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
