A journey through a thousand years of history and the landscapes of La Roque-d'Anthéron.
This loop connects the iconic landmarks and natural trails of La Roque-d'Anthéron, blending Cistercian heritage, Provençal ridges, and historic waterways.
- Start: The route starts in front of the Abbaye de Silvacane, a gem of Cistercian architecture founded nearly a thousand years ago in the 12th century.
- The Chaîne des Côtes Ridges: The trail quickly climbs up to the heights of the Chaîne des Côtes. On a clear day, the ridgeline offers an exceptional 360-degree panorama of Provence's most famous massifs: the Alpilles, Sainte-Victoire, the Luberon, and Mont Ventoux.
- Chapelle Sainte-Anne de Goiron & War Memorial: Continuing along the ridge, the route reaches the historic Chapelle Sainte-Anne de Goiron, nestled just below the Sainte-Anne war memorial, erected in tribute to the French Resistance fighters who fell on this hill during World War II.
- The Heart of the Village: The descent then drops into the center of La Roque-d'Anthéron, passing in front of the Town Hall (Mairie) and the Parc du Château de Florans, world-famous for hosting the International Piano Festival every summer.
- The Durance River & Canal de Marseille: The final section follows the greenway (voie verte) running alongside the Durance River before climbing up to join and cross the Canal de Marseille, leading runners back to their starting point at the Abbaye de Silvacane.
Start & Finish Guidelines: Both the start and finish take place at the exact main entrance gate (or official sign) of the Abbaye de Silvacane. All trails and paths used are public and accessible year-round, subject to seasonal summer wildfire access restrictions in the Bouches-du-Rhône department.
