The coastal path from Port de la Madrague to Bandol

Description

Starting from the Calanque of Port d’Alon, this sportive path is drawn at the top of the coastal cliffs and overhangs the shore until the Pointe Fauconnière.
Go exploring the preserved nature, beautiful landscapes and confidential coves.

The start of this sporty hike, rich in sublime scenery and views, is at the end of the Madrague harbour.

Take the stairs and follow the small passage on the right, between the houses.
Descend to Plage de la Reinette and continue along the shore. After Plage de la Reinette, observe the petrifying spring with its travertine formation, a rare geological curiosity.

Caution: slippery stretch along Plage de la Reinette.

At the junction of the Pointe Grenier Heritage Trail and the Coastal Trail, a wooden sign informs you that you are beginning the Coastal Trail.

Take the uphill walk to the left and follow the yellow markings.
(This part is a challenging climb).

After climbing all the steps, cross a tarmac road and take the 2nd staircase with wooden sleepers.
This sporty section towards Pointe Fauconnière continues uphill, after a few bends, always following the yellow markings.

Continue uphill on a steep, dirt path (Caution: can be slippery in wet weather).

At the high point, enjoy a fine view of the surrounding hills, pine forests and the Sainte Baume massif in the background.

Then a little further on. On the left, a panorama of vineyards and the Port d'Alon seafront (Pointe des Termes and Baie de la Moutte); on the right, a view of the village of Saint Cyr, the Madrague district and Baie des Lecques.

Descend towards Pointe Fauconnière and the sea on a stony path. You'll enjoy a fine view of Cap Sicié and the Port d'Alon estate, and a fine view of Baie des Lecques, Bec de l'aigle and Pointe Grenier.

Caution: do not follow the blue markers to the right!

After an hour's walk, you've reached Pointe Fauconnière! A superb view of the Sainte Baume massif and Pointe Grenier awaits you.

Below the viewpoint, carefully descend to the left after the pointe (keep following the yellow markings) and continue along the coastal path to the Calanque de Port d'Alon.

Caution / Danger: Do not head for Pointe Grenier as the path is definitively closed due to rockfall and cliff instability.

This steep, stony section of path offers a succession of beautiful views and enchanting landscapes.

Pass the villas and private estate of Port d'Alon. Pass the esplanade and finally the calanque du Défens. This impressive stretch offers a magnificent opportunity to appreciate the shades of blue in the sea.

After the second esplanade, a sign indicates the junction with the "sentier du Défens", which passes through the pine forest, set back from the coast.

After a 10-minute walk, you'll come to the Jeoffrey cove - signpost N°15 to the Port d'Alon cove.

At the calanque de Port d'Alon, with its majestic pine trees, enjoy a swim or a break in the shade before continuing on to Bandol. Water and toilets are available in season.

Take the rocky path on the left of the Calanque de Port d'Alon.

On the way, you'll see the Rocher de la Galère, also known as Le Sous-Marin (access to the cove is prohibited by decree N°2001-05-777).
As far as Pointe des Engraviers, take advantage of the shady passages formed by the Mediterranean pine forests shaped by the wind, and the views over Ile Rousse and the Embiez archipelago. Continue to Plage des Engraviers, then cross the Athéna residence.
Follow the signs to the Capélan peninsula. Follow the coastline, then take the road leading to Plage de Renecros in Bandol.

Tip: If you do the whole trail, take the 880 bus from Bandol to Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer (Casino stop at the end of Bandol harbor). Please note that the nearest bus stop to La Madrague (where the trail starts in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer) is the Le viguier stop on avenue de Tauroentum (about 2 km further on foot).

From Bandol, you can also consider a return trip by train. Timetables are available on the https://www.sncf-connect.com/ application (the full name of the station is Saint-Cyr / Les Lecques / La Cadière).

Location