Walks and discoveries in the great outdoors

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We present to you the top of Istrean natural spaces for a breath of fresh air. We have selected a few walks and discoveries to do with the family in our beautiful city.

THE PRESERVED COASTLINE OF THE ETANG DE BERRE

Let your gaze slide over the largest inland sea in Europe and its complex history. Walk along the coast from the Romaniquette beach to the Ranquet beach, passing through the Port des Heures Claires and enjoy the unspoilt coves of the Etang de Berre.

Preferred starting point:
- Romaniquette beach
- Belvedere of the Corniche de Suffren

THE OLIVIER POND AND ITS UNUSUAL DISCOVERIES

At the edge of the water, in the middle of the pines strewing the Castellan hill, live dinosaurs. On Dinosaur'Istres, life-size specimens, terrestrial and aquatic, are distributed along a 3km walking path. There are more than 40 of them waiting for visitors, alongside many information panels detailing their customs and characteristics, life in the prehistoric era or the fascinating science of paleontology. Put on your sneakers and come and discover these ancient kings of the Earth on the occasion of a pleasant walk with a breathtaking view of the Olivier pond and its water jet.

Privileged starting point: Art Zoo Istres & shores of the Olivier pond.

THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN, BUCOLIC GARDEN

Not far from there, located near the Saint Sulpice chapel and overlooking the Olivier pond, discover the Mediterranean garden. It presents a hundred varieties of plants and shrubs around the Mediterranean. A driving force behind the 4-flower label for towns and villages in bloom, the garden offers an ideal place for a stroll and a sublime panorama.

Privileged starting point: the Saint-Sulpice chapel.

SAINT-ETIENNE HILL FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE PANORAMA

Do you want to oxygenate yourself and have a unique point of view? Go for a walk on the Saint-Etienne hill, it will offer you an unforgettable view of the city, the ponds of Berre and Olivier. You will even have the luxury of observing the Sainte-Victoire and part of Provence. It houses the two rural chapels: the Saint-Michel chapel and the Saint-Etienne chapel.

Privileged starting point: the car park for hunters at the end of Chemin de Saint-Etienne.

THE OLIVIER PARK, THE WILD NATURE

Located on the outskirts of Istres, the "Parc de l'Olivier", made up of a great diversity of flora and fauna, offers prime terrain for raising awareness of the environment. Take advantage of the relaxation area with shade trees, picnic tables and benches. While strolling, you can observe from March to October, a surprising plant: the horsetail, which is one of the first plants present on earth.

Privileged starting point: directly from the parking lot of the Parc de l'Olivier located on the way around the lake.
Possibility to reach the park from the shores of the Olivier pond.

LAVALDUC

Labeled Remarkable Trees of France, you will be surprised by this oak grove and the particularity of these trees. Covering an area of approximately 1.5 hectares, the oak grove is made up of limestone and sedimentary rocks and rocks, in the middle of which are erected holm oaks, which for the most part have a unique appearance. To get there, take chemin de Lavalduc and park at the Lavalduc leisure centre.

Privileged starting point: car park at the Domaine de Lavalduc (Chemin de Lavalduc at the level of the aqueduct).

THE POND OF ENTRESSEN 

The Entressen pond, with an area of 100 hectares, is located on the edge of the Crau plain. Away from the urbanization, you can admire the magnificent Alpilles in complete serenity. A stone's throw away, by parking near the Tour de la Reine Jeanne, you will cross a magnificent oak grove to head towards the pond.

Starting point: Mas de la Tour, Tour de la Reine Jeanne. Way of the farmhouse of amphoux.
For lovers of long walks or hikes, Istres offers several circuits:

All you have to do is put on your sneakers and take a deep breath!

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