Vitrolles
Lying on the eastern shore of the Etang de Berre, just a stone’s throw from Marseilles-Marignane airport and in the middle of the Salon, Aix, Marseilles triangle, Vitrolles is, without a doubt, ideally situated at the crossroads of several major thoroughfares circulation.
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Urban development has taken place rapidly in Vitrolles, with rather unattractive modern buildings in the centre and more residential areas on the periphery
but is of little interest to the tourist…
Old Vitrolles is a little breath of Provençal air above modern-day Vitrolles. Renovated and restored with great care, you will enjoy walking through the little mediaeval lanes. Originally, the village was surrounded by ramparts and traces of these can still be seen today. Right at the top you will see the 30-metre-high rock towering above the village and, at the summit, a Romanesque chapel and defensive tower which dates from the 10th-11th century.
At the foot of the rock, the village lies peacefully like the backdrop of a Provençal crib scene: winding cobbled streets, rows of narrow cottages, flower-bedecked windows - all the elements of an authentic Provençal village. A circular walk with numbered markers takes you on a tour of the village’s historic heritage. The tour is most interesting - it is only short, since it is concentrated in just a few lanes, and includes around thirty numbered buildings.
Vitrolles is bordered to the west by the Etang de Berre (the largest salt lake in Europe) where you will find an artificial beach (Plage des Marettes) and can enjoy sunbathing, games on the beach and swimming (check the quality of the water).
Not far away is the bird reserve of Les Salins du Lion which is home to numerous species of birds, including some pink flamingos.
You can also explore the countryside of the Arbois Plateau, a large natural plateau between Aix and Vitrolles, which is laid out with footpaths and mountain bike trails. South of the town is the Parc Griffon, 2,000 m2 of parkland laid out for recreation - with picnic sites, children’s playgrounds and sports facilities. There is a pleasant walk to the Infernet-Cadière spring (upstream from the Parc Griffon) and to the little Lac de la Tuilière where you will encounter people fishing and pensioners enjoying a gentle stroll or sitting on a bench, chatting about the good old days…
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