hiking the côte bleue: sleeping at the trailhead
The customs officers' path runs through the village. The house is 300 m from the station: walk out one way, ride the train back the other.
why sleep in niolon when you hike?
The coastline's finest sections start here: La Vesse 5 minutes away, Méjean 4 hours along the customs officers' path, l'Érevine and its islet on the way. The Côte Bleue train turns every hike into a loop: walk to Ensuès or La Redonne, come back by rail.
three days of walking
day 1: warming up
The Niolon fort loop (1 h 30, views over the bay), a swim at the harbour, dinner in the village.
day 2: the customs officers' path
Niolon to Méjean via Figuerolles and l'Érevine. A picnic from the grocery, a swimming stop, the train back from Ensuès-la-Redonne.
day 3: the committed version
Train to La Redonne, then back on foot to Niolon: 7 km, 510 m of climb, exposed sections after l'Érevine. For sure-footed walkers.
the house at the end of the trail
Two bathrooms to take turns in, an equipped kitchen for the evening meal, two terraces to relive the stage at sunset. Beds made on arrival, up to 6 walkers.
See the housepractical questions
What equipment should we bring?
Closed shoes with proper soles, 1.5 to 2 litres of water per person, a hat and sunscreen. The trails are exposed, with little shade.
Can we hike in summer?
Yes, early in the morning. Avoid the hot hours and check access to the massifs on days with fire risk.
How hard are the trails?
Everything exists, from the family-friendly fort loop to the exposed sections after l'Érevine. The local guide's table details durations and levels.