4.5
(362)
2,708
hikers
66
hikes
Hiking around Bassin De Réaltor offers access to an artificial lake spanning approximately 70 hectares, surrounded by diverse landscapes. The region is characterized by trails winding through garrigue and forests, with abundant aquatic vegetation along the lake's edges. Low hills of the Arbois plateau provide varied terrain, making it suitable for different hiking abilities. The northern and eastern banks are publicly accessible, offering extensive exploration opportunities.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
3.0
(4)
10
hikers
10.1km
02:39
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
10
hikers
8.95km
02:23
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2.0
(1)
4
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
5
hikers
8.60km
02:18
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
11.6km
03:09
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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This reservoir was created during the construction of the Marseille canal in the 19th century to supply the city. It is a beautiful nature reserve in the heart of the hills of the Arbois plateau. The site is a very rich ornithological reserve, and you can observe many species such as coots, swans, cormorants and egrets.
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Planted on the banks of the Réaltor basin, these bamboos create a tunnel through which you can speed along. In places, however, the vegetation allows you to glimpse the body of water.
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A small, easily accessible natural setting, surrounded by pretty trails and pleasant tracks, both for walking and mountain biking or gravel bikes. The Réaltor basin offers a beautiful diversity in terms of bird life: coots, grebes, swans, cormorants, egrets... and more during migration periods. Note that the banks on the north-east side (Calas side) are open to the public, but the south-west part (TGV station side), belonging to the Société des Eaux de Marseille, is fenced and inaccessible.
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Very pleasant passages in the forest
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1
Small nature reserve with hiking trail right on the water.
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There are nearly 70 bus station hiking trails available around Bassin De Réaltor, offering a wide range of options for different fitness levels and preferences.
Yes, Bassin De Réaltor offers numerous easy hikes, perfect for beginners or families. These paths often feature moderate elevation changes and are suitable for short excursions. For example, the Under the bamboo – Réaltor Reservoir loop from Domaine de l'Arbois is an easy option, covering about 4.7 km.
The trails around Bassin De Réaltor wind through diverse Provençal landscapes, including garrigue (scrubland) and forests. You'll enjoy scenic views of the basin itself, surrounded by aquatic vegetation and the low hills of the Arbois plateau.
Many of the bus station hikes around Bassin De Réaltor are circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point without needing to retrace your steps. An example is the Réaltor Reservoir – Under the bamboo loop from Domaine du Réaltor.
The area is enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Summer can be warm, so early mornings or late afternoons are ideal. Winter provides a tranquil atmosphere, and the trails remain accessible.
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience around Bassin De Réaltor, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 330 ratings. Hikers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, diverse landscapes, and the accessibility of trails, especially those starting from public transport hubs.
Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in the Bassin De Réaltor area, but it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially due to the presence of wildlife and other hikers. Please be mindful of local regulations and respect the natural environment.
Yes, Bassin De Réaltor is known for its rich biodiversity, particularly its ornithological value. It's an important refuge for various bird species, including Great Bittern and Tufted Duck. You might also spot diverse fish and entomological fauna like dragonflies and damselflies, making it an excellent spot for nature observation.
While many trails are easy to moderate, there are longer options for those seeking more challenge. For instance, the Réaltor Reservoir – Under the bamboo loop from La Duranne is a moderate hike spanning over 11 km, offering a more extended experience.
The main point of interest is the Bassin De Réaltor itself, an artificial lake created in the 19th century as part of the Canal de Marseille. Its northern and eastern banks are open to the public, providing extensive exploration opportunities. For more historical context, you can learn about the reservoir's origins on Wikipedia.
Yes, some routes are specifically designed to be accessible from major transport hubs. The Under the bamboo – Réaltor Reservoir loop from Aix-en-Provence TGV is a moderate 8.9 km hike that starts and ends conveniently at the TGV station.

