Exploring Nature’s Healing Power: How Hiking in Marseille Becomes Therapeutic

The Many Benefits of Hiking [2/4] Whether in the mountains or along the coast, to rediscover plants, animals, or oneself, hiking serves as a boundless tool for empowerment and reconnection with the living world.

Cassis (Bouches-du-Rhône), reportage

Here, there’s no need to climb for hours to see the breathtaking views. From the lookout at the start of the trail, while some apply sunscreen, others enjoy the view of Cassis Bay. Below, from the cliffs, the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean stretch out, bordered by the beaches of Cassis and the rugged reliefs of the calanques of Port-Miou and Port-Pin in the distance.

« It’s going to be even more beautiful later on », promises Alexandra, a community health trainer and founder. Since 2022, this project offers socially isolated individuals, those living with psychological disorders — such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder — or those who simply prefer group walks over solo treks, the opportunity to hike the calanques four to six times a month.

The program is based on the belief that nature and adventure can help people reconnect with others. This winter, a snowshoeing trip was also organized near Gap (Hautes-Alpes).

This mid-June Saturday, about fifteen hikers have gathered, each paying an entry fee of 3 euros — those unable to pay are not required to do so. The 5 km hike will have “ups and downs, it’ll be a bit like a rollercoaster and it’s going to be hot,” warns Jean-Claude, a member of the French Alpine Club, who leads the outing.

Before setting off, Mathieu, a specialized educator and sociologist, member of the association, invites everyone to pick a card from a set offered to express their feelings. « Today, we consider what capabilities we have developed with Exploring the Calanques and what capabilities we would like to strengthen further » he explains.

Given the theme, each hiker finds a partner and sets off. Most are familiar faces, like Christophe who has been attending almost every session since February. Suffering from depression for two years, his psychiatrist recommended joining Exploring the Calanques. « Before, I was very athletic, I used to climb and hike alone, but since my depression, planning a route and preparing my backpack… All of that seemed unbearable until I came here », shares the 39-year-old man.

Since he stopped working, he lives “like a hermit, except when [he’s] with [his] kids.” These hikes are one of the few times he socializes, and they greatly benefit him: « It helps me regain confidence in myself. Last time, I brought my kids along, my eldest, eight, loved it. Little by little, I’m starting to hike with them again. »

After a few minutes among the pines and junipers, the group takes its first break at Cape Canaille, “one of the highest cliffs in Europe!” points out Jean-Claude, as he looks down at the Mediterranean Sea from nearly 400 meters above. The sun is getting stronger. After some photos, it’s time to continue and the first climb begins. Everyone encourages each other, patiently; here, it’s not about who can go the fastest.

Arthur, an ex-military man at 35, who now suffers from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder resulting in social phobia, finds these hikes also provide an opportunity to socialize. « People are kind, there’s no judgment. It has helped me come out of my shell; coming here is part of my healing process », he smiles.

The group’s tolerance is also what appeals to Maria, who handles the climbs well despite her heavy backpack. When she moved to Marseille after a breakup and without a job, she quickly joined hiking clubs. « But each time, people would ask about my job and I could feel their discomfort when I told them, which felt excluding », she recalls.

« These outings give me tremendous confidence because here, we’re not reduced to our role as patients, says Maria, who also lives with a stress disorder. Instead, we are empowered: we are taught skills and knowledge that we can then share with others. We become proactive. »

Breaking isolation, regaining self-confidence, taking initiatives, and thus re-engaging in activities like job searching… that’s the whole aim of Exploring the Calanques. The project is inspired by the psychosocial intervention through nature and adventure, a concept developed in Quebec in the 2000s. This approach allows individuals to actively engage in learning or changes through adventure activities conducted in groups in nature.

« Walking in nature takes people out of their comfort zones and pushes them to excel while developing new skills that they can later apply in their everyday lives », explains Mathieu. « While many initially fear they aren’t fit enough, they often realize by the end that they are capable of much more than they imagined. In this adventure context, cooperation is essential, encouraging work on one’s relationship with others. »

Exploring the Calanques also has an ecological dimension. Beyond stepping out of urban environments and admiring the beauty of the landscape, « the idea is to see nature as a space that fosters connections with other beings, whether it’s the birds we listen to, the trees we touch, or the distant sea we see. It’s an opportunity to forge new ties with both our social and natural environments », adds Mathieu.

Murielle holds a sprig of rosemary in her hand. This connection to nature is vital for her. « Here, I focus on physical sensations like touching the ground, smelling the scents of the scrubland, listening to the noise of the waves… It’s a way to center myself rather than spiraling back into my anxiety », she says softly.

Setting out alone into nature can also be daunting. Bechir and his wife Samia, along with their children, prefer organized group hikes. « When you’re unfamiliar with the area, with five kids, you don’t just go for it. Plus, having a guide is reassuring », Bechir, a member of the collective aid network of Marseille’s 3rd district, considers.

Fred was also looking for a hiking group because « on my own, I was just going in circles ». At 59, the unemployed actor has been participating in the outings since late March. « What I like here is that everyone has their issues, but there’s no judgment, we’re more honest, it allows for more freedom », he says. Earlier in the climb, he thought he wouldn’t make it. « I wanted to stop, but they supported me, and now, I feel like I’ve accomplished something. I’ve fulfilled my part of the deal », he says.

Like Fred, more and more people are joining Exploring the Calanques. « This year, already 120 people have participated, totaling 335 attendances, because people come back. And we’ve only done half of the 40 days planned until the end of 2025. Altogether, since 2022, it’s been an exponential growth, with over 1,300 participations in almost 100 days of activities », Mathieu notes.

Despite its success, the future of the project is uncertain due to financial challenges. « We’ve had cuts in funding. The hikes will continue until the end of the year at least, we’re doing everything to find a viable model, but the situation is complicated, we need support », Mathieu says. The real cost estimated for a day of hiking is 1,200 euros, which covers the preparation and organization time of the two guides. To ensure the project’s sustainability, .

Another association, , based in Servoz (Haute-Savoie), has been offering similar outings in the Alps since 1995.