marseille calanques tours

Magicalanques tours

Customized boat tours in the calanques from marseille to cassis.

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Calanques Tour

Frioul tour

10 high-comfort motor boats 2 elegant catamarans

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The most exclusive tour within the Calanques National Park

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* Go Pro cameras may not be available, they are difficult to maintain.

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• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Calanques National Park Tours from Marseille

Experience the beauty of calanques national park.

In search of top-notch Calanques tours in Marseille? This is the right spot, as we've meticulously evaluated all the tours in the area based on the price, guest ratings, experience, service, and quality.

Tours to Calanques National Park from Marseille offer an enchanting escape into one of France's most stunning natural wonders. The park boasts a dramatic landscape characterized by rugged limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden coves, creating a picturesque setting for outdoor exploration and adventure.

Visitors can embark on guided boat tours that cruise along the coastline, providing panoramic views of the towering calanques (narrow inlets) that dot the shoreline. These excursions usually depart from Marseille's Vieux Port, offering opportunities to admire the park's breathtaking scenery from the water. Along the way, passengers can marvel at the striking geological formations, spot native wildlife such as seabirds and marine life, and learn about the area's rich history and ecology from knowledgeable guides.

For those seeking a more active experience, hiking tours are available, allowing adventurers to explore the park's rugged terrain on foot. Well-marked trails lead visitors through pine forests, rocky cliffs, and scenic viewpoints, offering unforgettable vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding landscape. Highlights of the hiking experience may include visits to secluded beaches, ancient ruins, and panoramic lookout points where travelers can pause to admire the natural beauty of the park.

Whether by boat or on foot, tours to Calanques National Park provide an immersive and unforgettable journey into one of France's most spectacular natural landscapes, offering opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and discovery amidst the beauty of the Mediterranean coast.

The 51 tours in our analysis have an average price of $165. And the average trip length is 3 hours. Below are the best, so let's get to it!

(Prices are listed in U.S. Dollars.)

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In Marseille, Calanques tours cost on average $165 based on our research of 51 different tours. Many of these tours offer varying activities, add extra services, and last different lengths of time, so it's not always possible to compare every option equally. Also, the highly rated options tend to cost a bit more on average.

Looking for more trip planning information? You can see more information about Parc National des Calanques here , including costs, availability, and more.

More Options

If you're looking for more things to do in Marseille, see also The Best Cassis Tours in Marseille , The Best Affordable Wine Tours Around Marseille , The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Marseille , The Best Affordable Cruise Shore Excursions in Marseille , The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Marseille , The Best Affordable Food Tours in Marseille , The Best Cruises and Boat Tours in Marseille , The Best Bike Tours in Marseille , The Best Lavender Fields Tours Around Marseille , The Best Hiking Tours in Marseille , or The Best La Panier Walking Tours in Marseille .

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Calanques National Park: Best ways to visit from Marseille, Cassis or La Ciotat

• Post category: Marseille / Provence & French Riviera
• Post author: Nassie Angadi

The Calanques in Provence is one of the most unique and beautiful parts of the French Riviera. And one that is not very well known to foreign tourists.

This rocky and mountainous coastal region runs along the Mediterranean sea between Marseille and Cassis and along the coast of Provence. It is a nature reserve and a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Carved out of limestone, this unique cliffside mountain range is a protected national park that is much beloved by the locals.

More than just a mountain range, the Calanques include an amazing series of little inlets and islands that are surrounded by steep cliffs, rocky hillsides. And when you add in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, it is a stunning place to visit if you’re on holiday in the South of France.

It’s an excellent place to spend a day, either visiting by boat or on foot. So let’s look at the best ways to explore the Calanques, shall we? Allons-y!

3. From La Ciotat

2. from marseille to calanque de sugiton, i. calanques by boat, 1. from marseille.

If you happen to be in France’s oldest city, Marseille , the easiest way to head to the Calanques is to catch a boat leaving from the Vieux Port , right in the heart of the city.

This is a good option if you don’t have a car and cannot get around as quickly. If you are coming off a cruise ship into Marseille, the cruise ship port is about 20 minutes away, and most of the main sights like Le Panier are around the Vieux Port , making it an easy stop.

The boats that head to the Calanques used are usually catamarans and depending on the option chosen, make stops at other nearby islands as well like Château d’If and Iles du Frioul .

Some of the boats offer a full day of snorkling in the Calanques with stops at Port Pin beach, one of the top beaches in the area . I highly recommend bringing your swimsuit. You can find out more about Calanques boat cruises from Marseille here.

2. From Cassis

If you want to be like the locals however, you may want to head to the nearby coastal town of Cassis to catch a boat from here.

Cassis is a charming little town (avoiding the traffic issues of big city Marseille), and it is this portion of the Calanques that is reputed to be the prettiest.

There are several boats leaving from the Port of Cassis , with options of how many of the main Calanques inlets you want to visit and for how long. Several of the boats from here offer picnic and swimming as well, so you just have to pick. You can find out more about Calanques boat options from Cassis here.

The nearest Calanques that you can visit from the small town of La Ciotat , is the Calanques de Figuerolles. You can hike up to these Calanques or take a boat.

There is also the Ile Verte (Green Island) in the area, which is a piece of protected land that is part of the Calanques regional park, which you will definitely need a boat to get to. About 550m offshore, it is about 12 hectares of land of wooded trees and vegetation.

It was previously used as an ancient fortification, and you can still see At the remains of Fort Saint-Pierre and Fort Géry built in the Middle ages, which were strengthened by the Germans and then destroyed during the Allied bombardments of WWII.

There are 3 small beaches on the island as well, to explore and enjoy. Nature trails will lead you between the beaches, so bring shoes that you can walk in.

Regular maritime shuttles and boat cruises are available to take you back and forth from the port of La Ciotat.

II. Hiking into the National Park

The hiking trails in the Calanques National Park are renowned for its spectacular views as far as the eye can see.

While there are many different possible hikes into the Calanques, there are a few that are more heavily frequented than others, due to their beautiful scenic views across the coastline:

1. From Cassis: Calanques de Cassis to Port Miou, Port Pin and Encre d’En-Vau

From the edge of the town of Cassis, you can follow hiking trails that take you to Port Miou, one of the closest calanques that is 1400m long. The hiking trail GR98-51 actually goes all the way between Cassis and Marseille, although I don’t recommend you go that far (unless you are really keen!)

From Port Miou you can head to Port Pin, which has a beautiful beach to swim in, and then onto En-Vau via a high lookout point of Pointe de la Cacau that is not to be missed.

The hike takes around 2h30 and is relatively easy until Port min and gets harder from Pont Pin to En-vau with a rather steep path to follow. Tour guides are available which you can book here .  

The hike to the Calanque de Sugiton starts in a rather odd location, the Luminy University in Marseille. It is just steps away from the Calanques, so you don’t have to worry that you’ve accidentally gotten lost.

From Luminy, you can follow a rather flat path marked in blue for about 30 minutes that will take you to the Col de Sugiton.

From here you hike up 1km to the Belvedere de Sugiton for beautiful views of the Calanques regional park, including the Calanque de Morgiou on the other side.

You can then head down to the coves in the Calanques de Sugiton towards the beaches. (Note, the beaches here are often closed due to falling rocks.)

If the beaches are closed, you can follow the path along to a couple of rocky coves from where you have the possibility of going for a swim. The path continues and gets a bit steeper and narrower to go around and take you back to Luminy.

The hike takes about 3 hours and covers a distance of about 4.5 miles (7.5km). It is considered relatively difficult as there are some rather steep portions.

III. Tips for Visiting

If you are planning to visit the Calanques, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Check the park conditions and fire advisories

High winds and the mistral are common weather conditions in the Calanques, and French authorities take the risk of fire very seriously. The Calanques is often closed to visitors when there is a risk of fire due to high winds, so check any advisories the night before.

2. Expect the water to be cold

One thing that always surprises visitors to the Calanques is that the water is often cold, even in the middle of summer. The currents of the Mediterranean bring cooler waters to this part of France, so the water is generally rather “refreshing”.

3. Prepare for extreme heat conditions in the summer and for it to get cooler at night

It gets very hot in the south of France in the summer, anywhere from 90F° (32C°) and above. At the same time, because of its position on the Mediterranean, it can get very cold and windy in the evenings as well. So bring a light jacket, just in case.

4. The hikes are not recommended for children under six.

Officially, the hikes are not recommended for children under 6 years old. There is no one checking at the entrance, but since there are no particular signs saying “easy route” or “hard route”, your child may not appreciate this particular adventure.

5. Take enough food and water

It is easy to get lost in the Calanques, since internet and telephone service in the area is not guaranteed. If you are counting on your GPS to guide you, you may struggle to get network in the area.

Be prepared for all occasions and bring plenty of food and water, especially in hot summer conditions.

6. Take proper hiking boots and water shoes

The rocks around the Calanques can be very slippery so good hiking shoes are a must. (I once went with sneakers, and really struggled).

In addition, if you are going to go in the water, I would highly recommend water shoes in most areas, as there are sometimes sharp rocks, pieces of glass and other debris in the water.

7. Go with a guide

When in doubt, go with a guide. If you only have a short amount of time in the area and can’t afford to get lost, a guide is worth the price to make sure you don’t end up with a turn with the French rescue services.

From bike tours from Marseille , rock-climbing tours from La Ciotat , and kayaking tours from Cassis , there is something from everyone. So enjoy!

If you enjoyed that post, you may want to read more about traveling around  Provence and the French Riviera . A bientôt!

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Téléchargez Mes Calanques

L'application officielle du parc national des calanques.

The Calanques from Marseille

From mont rose to en-vau.

The official website of the National Park for everything you need to know about the Calanques of Marseille, Cassis, La Ciotat and the islands of Frioul. Visit, opening, regulations, news ...

Parc national des Calanques 141 avenue du Prado Bâtiment A 13008 Marseille

Phone : +33 4 20 10 50 00

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Visiting the Calanques National Park in France – A Complete Guide

The Parc National des Calanques is an area of incredible beauty, diverse landscapes and unique cultural heritage. Located in the South of France, and spanning 20km of coastline between Marseille and Cassis , it’s the only European national park to encompass land, sea and urban areas.

Maybe you’ve already heard of the Calanques de Cassis or Marseille, but you’re not sure where to start with exploring this phenomenal area for yourself…

The aim of this guide is to make your visit to the Calanques National Park less daunting, and more enjoyable.

Read on to find out how to get there, the best hikes and beaches in the Calanques, where to stay, and how to visit the Calanques by boat or car if hiking isn’t suitable for you.

This article may contain affiliate links. See our full disclosure  here .

Table of Contents

How to get to the Calanques National Park

There are four main ways to reach the Calanques National Park. You can enter via Cassis, via Les Goudes, near the Luminy University of Marseille, or via Sormiou. I’ll detail each of these options below.

Option 1 – Calanques de Cassis

The most popular way to enter the Calanques park is via the seaside town of Cassis . A stunning destination in itself, Cassis is a historical fishing village surrounded by vineyards, beaches and olive groves.

It’s also the hop-off point for the famous Calanques de Cassis hike which takes in Port Miou, Port Pin, and Calanque d’En Vau .

To get to the Calanques from Cassis, you can walk directly from the village to the first calanque, Port Miou. Or you can drive to Parking de la Presqu’îl e and start the hike from there.

Option 2 – Les Goudes

The small village of Les Goudes is known as the end of the world, because that’s what it feels like as you leave the bustling city of Marseille behind and drive along the sublime coast to Cap Croisette. But don’t be fooled, because the National Park awaits just around the corner.

Leave your car at the hilltop car park behind the village, or proceed further around the coast to Calanque de Callelongue. Just be aware that parking is limited from that point onwards.

From the Callelongue calanque, you can follow the marked trail to Calanque de Marseilleveyre, Calanque de Queyrons, and Calanque de Podestat.

Option 3 – Luminy University

If you’re planning on hiking to Calanque de Morgiou or Calanque de Sugiton , park at the car park near the Luminy University and follow the marked tracks from the end of Avenue de Luminy.

You can also take the bus to this starting off point for your calanques hike. Simply take the 21 bus towards Luminy at the Castellane bus station on Avenue du Prado.

Do note, that if you’re visiting Morgiou in the winter, you can also drive directly to the calanque from Les Baumettes.

Option 4 – Sormiou

If visiting the Marseille calanques in winter, you can drive directly down to Calanque de Sormiou from the suburb of the same name.

At other times of the year, you’ll need to leave your vehicle in the car park just before the gates, and proceed by foot. One way to get around this restriction though, is to make a booking at Le Chateau – a restaurant within the calanque with a beautiful terrace.

When making your booking, you can give them your license plate number and you’ll be granted access to drive down into the cove.

Best Hikes in the Calanques National Park

There are a lot of hiking trails that crisscross the National Park, some of them merging into one, before splitting off again. Most of the tracks are clearly marked, but it does pay to have an idea of where you’re going before you set out, so you’ll know if you veer off track.

After weaving my way throughout the park over the years, the following trails are my favourites. Obviously for their amazing scenery, but also because they’re doable in a half-day, child (but not necessarily toddler) friendly, and don’t require any specialist skills or equipment!

Hiking the Calanques de Cassis

The most popular day hike in the Calanques National Park, the Calanques de Cassis trail starts nearby Port Miou and continues around the coast to Port Pin.

Port Pin is a beautiful swimming beach, and where many locals go for a summer outing. From here, you can continue up a steep track to the lookout point over Calanque d’En Vau, which is absolutely breathtaking – and one of the most impressive sights in the Calanques National Park (see below).

From this point, you can continue down to the Calanque d’En Vau beach via a steep rocky path, or continue inland to finish the loop track back to Cassis.

The entire loop takes about 2.5-3 hours to complete at a relaxed pace. Allow around an hour longer to make the descent down to Calanque d’En Vau (and longer if you want to stop for a dip!).

Read more about this hike here: Hiking the Calanques de Cassis ; and Hiking to Calanque d’En Vau

Hiking to Calanque de Sugiton

From the car park near Luminy University the track down to Calanque de Sugiton is an absolute joy. Although it starts fairly flat and uneventful, the trees soon clear to reveal an incredible vista.

From the Col de Sugiton, you can venture up to the Belvedere de Sugiton to enjoy the view to its fullest, or bypass this detour and continue straight down to the calanque.

The last leg of the track is a little steep and tricky if travelling with young children, but it’s completely manageable. Once you draw near to the coast, you’ll see Sugiton beach to your left. Unfortunately, it remains cordoned off after a fatal accident occurred involving falling rocks.

Instead, veer right where you’ll find two cozy sheltered bays where you can settle in for a picnic, or find a spare spot to spread out your towel.

The return trek takes around 2.5hrs to complete, plus time to enjoy the beaches at the end. Allow an extra half-hour to venture up to the Belvedere de Sugiton.

Read more about this hike here: Hiking to Calanque de Sugiton

Hiking to Calanque de Marseilleveyre (or Podestat)

From Les Goudes, a wonderful track snakes around the coast starting in Calanque de Callelongue.

Initially heading up behind the village houses, the track then remains fairly level on the cliffs above the sea. This is an easy trek with children in tow and isn’t too long to undertake.

Along the way, you’ll pass by La Mounine – a small inlet without a beach, it makes a popular swimming spot in summer. Then after around an hour, you’ll reach Marseilleveyre.

Calanque de Marseilleveyre is rustic in its appeal and houses a fairly large (by calanque standards) pebbled beach. The shallow, calm water also makes it a fabulous place to swim – especially if travelling with children.

From this calanque, you have the option to loop back to Callelongue via an inland track that takes you up and over the Col de la Galinette. Be ready to climb if you take this route!

Alternatively, you can return back the way you came, or continue around the coast to the small but beautiful calanques of Les Queyrons and Podestat. Allow around 2.5-3hrs to complete the return trip if you hike to the latter.

Looking for more Provence travel inspiration? Don’t forget to join our free Facebook group  Provence Travel Planning !

Best Beaches in the Calanques National Park

The beauty of the calanques beaches is in their remoteness and natural state. Therefore, my favourite beaches are those that are a little harder to get to – but it’s worth the extra effort!

Calanque d’En Vau

The poster child of the Calanques National Park, the beach at Calanque d’En Vau is tucked between towering cliffs that give it the illusion of being a million miles from civilisation.

In reality, you can hike there in around an hour and a half from port Miou (the more strenuous option) or a little longer through the inland route (that doesn’t involve climbing).

There are no facilities at this beach, and it gets busy in summer, but it’ll leave you under no illusion why it’s named as one of the most beautiful beaches in France .

Another contender near Cassis is Port Pin, the second calanque you’ll reach when trekking the Calanques de Cassis. It’s around a 45 minute walk to get there from the aforementioned car park. And involves a slightly steep and rocky descent near the end.

Once you get there, park up on the beach for an afternoon of swimming in a spectacular bay, or wander over the rocks to find a peaceful spot to yourself.

Calanque de Sugiton

Is it any surprise that the best Calanque beaches are found at the end of the best calanque hikes?

Calanque de Sugiton is another of these coincidences. The bay is small but unforgettable. You won’t regret a day well spent swimming around the craggy coastline and snorkelling among the small islands that sit between the two beaches.

Follow the hiking route detailed above to reach this sublime spot.

Plage Sauvage de Morgiou

Calanque de Morgiou isn’t the prettiest calanque, but if you venture away from the fishing port, there are treasures to be found nearby.

Just around the bend, following a rocky trail, you’ll find a small cove tucked away from the bustle of the port. Follow the stairs that have been etched into the limestone cliff to reach the pebbles below.

Due to its petite size, it’s best to get here early to ensure a spot. If however, you arrive later in the day, head further around the coast and you’ll eventually find yourself on a rocky promontory that’s perfect for settling in under the trees. There’s direct access to the sea (although no beach to speak of), so you can dip in when you get too hot.

Calanque de Sormiou

The family-friendly beach at Calanque de Sormiou is a wide sandy beach that’s perfect for water sports and snorkelling. The ideal place to pull out your inflatable kayak or paddle board and explore the coastline.

Unlike the smaller beaches in the calanques national park, there are lifeguards on duty here in the summer .

If you want to venture away from the crowds, you’ll find two smaller coves tucked away to the left-hand side of the main beach, past the small port.

Calanque de Marseilleveyre and Podestat

These two calanques are just 1km apart from each other along the Marseille calanques side of the park.

Marseilleveyre is a larger beach with a few beach huts tucked up behind the pebbled cove. Whereas Podestat is smaller and completely in its natural state.

Both offer a beautiful backdrop, a natural swimming environment, and a quiet retreat (except in the height of summer).

On the edge of the Calanques National park, near Marseille, Les Goudes is home to several beaches also.

Although more developed than the Calanque beaches featured above, they’re a good option when time is tight, or you fancy a few more luxuries when you’re lounging.

Head along to the Baie des Singes where you’ll find sun loungers available to hire from the seaside restaurant. Or continue down the path to visit the public, sandy beach at the end of the peninsula.

Read more: Best Beaches in Marseille and Surrounds

Visit the Parc National des Calanques by Sea

While it’s not always possible to hike into the calanques due to accessibility issues, weather restrictions (more on this below), or time constraints, there are other options available.

And even if you are planning on undertaking a hike or two, visiting the calanques by boat offers another perspective to appreciate the sheer scale of the fjords.

There are several ways to reach the calanques via the sea, let’s look at the most popular methods below.

Calanques Boat Tour from Cassis

Taking a Cassis calanques boat tour is one of the most popular options for discovering the national park by sea. There are several tours available, and they run all day, every day throughout the summer.

You can simply make your way down to the wooden kiosk at the port in Cassis and choose your desired tour length and departure time.

The downside to this spontaneous approach is that you could have to wait some time to get on a tour on a busy day, and the tours don’t allow for swimming or stopping at the beaches.

If you want a more personalised boat tour of the calanques, you’ll need to book in advance. One company offering boat rentals with a skipper is Bleu Evasion .

Kayak the Calanques de Cassis

Another option, for the more adventurous, is to head out to kayak the calanques – as part of a tour , or self-guided.

If you choose to do it yourself, there are several places in Cassis to hire kayaks from. But keep in mind, that most of them are seasonal.

LOKAYAK and CSLN both allow you to book your kayak online in advance.

If you’d rather go as part of a tour, or with a guide, ExpéNature offers a 6-hour excursion that takes in the Calanques of Cassis. Check it out here .

Calanques Tour from Marseille

If you’re staying in Marseille , a calanques national park boat tour from Marseille might be a better option.

Tours leave directly from the old port, so you can bypass the need to drive anywhere, and enjoy the trip via the sea instead.

I’ve listed some of the more popular calanques boat tours from Marseille below.

Other Activities in the Calanques National Park

Besides hiking, swimming, and sailing, there are plenty of other ways to explore les Calanques National Park.

Mountain Biking in the Calanques National Park

As with hiking, biking is a popular way to discover the beauty of the Calanques National Park. But if you’re not familiar with the terrain, or route, I’d highly recommend joining a guided ride.

Many tour operators offer group rides into the calanques – primarily from Marseille – and provide electric mountain bikes to make the going a little easier. You can find the more popular options below.

Diving in the Calanques National Park

Strap on your snorkel and dive into the clear blue water of the Calanques to discover a vibrant underwater world. The little coves and islands that pepper the coastline are a diver’s delight!

The easiest option is to just jump in the water from Cassis or one of the more accessible calanques and start swimming to discover the marine sanctuary that hides below. But if you want to get out into the deeper waters, or visit the islands further offshore, then joining a guided expedition is the way to go.

Several tours run from Point Rouge in Marseille. Such as this small group 3-hour tour , or this 2-day dive course in the calanques.

Climbing in the Calanques

With its steep ridges, craggy cliffs, and dramatic hills, the Calanques National Park is perfect for climbing!

Experienced climbers won’t having any trouble finding suitable spots, but if you’re new to the sport you can partake too.

Guided tours cater to all levels and will ensure you enjoy yourself while experiencing this unique part of the South of France in a whole new way.

Climbing tours of the Calanques include a half-day option , a full day option ; and this initiation course .

Key Things to Know Before Visiting the Calanques National Park

When visiting the Calanques of Marseille or Cassis, it’s important to check the conditions in the National Park ahead of time. The park often closes due to extreme weather – especially in the peak summer months when the wildfire risk is greater. You can check the current on this app .

Other important things to note include:

• Always take enough water and food with you into the park.
• Wear sensible footwear. Technical shoes aren’t needed, but sturdy hiking shoes will help navigate the rocky, and often slippery (even when dry) tracks.
• Take water shoes if you’re planning on swimming. The pebbled beaches can be hard to walk on with bare feet.
• On that note, don’t forget your swimwear and a towel!
• Take sun protection in the form of sunscreen and a hat.
• Wear layers. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop as the sun goes down, so take a warm layer for later in the day.

Where to Stay When Visiting les Calanques

The calanques can easily be visited as a day trip from Aix-en-Provence . But if you want to stay a little closer to the action, then Cassis or Marseille are generally the best options.

If choosing to stay in Cassis, I can highly recommend Les Roches Blanches which you can read about here . Alternatively, there are many fabulous Airbnbs within the village. You can see those here .

If Marseille is more your style, you can find our accommodation recommendations in the following articles:

• Best Hotels in Marseille
• Best Airbnbs in Marseille

Where to see other Calanques in the South of France

The Parc National des Calanques isn’t the only place to find calanques in the South of France. If you want to experience these natural attractions without venturing into the park, or you simply want to avoid the crowds in summer, there are other places you can go hiking & swimming nearby.

Calanque de Figuerolles, La Ciotat

La Ciotat is just around the corner from Cassis and is a bustling small town with a rustic old centre. It’s far less visited that its western neighbour, but there is plenty to see & do.

One of its most beautiful attractions is the Calanque de Figuerolles. Home to a gorgeous beach, it’s perfect for a lazy afternoon swim, as it doesn’t require a hike to get there! There’s also a restaurant on-site, for an after-swim apéro.

Calanque de l’Everine, Niolon

This hidden gem of a beach is located on the lesser-frequented Cote Bleue, to the west of Marseille. And although it’s one of the harder beaches to reach on this stretch of coast, it’s well worth the effort.

You can either take the coastal route from Niolon, or you can park inland and take an easier route down to the beach through fragrant shrubs and forest. Allow around an hour each way, whichever way you choose.

As you’ll see, the Calanques National Park is such an incredible destination, with something to offer everyone. A place of boundless natural beauty and endless ways to enjoy it, it most definitely deserves a spot on your South of France itinerary .

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The Ultimate Guide to the Calanques in Marseille and Cassis

07 Aug The Ultimate Guide to the Calanques in Marseille and Cassis

The Calanques are a must-see natural wonder in Marseille and Cassis ! I have been in the calanques 15 years ago and this summer and I was in awe both times! You can describe the calanques as steep limestone coastal cliffs coming inland. They are truly breathtaking ! I am sharing with you here all the information you need to visit the Calanques in Marseille and Cassis.

Table of Contents

Why you should visit the Calanques in Marseille and Cassis

Let’s start with the beginning: I will give you here many good reasons why you should visit the calanques if you are in the area of Marseille and Cassis . The landscapes , the nature , the biodiversity and the heritage are beautiful and priceless in the Calanques.

The cliffs are impressive , and the waters have an amazing turquoise color .

The calanques are the perfect place if you love the outdoor and the adventure . Visiting them always include hiking – but there are often some options for the hiking paths: an easier one and a more complicated one, or a faster one and a longer one. You can also do some kayak in the calanques. And of course, you will enjoy resting at the beach and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea!

The calanques are so extraordinary that they get one million visitors every year ! Therefore, a National Park was created to protect this unique environment . The park helps to preserve those natural sights while welcoming human activity and informing the visitors.

Where to find the Calanques

Now that you are convinced to visit the calanques 😉 , let’s deal with more practical information. Starting with where exactly you can find them !

The Calanques National Park stretches from Marseille to Cassis and La Ciotat over 24 km , in the south, behind the Marseilleveyre massif and the Puget massif.

Here is a list of the 15 Calanques , ranked from the closest to Marseille to the closest to Cassis.

• Marseilleveyre
• Les Queyrons
• L’Escu
• L’Oeil de Verre
• Le Devenson
• L’Eissadon
• L’Oule

The best time of the year to visit the Calanques in Marseille and Cassis

There is some important information to know to understand what is the best time of the year to visit the calanques . During summer, from the 1 st of June to the 30 th of September , the walking access to the calanques depends on a prefectoral decision to handle the important number of visits and the fire risk in the forest massifs. It’s usually forbidden to walk to the forest massifs when the wind is high and it’s too hot.

My secret tip: you can check the access here: Access to the Calanques . Information is updated on a daily basis, until 6pm for the day after.

Therefore, the best moment to visit the calanques is probably in spring when the sun is shining but not too hot! You can also go there at the beginning of autumn as the weather is very nice all year long in the French Riviera!

I hiked in the calanques at the beginning of July and I didn’t know about the access restrictions. I was lucky to be able to visit the day I went there, because the day before it was super windy, and the access was closed. Hiking in the calanques under the heat in summer was a challenge, but swimming in the fresh water once we arrived at the beach was a great reward!

How much time you should plan to visit the Calanques in Marseille and Cassis

The coast along the massifs of Marseilleveyre and the Puget is 24 km long and there are 15 beautiful calanques to see , so probably  won’t be able to see them all – except if you stay a long time in the region of Marseille!

Therefore, I would recommend you pick one or two that are located close to each other . Below I am giving you a recommendation of the best calanques to visit !

You also need to be aware that hiking in the calanques takes some time . So, the best is to plan a full day for this little adventure 🙂 .

You should start hiking early in the morning , before it gets too hot and before the crowd arrives . The later you arrive, the more complicated it is to find a parking spot and also to find a good spot on the beaches! Once you have reached the beach you wanted, you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming or any other outdoor activities you like!

You can also stay only half a day: arrive in the morning and leave when you feel like it!

Some tips to prepare your visit to the Calanques

Once you are in the calanques, you are in the nature and there are usually no facilities. So, it’s better you come prepared!

• Bring a lot of water : this is essential as hiking under the hot sun is a challenge!
• Bring your own food and drinks : except in a few calanques like Sormiou or Morgiou, there are usually no shop or restaurant in the massif.
• Hiking shoes are a must.
• Do not forget your swimsuit if you want to swim 😉
• Put a hat or a cap on your head to protect you from the sun.
• Protect your skin with some reef-safe sunscreen .
• Bringing water shoes is a great idea as the rocks can hurt your feet as you are walking in the water.
• Bring your adventure spirit and your good vibes 🙂

The preservation of the environment in the Calanques

FYI here are some of the permanent restrictions to know when you are hiking in the calanques in attend to preserve the environment and avoid any risk of fire :

• Do not smoke or light a fire
• No wild camping, bivouac or trailers
• Don’t make noise
• Avoid using a motorized vehicle outside the open roads
• No parking beside the road (outside of the reserved spots)
• Don’t pick up, take or introduce any animal or vegetable species (outside picking plants for a cooking or family medicinal use)

And you also should:

• Carry your garbage out with you
• Respect the flora and fauna , do not pick up flowers and do not disturb the animals
• Remain in the indicated paths to prevent erosion and destruction of endangered species of the massif.

Please be respectful of this beautiful place!

On a side note, remember to be careful : falling rocks are a potential danger in the massif and some rocks have become slippery because of high number of hikers.

Visiting the Calanques of Port-Miou, Port-Pin and d’En-Vau

I told you in a previous paragraph, that I would give you a recommendation for the best calanques to visit . This summer I visited three calanques: Port-Miou, Port-Pin and d’En-Vau . The calanques d’En-Vau is the most spectacular one of the calanques, therefore it was high on my list! The calanques of Port-Miou and Port-Pin are on the way to hike to d’En-Vau, so you can basically see three calanques for the price of one hehe 🙂 .

Read below to get all the info about those three calanques!

Where to park to visit the Calanques of Port-Miou, Port-Pin and d’En-Vau

The calanques of Port-Miou, Port-Pin and d’En-Vau are the closest ones to Cassis . To visit them you should drive to the city of Cassis . Once you are in Cassis, follow the signs indicating “les calanques”. There are some dedicated parking areas close to Port-Miou on the peninsula.

If you arrive early (before 10am):

• You can park in the “Parking de la Presqu’île” for 8 euros a day (500 spots). This parking is very practical because of its location but be aware that you can get stuck in traffic jams during rush hour as it’s located in a dead end. Address: 17 Avenue Notre Dame 13260 Cassis.
• Or you can park your car along the street . The parking spots in the street are usually made for the locals, but you can find a spot available if you arrive early in the morning. We arrived at 9am and found a spot in the street. We parked there for 4 hours and it costed us 4 euros. My secret tip: the best spots to park your car in the street to walk to Port-Miou/ Port-Pin and d’En-Va are the beginning of Avenue Notre Dame, of Avenue Bailli de Suffren and of Avenue Jean Jacques Garcin.

If you arrive later:

• If you arrive later in the morning in summer (especially in the weekend), you might not be able to find a parking spot close to Port-Miou as everyone will have the same idea as you. In that case you can park in downtown in Cassis . There are several parking garages in the city. The price is around 5,70 euros for 3h.
• Another of secret tips for parking: you can also park your car in “parking des Gorguettes” at the entrance of Cassis. This parking is free and there are some shuttles that will take you to the calanques for 1,60 euros (round trip) every 20 min from 9am to 8pm. The shuttles are working every day in July and August. From Easter to the end of June and in September, the shuttles are working only in the weekends and the bank holidays from 9am to 8pm.

The Calanque of Port-Miou

The calanque of Port-Miou is a marina with more than 1400 meters in length. Its name means “best harbor” and it was baptized like this by the fishermen at the time because it’s very deep, well protected from the winds and it was full of fishes. In the 20 th century it was transformed in a quarry exploiting the limestone to make whitewash. You can see the remains of it if you look at the cliffs and the old hoppers (big funnels) on the seaside: the limestone was extracted with dynamite, then crushed to be loaded on the boats waiting in front of the hoppers. Wandering in the calanque of Port-Miou will allow you to enjoy the views of the typical harbor on one side and of the cliffs on the other side. Around 500 boats are mooring here . Another of the good reasons why you should go to Port-Miou is to access the two other calanques of Port-Pin and d’En-Vau .

Access : It will take you around 10 min walk from the closest parking spot in the Cassis Peninsula.

The Calanque of Port-Pin

The calanque of Port-Pin is quite popular as it’s easy to access and the beach is beautiful ! Its name comes from all the pine trees that are growing around here. They provide some shades, which you will find quite pleasant if you visit in summer. There is a shingle beach with turquoise blue waters so you can actually swim in Port-Pin! There is enough space for you to lie down on the beach and enjoy the incomparable natural beauty of the place! You can also lie down or sit on the rock terraces on the sides of the beach. The earlier you arrive in the morning, the better , as you can choose the best spots on the beach!

Access : Once you are in the calanque of Port-Miou you will find the indications to reach Port-Pin. Just go along Port-Miou’s old quarry and follow the path going down to Port-Pin after a small hill. You can take some beautiful photos on the way! It will take you around 30 min of walk (more or less depending if you are used to hike or not) to arrive to Port-Pin from Port-Miou . You can also reach it by kayak from Cassis.

The Calanque of En-Vau

The Calanque d’En-Vau is famous for being the most stunning one in the national park ! Its location in the middle of very high cliffs and its pristine blue waters will impress and amaze you! The hike might be more difficult than for the other ones, but you will be rewarded ! There are some breathtaking viewpoints on the way from Port-Pin.

At the end, there is a shingle beach waiting for you with crystal-clear waters : the perfect place to swim and lie down! This calanque is a gem!

The earlier you arrive in the morning, the better , as you can choose the best spot!

Apparently, this beach is also the home of a few wild boars who sometimes swim among the tourists and lie down on the beach! It’s better not to feed them: they may become invasive and aggressive.

How to access En-Vau:

There are a few different ways to access the beautiful Calanques d’En-Vau.

Access En-Vau via Port-Pin:

You have 2 possible ways to access En-Vau via Port-Pin: as faster one and a scenic one .

• The faster track will take you to the beach of En-Vau in around 30/45 min (in total 1h15 from Port-Miou). For this one follow the white and red marking (the GR98-51 route). You will get there quicker but you won’t get to enjoy the views.
• The scenic track (which I recommend, at least on the way in) will allow you to walk along the coastline to the tip of the cliff of Port-Pin before heading to the calanque of En-Vau. For this one follow the blue marking. It takes longer (around 1h15 or more depending if you are used to hike or not), but you will get amazing views of both calanques! Totally worth it! My secret tip: here are the coordinates of my favorite viewpoint: 43.2018235, 5.5024265.

Other ways to access En-Vau:

• By the parking of Col de la Gardiole (without passing by Port-Miou). The hike is easier, but this access is not open all year long (not in summer).
• By kayak from Cassis : a nice way to enjoy this place with a different perspective!

Other Calanques in Marseille and Cassis that worth a visit:

Here are a few other Calanques that I recommend:

• The Calanque of Sormiou : this calanque is the largest of Marseille and has one of the most beautiful sand beaches! The sand beach is lined with typical cabins, restaurants and a launching ramp for the boats of the residents. Some locals have charming traditional houses here! You can also discover some small creeks, shingle beaches and a prehistoric cave if you wander around. I visited Sormiou 15 years ago and loved it!
• The Calanque of Morgiou : this deep calanque offers a port with typical cabins, cafes and restaurants, and a small protected beach. Local fishermen are enjoying this area!
• The calanque of Sugiton , close to Morgiou: this calanque setting in the middle of high cliffs has 2 beautiful creeks with shingle beaches. It’s a great place for hiking and gazing at panoramic views!

With this ultimate guide I did my best to provide you with all the information you need to visit the Calanques in Marseille and Cassis . But let me know if you have any more questions!

In case you were wondering, I would recommend to stay in Marseille or in Cassis to visit the calanques . Marseille is a very big city and will provide you with a lot of things to do and is more vibrant. Cassis is a small charming town, more peaceful but with less activities. Take a look at my recommendation for a place to stay in Marseille here  Where to stay in Marseille .

As you will be in the French Riviera, you should also take a look at my article  10 days in the French Riviera, your road trip itinerary . I am giving you many tips to visit Marseille, Nice, Monaco, Menton and more !

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Hello! I am Ophélie, an avid traveller, photographer and foodista. I am French and I live in Paris.

This blog, will give you all my secrets: my best addresses (sightseeing and food) all around the world and in Paris, and my travel and lifestyle tips!

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54 Comments

Roneth Politud

Wow! This place looks amazing. I hope I can visit here one day. Pinning this post for future reference! 🙂

Limitlesssecrets

The calanques are really stunning Roneth! I am sure you would love to see them!

I had never heard of the Calanques, but they look amazing! By looking at your stunning pictures, you really make me want to go visit them in the future 🙂 . Also, I found your packing list and tips very helpful. Thank you for sharing this place.

You are most welcome Cristina! The calanques are famous in France but deserve to be known in the whole world as they are amazing!

Great post and amazing photos! Thank you for creating this guide! I will have it mind for when I will visit the Calanques!

Thank you Elina! I hope you will be able to use it one day!

Great blog! The pictures you’ve used are stunning

Thank you for the compliments about my photos and the article Lucy!

World of Lina

Wow the Calanques are seriously stunning! Never seen such a beautiful blue water before 🙂

I was blown away as well when I was there Alina!

Rituparna Sengupta

Hey Ophélie, such a beautiful place. Stunning photos and pretty good read. I guess one lifetime is not enough to cover the beautiful places on Earth. Stay connected.

Ah yes you are right Rituparna, too many beautiful places to see in the world! Thank you!

Wow the water looks absolutely beautiful there! I’ m so bummed I didn’t know about these Calanques before visiting Marseille and Provence, I would have loved to visit them! Hopefully I will get to do it next time so I just saved your guide for later :☺️

I am sure the next time you will go you will be able to enjoy them to the fullest Kriszti!

Elena Pappalardo

Wow, I honestly didn’t even know that this stunning place existed! I am so glad to have read this post because I will definitely be adding this to my France itinerary. Gorgeous shots, as always!

I am so glad to read this Elena! You will love them for sure!

Wow! I cant believe I didn’t know about this place! I am adding Calanques to my bucket list for sure and such beautiful photos!

Awesome Sam! The calanques are amazing! Thank you 😀

Paula Martinelli

This place looks unreal – the color of the water is just incredible! I love to see that they also work on conservation and preservation of the environment too. This is just magical and a must-visit place, Thanks for sharing this and let me know about this place, now I need to visit.

The calanques are such a gem, I am happy to share them with others Paula!

The Calanques look beautiful. I hadn’t heard of them before. Must visit them, when I’m in France again.

I you go to the south of France near Marseille it’s a must Cosette! You will love them!

Wow, this place looks absolutely stunning! I need to visit one day!

I can tell you will be blown away the day you will be able to see the calanques Jasmina!

Gorgeous pictures Ophelie, they perfectly capture the beauty of the calanques as I remember them after a visit to Cassis a few years back!

It’s great that you had the opportunity to visit them too Val! Thank you for the compliment!

Your photos are just perfect! This is such a great guide (and I wish I was there right now)! Thank you for sharing 🙂

Many thanks for your feedback Or! Hopefully you will be able to wander here and enjoy it as well!

This post is wonderful, and full of beautiful pictures too! Thank you for such a thorough guide.

Thanks a lot for your feedback MacKenzie! I am glad you appreciated reading this article about the beautiful Calanques!

Oh wow, these photos are so breathtaking! I really want to see this place for myself now 🙂

Ok I am officially in love with these colors! What a great place to discover, I haven’t heard about it before. These crystal clear views and stunning vistas are just what the doctor ordered 😉 Thanks for helping me discover this hidden gem and the photos are stunning!

Barbara - Porty's Diary

Wow, this place is so beautiful! Your photos are amazing, by the way! I’m going to save this for the future, that’s for sure. 🙂 Thanks for sharing such a great post!

Thank you very much Barbara! The calanques are amazing and deserve to be seen!

I’ve never heard of this location before, but the water looks incredible! Can’t get over how blue it looks.

Let me tell you it’s even better in real Krista! The water and the nature are fantastic in the calanques!

Taylor K Taverna

Wow wow wow! This is definitely going to be my next trip when we can travel in Europe again. Absolutely gorgeous photos!!

Amazing Taylor! I will love the calanques for sure, they will be waiting for you!

I can’t believe how beautiful this place is, and I’ve never heard of it! Definitely adding this to the bucket list. 🙂

The calanques are stunning Shay! I am glad you added them to your bucket-list and I hope you will be able to see them by yourself!

Wow this is just such stunning place! How have I never heard of it before! I will be looking to visit as soon as we can for sure! <3

I am glad I have shared the calanques with you Emma, because I can promise you will enjoy visiting them once you can!

Nina Bosken

Wow these are beautiful! They remind me of some of the calas on the island of Mallorca in Spain with the rocks and the blue waters. I definitely have to add this to my list of places to visit in France.

Awww I have never visited Mallorca but your description is tempting for sure Nina! I hope you can visit the calanques and see their amazing beauty as well!

Miriam Menkarius

The photos are stunning! I have never heard of this trip before and I learnt a new word! Calanques! Thanks for sharing this article!

Thank you Miriam! It’s a beautiful word to learn because it represents such an amazing place!

I can’t believe how tropical and bright it looks there! I have only been to Paris before so the south of France is so high on my list for one day 🙂 Your photos are all beautiful and make me want to visit so badly!

The calanques are a gem in south of France Kelly! I hope you will enjoy their beauty one day!

Courtney Vondran

AH IM OBSESSED! The Calanques look so stunning! Adding it to my list! Your photos are amazing. Thank you for sharing!!

The calanques are really outstanding! Thank you for the kind words and I hope you can be amazed there in person Courtney!

It does look so beautiful, have hiked there a couple years back and loved it!!! Your photos are incredible

I know how much you love hiking Talia, I am not surprised I enjoy being there! Thank you for the compliment!

Planning my trip to Marseille! Les calanques are on my list ! this was helpful ! thanks !

That’s amazing Jennifer! You will love exploring the Calanques and I am glad I’m able to help you preparing your trip 🙂

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Croisières Marseille Calanques

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Do you feel like discovering beautiful landscape ? Get on board for a cruise at the heart of the Calanques National Park between Marseille and Cassis. All year long, "Croisieres Marseille Calanques" proposes you exceptional trips inside the creeks.

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Do you have seminar, congress, teambuilding, business lunch to organize ? Be out of the ordinary and privatize one of the boats of "Croisieres Marseille Calanques" ! Create unforgattable and extraordinary memories through breathtaking panoramas...

"Croisieres Marseille Calanques" exists for more than 10 years

Created in 2007, the Company "Croisieres Marseille Calanques", located at the heart of the Old Port of Marseille , proposes you to discover the creeks between Marseille and Cassis aboard its ships on r egular lines or on private boats .

All year long, quality services are proposed thank to professionalism as well as involvement of sailing and commercial team.

Exceptional place at the heart of the Old Port of Marseille

All the boats of the company “Croisieres Marseille Calanques” are moored on the Old Port of Marseille under the look of the legendary basilica of “Notre Dame de la Garde”.

This exceptional location at the heart of Marseille , at the corner Quai du Port/Quai des Belges, permits the clients to get on board easily.

Our ships are authorized to sail inside the Calanques National Park

Created in 2012 and located at the heart of Marseille, the Calanques National Park is the first European Suburban National Park.

This protected space is composed of chalky cliffs, coves and small islands. Privileged partner, “Croisieres Marseille Calanques” is one of rare companies to be authorized to sail into these sumptuous surroundings.

3 projects managers dedicated to your events

To bring your projects into being, the commercial team of “Croisieres Marseille Calanques” is composed to three project managers.

Julie N, Camille and Julie B are your chosen intermediaries all year long. They answer the most challenging requests, in accordance with your budget and your wishes in order to make your events unique moments.

We organize 300 events on board every year

For more than 10 years, "Croisieres Marseille Calanques" confirms its events leadership and proposes a unique offer of custom services from the Old Port of Marseille . The company organizes every year more than 300 events aboard its private 4 ships .

Let us organize your s eminar, congress, business meeting, business lunch, gala reception or other professional and private events ( wedding, birthday,stag party, hen party , baptism ...)!

The commercial team guides you all project long and proposes you a range of customizable events for unforgettable moments on board.

We create "made to measure" events

We create « made to measure » and personalized events . We produce packaged and turnkey services according to your wishes and budget.

We have at heart set on realizing successful events, that’s why we work in association with service provider specialized in receptions organization. Caterer, musical activity, decoration, recreational and sportive activity: our team and our partners work for you.

Welcome coffee , business lunch inside the creeks, sunset aperitive , cocktail dinner in the extraordinary setting of the Bay of Marseille … all the events are thought to make your reception memorable…

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We took a boat trip via Cruise Marseille Calanques. We bought our tickets on the old port, several choices are available to you: The small circuit (2h30 tour where you will see the creeks wit... Carla Trg 12 August 2021

Frankly the trip is well worth the cost. I had the chance to see dolphins and in addition the explanations are clear and precise. Chloé Oursaire 1 December 2021

Very nice boat trip to discover the creeks. Pleasant staff. Reasonable rates Clody H 17 December 2021

Magnificent cruise! You discover the creeks like never before. With this turquoise blue water. In addition, the flight crew are very friendly and available to take pictures. quentin cygankiewicz 15 February 2022

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You can book until departure time. bookings are open 24 to 48 hours before departure depending on the weather forecast..

The circuits for the Château d'If will resume from 02 April 2020.

For Calanques tours, you can book your ticket from the day before . For the If Castle, come to the ticket office on the same day.

Warning! Children under 4-years-old travel for free but they do need a ticket. Otherwise, access on board will be refused. Luggage (suitcases, big backpacks, etc.) is not allowed on board. Reminder: 7 to 9 months pregnant women cannot get on board. People in manual and electric wheelchairs are allowed on certains boats, please contact us to check whitch departure is possible. ** You cannot buy these tours online: please come to the ticket office.

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Cruising: why choose Marseille?

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Provence Nature and Outdoor Activities Coastal

Reading time: 0 min Published on 27 March 2024, updated on 15 April 2024

Are you planning a Mediterranean cruise? Marseille, France's leading cruise port, has a number of assets that make it the perfect place to embark, disembark or stop over. Cultural, seaside and authentic, it has a lot to offer and is easy to discover, according to passengers' desires. From a few hours' stopover to a stay before or after the cruise, here are (at least) 8 good reasons to choose Marseille when you set sail...

A wide choice of boats and atmospheres

It is not a coincidence that MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises, the two primary cruise lines based in France, have selected Marseille as their main port for embarking and disembarking on a Mediterranean cruise from France. They are not the only ones. Several cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Aida, and Oceania Cruises, choose to dock their ships at the Marseille cruise terminal . Additionally, Ponant, a French company, offers an alternative to the larger cruise ships with its maxi yachts. The numerous cruise lines based in Marseille, whether as the head of a line or as a stopover, offer a wide range of options to choose from. You can select the cruise that suits your preferences, whether you prefer a lively or tranquil atmosphere, a large liner or a smaller ship, or a sober or opulent setting. Additionally, you can even opt for a day cruise off the calanques .

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par PONANT (@croisieres_ponant) le 15 Juin 2019 à 9 :55 PDT

An ultra-modern cruise terminal

The port of Marseille has modern cruise terminals located near the city, including the Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal (MPCT). Six terminals are available to accommodate large liners, with areas ranging from 200 to 6,000 m2 dedicated to baggage rooms, boarding lounges, and check-in areas. Outside, large car parks provide easy access by car. In addition, the Marseille cruise terminal is conveniently linked to the Marseille Provence International Airport , the TGV station, and the motorway network. This ensures a hassle-free embarkation and disembarkation process.

Taking in the sights at Notre-Dame de la Garde

This is the place to discover "La Bonne Mère", the city's emblematic figure, watches over the sailors, fishermen and all the people of Marseille. Notre Dame de la Garde offers a unique view of the Old Port, the Panier district, the Frioul islands, the north of the city, the beach areas and the hills that surround Marseille.

Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille

Visit the Mucem

The Mucem project was the flagship architectural project of Marseille European Capital of Culture 2013, and it has been a success. The project combines the restoration of the old Fort Saint-Jean, which overlooks the entrance to the city, with the construction of an ultra-modern building designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti. The Mucem looks out to sea and serves as a link between civilizations on different shores of the Mediterranean. When architecture and art converge on the Mediterranean coast, it's an experience that should not be missed!

Mucem in Marseille

Exploring the Panier area

It's here, in the Panier district in the centre of Marseille, that the history of the city begins and the true spirit of the Cité Phocéenne can be found. Le Panier sits on a hillock in the centre of Marseille and takes on the feel of an authentic, lively Provencal village. The facades are colourful, the alleyways full of flowers and the walls popular with street artists. A must-see, starting with La Vieille Charité.

Marseille Tourisme

A trip to the beach

Few towns are lucky enough to be real seaside resorts. Marseille has that privilege! The city has many beaches, the largest of which is the Prado beach. Before or after your cruise, enjoy a swim in the sea along more than 3 kilometres of golden sand just a stone's throw from the city centre. Marseillais love to go there whenever the weather permits... and in Marseille it often does!

The beaches of Marseille

Setting sail from the Frioul islands

Head for the Vieux Port (not to be missed either, of course) to set course for the Frioul Islands. A thirty-minute crossing reveals an incredible limestone archipelago made up of 4 islands: Pomègues, Ratonneau, If and Tiboulen. On the menu: wild landscapes, beaches and sandy coves. Fans of the adventures of the Count of Monte Cristo will not want to miss a visit to the Château d'If.

Walk to the Frioul Islands

Dive into the Calanques

Look out for the picture postcard scenery! En Vau, Sormiou, Port-Pin, Port Miou, Morgiou... All these calanques are an invitation to get away from it all, with their steep cliffs, white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and exceptional seabed. Access is restricted and you may need to allow a good hour's walk to reach them, but what a treat!

Walk in the Calanques and towards the Iles du Frioul

Take the tour as far as Arles

From the port of Marseille, it takes passengers just an hour to reach the city of Arles, so why deprive yourself if you've got a bit of time on your hands? Discover the incredible historical and cultural heritage of this corner of Provence, from the Roman amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the cathedral of Saint-Trophime, a masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque architecture. Van Gogh, seduced by the city's light, was not mistaken. He moved here in 1888, and it was here that he found the inspiration for his most famous paintings. Between two visits, there is no shortage of gourmet addresses, such as La Chassagnette by chef Armand Arnal .

Arles Tourisme

Recommendations and advice Looking for more environmentally-friendly cruises? Some cruise lines are increasingly committed to reducing their carbon footprint and protecting the marine ecosystem. Thanks to a range of innovative technologies, cruise ships are succeeding in reducing their consumption of fossil fuels, in particular by using renewable energies (solar or wind power) to power on-board electrical equipment. As for fuel, many companies are replacing their conventional fuel with alternative fuels such as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) to limit CO2 emissions. Initiatives are also being taken to treat waste and waste water on board. In the Mediterranean, a Sustainable Cruise Charter was drawn up in 2022 and ratified by the shipowners operating on this sea, members of CLIA, and all the French Mediterranean ports, including of course the Euro-Mediterranean port of Marseille Fos. Many cruise operators have accelerated their transition to offer zero-emission cruises by 2050. Enjoy your stopover in Marseille and your Mediterranean cruise!

Find out more - Marseille Croisière - Plan your stay in Marseille - Plan your stay in Provence

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Visit the calanques on foot: walks and hikes

• Discover Marseille
• Calanques, beaches and nature
• Walking tour of the calanques

Exceptional natural sites , the calanques are one of the must-sees on your trip to the southern region. Between land and sea , they offer an exceptional panorama of Marseille and the surrounding area. If you’d like to visit the calanques on foot, there are plenty of walking trails to suit all profiles, from the less athletic to the seasoned hiker.

The calanques of Sugiton and Morgiou from Luminy

For a relatively easy tour of Marseille’s calanques, turn to the calanques of Sugiton and Morgiou , both accessible on foot from Luminy.

Visit the Calanque of Sugiton

Beyond being one of Marseille’s largest calanques, the calanque of Sugiton is a tourist favorite thanks to the dreamy setting it offers. Surrounded by mountainous reliefs and extensive natural areas, it consists of a beach where you’ll love lounging or taking a dip in the turquoise waters.

You can also admire the panoramic view from the Tour d’Orient , the name given to the Sugiton lookout, where an orientation table is set up. Culminating at 245 meters, this belvedere offers one of the finest views of the parc national des Calanques in its entirety. If you’re facing the sea, Mont Puget – the highest point of the Calanques massif – will be on your left.

Starting from Luminy (accessible via bus line B1 or 521), it will take you around 30 minutes to walk to the belvedere and 45 minutes to reach the calanque . For the return journey, plan an hour’s walk because of the steep slope of the trail which can be difficult  especially in summer. In summer, the creek  of Sugiton is overcrowded, particularly where swimming is concerned, and the access to the calanque is forbidden to vehicles during this period.

Visit the Calanque of Morgiou

Neighbor to Sormiou, the Calanque of Morgiou has a story intimately linked to professional fishing. Fishermen and shepherds were the first people to settle in Morgiou. Freshly caught fish was sold at the town’s markets. Even the King of France – Louis XIII – visited the cove to fish. A staircase testifies to this event: it was cut into the rock to allow the monarch to climb  on a boat called “pointu” from which he fished.

More intimate , the Calanque of Morgiou gives access to a sublime cove flowing into the Mediterranean . To visit it, we recommend taking the bus line 22 to the Les Baumettes terminus. The access road is usually congested, especially in summer. For this reason, we advise you to use the public transport. From  Les Baumettes or Luminy parking lots, the hiking route – quite simple – takes around an hour.

La calanque d’En-Vau from la Gardiole or Cassis

Considered the most beautiful calanque by some, the Calanque d’ En-Vau shelters a small pebble beach between two high cliffs . A true haven of peace , it attracts a huge number of tourists every year.

Access to this calanque via La Gardiole is the least difficult option. However, this is not a health path, as walking can be  difficult in summer for people who are not used to it. The return is in the direction of the climb, it is better to be prepared to take part in this hike of 6 kilometers.

The starting point of the hike is at the Carpiagne Gineste bus stop on the M08 bus line. You reach the Gardiole site via the Gaston Rébuffat trail and the green marked path. Then, you descend to the Calanque d’En-Vau along the red path. For the return journey, retrace the path you took on the outward journey. Good to know: the M08 bus doesn’t stop in the Cassis-Marseille direction, so take the bus in the opposite direction to return to Marseille.

You can also discover La Perle des Calanques from the Presqu’île de Cassis car park . The proposed hiking trail will allow you to make a stop at the Calanque de Port-Pin before continuing.

The calanque of Marseilleveyre from Callelongue

If you’ are looking for a walking tour of the creeks that will blow you away, choose the 8-kilometre hike linking Callelongue to the Calanque of Marseilleveyre . You start out from Marseille’s southern districts, which have the feel of fishing villages. After passing along the  Pointe Rouge , Montredon and Goudes districts, you arrive at the parking lot above the Calanque of Callelongue. From here, follow the red-marked path of the Miougranier valley, which avoids you to take the passage of the staircase of the Géants, somewhat restrictive. If you want to get gain height,  you can climb to the top of Marseilleveyre at 440 meters above  sea level, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view that won’t leave you indifferent.

Discover other Calanques hikes

• 2h Very easy

• 2h 30min Medium

Preparing your visit to the calanques

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