Today, I’ll be taking you to the city of sunshine, to Marseille and its famous Calanques National Park.
But first of all, what does “Calanques de Marseille” refer to? In essence, they’re magnificent creeks and coves dotted along the Mediterranean coastline, flanked by white limestone rocks that plunge into the turquoise sea, making them the pride of Marseilles’ inhabitants.
The Calanques National Park stretches along approximately 20 km of coastline: from Goudes to the south-east of Marseille up to Cassis, and covers an area of over 8,000 hectares.
Renowned for their limestone cliffs formed by the mistral (a strong wind that blows regularly in the region), they are a favourite spot for climbers and swimmers. Each calanque is an outstanding spot with secluded beaches where you can bask in the sun, surrounded by stunning views of the deep blue Mediterranean, the green pine trees and the orange-white rocks.
I would recommend hiking as one of the best ways to discover and explore the Calanques. There are many paths with spectacular views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains. For more information, visit the Calanques13 website.
Besides trekking, snorkelling is a very popular activity in the Calanques. The crystal-clear waters of the park are teeming with brightly coloured fish and corals, providing an amazing display for divers and snorkellers.
For history buffs, Marseille’s Calanques provide a glimpse into the region’s past: the limestone cliffs have witnessed many historical events, including the fortifications built to protect the city of Marseille against invasions. The ruins of these fortifications are still visible today and bear witness to the region’s rich history.
For those who prefer something more leisurely, you can hire a kayak and explore the hidden coves and caves along the coast. Kayaking is a fun and original way to explore the Calanques, and you can even have your picnic on a secluded beach.
And don’t forget to take a lunch break at one of the Calanques’ restaurants to discover Marseille’s gastronomy, with its delicious panisses (a speciality made from chickpea flour) and its unmissable bouillabaisse (a traditional local dish made from fish and vegetables). A tip from me: Ask for the fish of the day, you won’t be disappointed! (Bream, sardines and fried sand smelt, a delicacy)
Places to eat in the Calanques
- Le Château de Sormiou: traditional Provençal cuisine with fresh local ingredients. Accessible on foot or by car, with permission.
- Le Nautic Bar: located in the Calanque de Morgiou, this restaurant serves creative Mediterranean cuisine. Its star attraction is the magnificent terrace with sea views.
- La Baie des Singes aux goudes: a seafood restaurant on the beach, accessible by a 15-minute walk and overlooking spectacular rock formations.
How to get to the Calanques
By land:
Take the metro line with destination “Sainte Marguerite Dromel” and get off at “Castellane” or “Rond-point du Prado” depending on your destination.
Place Castellane:
- To get to Sugiton: Take a B1 or 21J bus and get off at “Luminy PN des Calanques”.
- To get to Callelongue: Take the no 19 bus to “La Madrague de Montredon” terminal (GR98 starting point). Then take a no.20 bus which will leave you in Callelongue.
Rond-point du Prado
- To get to Sugiton: Cross boulevard Michelet and take a B1 or 21J bus and get off at “Luminy PN des Calanques”.
- To get to Sormiou: Take the no 23 bus to “La Cayolle” stop and continue on foot for 700m along the road to the car park next to the treatment plant.
- To get to Morgiou: Take the no. 22 bus to “Les Baumettes” terminal and continue on foot for 400m to reach Parc des Baumettes.
By sea:
You can reach the Calanques by private boat, on individual excursions (booking required here) from the Vieux Port or the Port de la Pointe Rouge.
Since 2022, regulations and permits have been put in place to restrict the number of visitors to the park. You can find all the information here.
Which calanque to choose?
It’s hard to choose, each one has its own distinctive characteristics and charm. Here are some of the most popular ones you might consider visiting:
Calanque de Sormiou : The most popular
It’s my personal favourite but also the most popular: it’s famed for its fine sand, crystal clear waters and stunning natural setting.
It’s main advantage: You can get there by car if you have a reservation at the restaurant below.
Calanque de Morgiou : The most authentic
One of the prettiest, with its charming fishing port and turquoise waters.
It is also home to a renowned seafood restaurant (Le Nautic) where you can enjoy fresh and delicious dishes while taking in the breathtaking view of the cove. Accessible on foot or by boat.
Calanque de Sugiton : The most original
Marseille’s hidden gem, just a few kilometres from the city centre offering a secluded and quiet beach experience. The calanque is nestled between stunning white cliffs, pine forests and rocks sculpted by erosion.
Accessible by walking from the university campus of Luminy or by car.
Calanque d’En-Vau : The most spectacular
With its emerald-coloured water and steep cliffs, it can be reached on foot from the calanque of Port-Miou or Cassis, or by boat from the Marseille’s Vieux-Port. Very popular with climbers too, with challenging cliffs for all levels.
Calanque de Port-Miou : The largest
Renowned for its stone quarries, which provided material for many of Marseille’s historic buildings, it stands out from the others with its winding contour and long coastline. Reachable by car, it offers an easily accessible beach experience for families and groups of friends.
More details on the website of the Marseille Tourist Office.
In short, the Calanques of Marseille are a true gem in the south of France, a must-see for all nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts and history buffs.
They are open all year round, but the best months to visit are May and September, to avoid the crowds while enjoying warm and sunny weather.
As I’ve shown you in this article, whether you are visiting as a family, with friends or as a couple, Marseille has a calanque for everyone ☺ Read all the news about the park in real time here or with the new “mes calanques” mobile app
Make sure you visit our section on Marseille too!
