Climbing in Marseille, a thrilling sport accessible to all!

Marseille, a pioneering city for rock climbing

By the end of the 19th century, the most daring adventurers were braving the dizzying walls and towers of the calanques. The Club Alpin Français was established in the town in 1875 and the Grande Candelle, the iconic white rock tower above Sugiton, was conquered in 1879.

The white limestone offered excellent grip and the long pitches (sometimes several hundred metres) attracted the attention of mountaineers such as Gaston Rébuffat. They came to perfect their techniques before setting out to conquer the greatest peaks in the Alps, and opened and equipped many of the climbing routes that are still used today in 2024.

Proud of this prestigious history, Marseille has become a world reference for climbing. The city attracts climbers from all over the world who come to test their skills on the iconic cliffs of the Calanques and other mountain ranges in the region.

The calanques, between school sites and major routes

Breathtaking scenery, between sky and sea, sparkling white rock with good grip and excellent handling, cliffs of all heights and inclinations… all the ingredients are there for an unforgettable experience for every climber, whatever their level!

There are climbing schools where you can learn or improve your skills on short, well-equipped routes. You can get your first taste of climbing in the company of a guide or instructor near Luminy, at the Virage climbing school. Hardened climbers can challenge the impressive overhang of the aptly named Paroi des toits in the calanque of Sugiton.

The major routes are several pitches long and invite you to enjoy an experience worthy of high mountain climbing. The Bec de Sormiou traverse takes place in an enchanting setting, with sublime views of the calanques and islands. The Marseille ridge, which climbs up the Grande Candelle, is without doubt one of the most beautiful climbing routes in France. The feeling of emptiness is always present and the maximum difficulty (5C) does not make it inaccessible to anyone in good physical shape. The Devenson cliffs, in a wild and sublime setting, will also appeal to adventure lovers.

Climbing sites all around Marseille

The Calanques are world-famous, but other massifs offer fantastic playgrounds for climbing enthusiasts just a few kilometres from Marseille.

Le massif du Garlaban, popularised by author and playwright Marcel Pagnol, is home to numerous cliffs, and there are plenty of climbing schools to choose from: the Treille site in Marseille, the Grand Vallon site in Roquevaire, the La Bretagne site in Aubagne – you’re spoilt for choice!

La Sainte-Baume, a massif between Marseille and Toulon reaching an altitude of 1,148 metres, will appeal to those looking for a vertical experience. The Pic de Bertagne, topped by a dome-shaped radar, is home to some magnificent long routes.

Near Aix-en-Provence, the south face of Sainte-Victoire is renowned for its long routes. The views are splendid and, once on the summit ridge, you can see all the way to the distant peaks of the Alps.

On hot or rainy days, climbing enthusiasts can take refuge in the city’s climbing gyms. Altissimo Marseille, Climb Up Marseille, Arkose Prado, La Boite à Grimpe, Bloc Session… the number of climbing gyms in Marseille has increased in recent years, attracting climbers of all ages and abilities!