Where to go hiking in the Calanques?

The most accessible: from Luminy to the Sugiton lookout

For the less athletic, the hike from Luminy to the Sugiton lookout will suit you perfectly. The Tour d’Orient – another name given to the belvedere perched 250 meters above sea level – features an orientation table and offers a breathtaking view: on one side, the Calanque de Sugiton, the massif du Puget and the Grande Candelle; on the other, the aiguille de Sugiton, the cap Morgiou and a bird’s-eye view of the Calanque de Morgiou. Simply unmissable, this hike takes you through wooded areas and gravel tracks before reaching the belvedere.

Hike distance and duration: 2.3 kilometers from Luminy / between 30 and 40 minutes

The sportiest: crossing the Calanques via the GR 98-51

If you’re used to intense hikes, the trek linking Marseille to Cassis by crossing the Calanques National Park will satisfy you hands down. Over three days, you’ll cross the entire Calanques in semi-autonomy while enjoying the idyllic setting of the Mediterranean landscape. During your itinerary, you’ll encounter some physically demanding passages and relatively easy climbing sections, but these are not to be taken lightly. Beyond the physical effort involved, you’ll enjoy a succession of unique views and sceneries that are well worth the detour.

The start of this sporty hike starts in the Madrague district of Marseille to join the GR 98 to the Calanque de Sormiou for the first day. The second day will link the Calanque de Sormiou to the aiguille de l’Eissadon, during which you will join the GR 98-51 to arrive at the Col de la Candelle where the view is absolutely divine. You’ll finish your trek at the little port of Cassis, which marks the final point.

Bivouacking is forbidden in the Calanques National Park, so you’ll need to leave the National Park for the night and find accommodation in the 8th or 9th arrondissement of Marseille, for example. The only accommodation in the heart of the National Park is the Cassis youth hostel, located in Cassis.

Hike distance and duration: 35 kilometers from La Madrague / about 3 days

Preparing your hike in the calanques

If you want to go hiking in the calanques, it’s essential to prepare carefully beforehand. Make sure you have the appropriate equipment: walking shoes, backpack, sun cream, hat or cap to protect you from the sun, plenty of water (water sources are non-existent in the calanques) and energy bars.
We also advise you to take with you an orientation map, as you may miss some important intersections. Most of the time, signposting in the form of paint on the ground will show you the way. During your hike, be sure to stay on the marked paths at all times and pay close attention to the flora and fauna.