Access rules to the Calanques

To preserve the fragile balance of the Parc National des Calanques, strict access rules are imposed depending on the season and weather conditions. This National Park is a unique natural area between Marseille, Cassis and La Ciotat. Before setting off, it’s a good idea to get all the information you need (weather, possible closures, equipment, etc.). Regulations also apply to the maritime area.

Regulations on land

The Parc National des Calanques is open from 1 October to 31 May, unless it is closed in exceptional circumstances. From 1 June to 30 September, access to the massif is regulated by order of the Prefecture due to the high risk of fire. Before coming, it’s best to find out about the conditions from the Bouches-du-Rhône Prefecture. A map is posted online daily by the Prefecture, and you can call 0811 20 13 13 or download the “Mes Calanques” application. The map is colour-coded to show which areas are authorised for visitors. Green, yellow (authorised traffic), red (access prohibited).

Access roads to the calanques

The Gardiole, Morgiou, Sormiou and Callelongue roads have additional regulations. The Gardiole and Cap Croisette roads are closed to motorised traffic all year round.
Pedestrian access to these roads is permitted under certain conditions.
Motorised access is subject to a seasonal ban.

Morgiou:
Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June: from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
From Friday 12 June to Sunday 30 August inclusive: every day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
From Monday 31 August to Sunday 27 September inclusive: every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sormiou:
Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June: from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
From Friday 12 June to Sunday 30 August inclusive: every day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
From Monday 31 August to Sunday 27 September inclusive: every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Callelongue:
Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June: from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
From Friday 12 June to Sunday 30 August inclusive: every day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Warning!
Access to the Calanques Massif (and all massifs in the Bouches-du-Rhône department) is regulated by a prefectural order.
On days when the forest fire risk is at ‘red’ level, access is prohibited 24 hours a day.

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Find out all the rules governing access to the Parc National des Calanques

Before setting off on a hike in the Calanques

To make the most of your outing, good preparation is essential.
Make sure you have :

a map of the Parc des Calanques,
good walking shoes
sunglasses and a hat,
At least 1.5 litres of water per person,
A charged mobile phone,
a first-aid kit.
If you are going on your own, always tell someone about your itinerary and departure time.

⚠️ Beware: some trails are demanding and sometimes steep. Take the time to prepare well, especially if you’re walking with young children.

Regulations at sea

Recreational boating and passenger transport by sea are highly regulated. Passenger transport requires prior authorisation from the Parc National des Calanques. As a result, since 1 May 2020, only motorboats duly authorised by the National Park may be made available to visitors in the heart of the park by professional rental companies. There are a number of different signs to confirm that boats are authorised to navigate:

– An orange sticker: only passenger vessels with this sticker are authorised to navigate in the calanques.(/! The absence of this sign is a sign of an illegal service and exposes you to prosecution. )
– The flag and blue sticker of the Esprit Parc National brand: these attest to the quality of the service offered.
– A green sticker: this regulates motorboat hire. Only rental companies with this sticker are authorised to hire you a boat.

Speed is limited to 5 knots within 300 metres of the shore. Yellow buoys mark out regulated areas. Certain areas are forbidden to anchor.

Good to know

It is everyone’s responsibility to take part in activities in the calanques in accordance with the regulations, following the signposted paths and, above all, taking care not to leave any rubbish behind. All you’ll be able to bring back are photos and sublime memories. Picking is prohibited and punishable by fines.