Access rules to the Calanques

To preserve the fragile balance of the Parc National des Calanques, strict access rules are imposed according to 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 October 1 to May 31, except for exceptional closures. From June 1 to September 30, access to the massif is regulated by Prefectoral decree due to the high risk of fire. Before coming, it’s best to check conditions with the Bouches-du-Rhône Prefecture. A map is put online daily by the Prefecture, and you can call 0811 20 13 13 or download the “Mes Calanques” application. The map is color-coded to identify authorized use of the massif. Green, yellow (authorized traffic), red (access forbidden).

Calanques access roads

The Gardiole, Morgiou, Sormiou and Callelongue roads have additional regulations. The Gardiole and Cap Croisette roads are closed to motorized traffic all year round.
Pedestrian access to these roads remains authorized under certain conditions.

Sormiou, Morgiou and Callelongue
Motor vehicle access is subject to seasonal restrictions.
Each year, this restriction applies from the first weekend in April until the All Saints’ Day holidays.
The exact dates of closure and reopening will be announced in March.

Please note that access to the Calanques massif (all the Bouches-du-Rhône massifs) is regulated by prefectoral decree.
Find out more about access to the Parc National des Calanques

Before Hiking in the Calanques

To fully enjoy your hike, good preparation is essential. Make sure to bring:

a map of the Calanques National Park,
sturdy walking shoes,
sunglasses and a hat,
at least 1.5 liters of water per person,
a fully charged mobile phone,
a first aid kit.
If you’re hiking alone, inform someone of your planned route and departure time.

⚠️ Warning: some trails are challenging and steep. Take time to prepare properly, especially if you’re hiking with young children.

©France, Bouches du Rhone (13), Marseille. Parc national des calanques. Massif des calanques. bateau à moteur dans la calanque de Sormiou

Regulations at sea

Recreational boating and passenger transport by sea are subject to strict regulations. Passenger transport requires prior authorization from the Parc National des Calanques. Thus, since May 1, 2020, only motorboats duly authorized by the National Park may be made available to visitors in the heart of the park by professional rental companies. A number of different signs can be used to confirm that boats have the right to navigate:

– An orange sticker: only passenger vessels bearing this sticker are authorized to navigate in the calanques.(/! The absence of this sign is a sign of illegal service and exposes you to prosecution. )
– The Esprit Parc Nationalflag and blue sticker: these attest to the quality of the service provided.
– A green sticker: for motorboat rentals. Only rental companies with this sticker are authorized to rent you a boat.

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

Good to know

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