What if the most beautiful cove in Marseille was the Calanque d’En Vau? With a small pebble beach between two cliffs, this cove is a real haven of peace. Nicknamed the Pearl of the Calanques, it attracts a lot of tourists in summer because of its turquoise and indigo shades that blend with the height of the cliffs.
Generally a favourite with visitors, the Calanque de Sormiou – apart from being the largest calanque in Marseille – offers a heavenly setting for admiring the splendour of the city. Bordered by mountainous relief and vast natural spaces, this calanque also gives access to a beach where it is possible to swim in the turquoise waters. To discover the Calanque de Sormiou on foot, you can leave from the Baumettes or La Cayolle car park and plan a walk of about an hour. The walking route is accessible to everyone, whether they are sporty or not. To get the most out of it, we advise you to visit it outside the summer holidays, when the cove is crowded.
The first calanque of the Marseilleveyre massif in the direction of Cassis, the Calanque de Callelongue is located in the Goudes district, at the south-eastern end of the 8th arrondissement of Marseille. What sets it apart? Its fishermen’s village atmosphere, with its small huts and its tiny port! A real haven of peace at the end of the world, it offers a thirst-quenching stopover for hikers thanks to its fountain and bar-restaurant where you can enjoy delicious Marseilles dishes. It is one of the few creeks without a beach; access to the water is by descending the rocks.
A real paradise on earth, the Calanque de Morgiou gives access to a magnificent cove which flows into the Mediterranean. The intimate atmosphere that emanates from it makes it even more singular. With a very deep cove, this cove is perfect for scuba diving. Nearby, you can visit the famous Grotte Bleue. The Calanque de Morgiou is closely linked to history. Indeed, during the visit of King Louis XIII, for whom a fishing trip was organised, stairs were cut into the stone to facilitate his landing. A hike with a relatively easy level of difficulty (duration: 1 hour) is possible. You don’t need to be a top sportsman to admire this natural landscape.
The unique Calanque de Port-Pin is suitable for families with young children because of its easy access. In only half an hour, you can reach this wonderful place – with sand and pebbles – where rocky reliefs dotted with trees are combined with the Mediterranean Sea. Named after the many Aleppo pines that surround it, it attracts holidaymakers who want to enjoy a day’s swimming in the calanques without a long walk. With its clear, turquoise waters, you will only want to swim!
Just after the Calanque de Callelongue is the Calanque de Marseilleveyre, with a sandy beach and small pebbles, surrounded by several huts and a restaurant. It offers a breathtaking view of the Riou archipelago, a godsend for lovers of beautiful landscapes. Visitable in all seasons, it remains an ideal place – close to Marseille – for swimming with family or friends.
Although it has no beach, the Calanque de la Mounine is nevertheless a favourite place for snorkelling and diving due to its crystal clear waters, which are home to a wealth of aquatic fauna and flora. Once there, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the narrow, straight indentation in the white limestone rock.
Only accessible by the path from the massif or from the seaside, the Calanque d’En Vau offers two hiking trails with slippery rocks. The itinerary for accessing it on foot is of intermediate level (GR98-51). Bring water, sun cream and good walking shoes if you want to get there safely.
Famous since the discovery of the Cosquer cave in 1991, the Triperie cove is accessible on foot from the Calanque de Morgiou, via the Renard (fox) pass or the Morgiou pass, in the direction of Cap Morgiou. You will be able to observe a sublime view of the calanques as far as Cap Canaille in Cassis. Because of the impressive verticality of its cliffs, the Anse de la Triperie offers an indescribable feeling of freedom and fullness!
Very close to the Calanque de Morgiou is the Calanque de Sugiton which has two small pebble beaches. Topped by high cliffs making it unique, this cove offers quick access to the Tour d’Orient, Sugiton’s lookout point perched at an altitude of 250 metres. From up there, an orientation table is available to visitors who can enjoy a panoramic view that leaves no one indifferent. To discover this cove, we advise you not to take the car. You are not very sporty? Don’t worry! The route is easily accessible to all. Please note that during the summer period, access to the Calanque de Sugiton is by reservation only. Find out more about access to the Calanque de Sugiton.
Located between the Calanque du Devenson and the Calanque d’En Vau, the Calanque de l’Oule can only be visited by boat, as there is no pedestrian route. Nestled between two immense cliffs 70 metres high, it is one of the wildest and most secret of the national park. Its name comes from the Provençal word Oulo, which means “pot or cauldron”. For divers, a half-submerged cave at the foot of the cliffs is accessible within the calanque for the practice of their aquatic activity.
Located on the island of Ratonneau (Frioul) near the Caroline Hospital, the Calanque de Saint-Estève is home to a natural beach and shallows rich in marine biodiversity. With its turquoise waters full of fish, it is one of the most popular beaches in Frioul and one of the most pleasant in the National Park. In summer, a snack restaurant with a shaded terrace is available to holidaymakers, as well as toilets and showers.
To get there, head towards the Caroline Hospital where several signs will show you the way. After a relatively easy 20-minute walk, you will reach the Calanque de Saint-Estève. Its highlight? From July to September, the Conservatoire du Littoral has an underwater course in the sea. Equipped only with a mask and a snorkel, this original path – accessible to beginners and initiates – allows you to discover the fauna and flora from the seashore.
