Exploring the Calanques on foot
There are countless trails in the mountains, offering just as many possible routes. Here we suggest six easily accessible routes, ranging from short to medium length, offering breathtaking scenery.
Which calanque is best for a family visit?
“From Callelongue to the Calanque de Marseilleveyre” route (1½ hours round trip)
The walk starts at Callelongue; here, it feels like the end of the world, as the road ends and the Calanques massif begins. This is the starting point for many walks. You can get there by car or public transport (get off at the terminus of bus no. 20). Callelongue is the first calanque in the massif when coming from the west: it is home to a small fishing port, a few huts and the restaurant “La Grotte”. For this hike, follow the GR 98 trail towards the Calanque de la Mounine and then Marseilleveyre. The path runs along the coast and offers a stunning view of the Riou archipelago. This route is easy; the only difficulty is the smooth surface of the rock, which can be slippery in places. On arrival, you’ll discover the Calanque de Marseilleveyre with its beach and the restaurant “Chez le Belge”. Return via the same route.
“From Luminy to Calanque de Sugiton” circuit (2 hours 15 minutes round trip)
This is undoubtedly the most accessible hike; the path is well-maintained and has no difficult sections: only the elevation gain might be off-putting (230 metres), especially on the way back uphill.
For those using public transport, it has the advantage of being served by the B1 bus, which comes directly from the town centre. If you have a car, park in the university car park; the start of the trail is right next to it.
At the start, the path is a wide, shaded gravel track leading to the viewpoint from where you can see the Calanque de Morgiou. Then, the path becomes a concrete track descending towardsSugiton. Halfway along, the calanque comes into view and the panorama reveals the iconic rocky islet in the middle of the waves known as “Le Torpilleur” due to its resemblance to a warship. It is also sometimes called “Le Cygne”.
/! During the summer, access to the Sugiton calanque is restricted and available by booking only.
“Les Baumettes – Calanque de Sormiou” walk (2 hours round trip)
The Calanque de Sormiou is one of the most beautiful in the Calanques National Park but also one of the most popular with the people of Marseille, (it is one of the few, along with the Calanque de Morgiou, to have a road leading to it) partly because, along with the Calanque de Morgiou, these are the only ones with a road leading to them.You can therefore drive there outside the summer season (access is prohibited in summer), then park in the small pay-and-display car park.
During the summer, you’ll need to leave your car at the Baumettes car park and then take the footpath. Similarly, if you’re travelling by public transport, get off at the “Les Baumettes” stop on bus route 22 as if you were heading to Morgiou, but once you reach the Parc des Baumettes, take the path marked in red which climbs up to the Col des Baumettes before descending to Sormiou. This path runs along the ridge in places and offers the best views of the Calanque. The path continues into the heart of the Calanque de Sormiou, winding its way between the traditional Marseille huts and passing through the small fishing port. As the two small beaches fill up quickly, feel free to take a spot on one of the rocks lining the cove to admire this magnificent limestone landscape, plunging into the turquoise waters – and why not take a dip?
“Luminy – Calanque de Morgiou” walk (2 hours round trip)
Like its neighbour Sormiou, the Calanque de Morgiou is home to a small fishing port, huts and coves with crystal-clear waters.
Outside the summer season, you can drive there directly via the access road and park right in the calanque. (Paid parking) During periods when access is restricted, you’ll need to walk there via the hiking trails. There are several possible routes: we suggest you head there via the Domaine de Luminy. As with Sugiton, take the B1 bus directly from the town centre or, if you have a car, park in the university car park, then take the path right next to it. The start is the same as for the Sugiton calanque, but when you reach the fork, turn right onto the Col des Escampons path to descend to Morgiou. The path ends at the end of the Morgiou road, giving you the chance to wander through the narrow lanes lined with little huts before reaching the harbour.
“Port Miou Calanque – Port Pin Calanque” circuit (1 hour round trip)
To start the hike to Calanque de Port Miou, you can park directly on site (paid parking) and then take the path towards Calanque de Port Pin (a 30-minute walk) without any difficulty, apart from the weathered rock and roots protruding from the ground.
Port Pin Cove is absolutely stunning, with its sandy beach lined with Aleppo pines, its turquoise waters and its flat rocks along the shore, where you can settle down to enjoy the scenery.
Calanque d’En Vau, known as “la Superbe” (3–4 hours round trip)
The Calanque d’En Vau is the “star” of the Calanques; it is undoubtedly the most photographed, and can be found on many postcards and Instagram posts. Once you’re there, you’ll understand why… you’ll be amazed! We’ve got two routes for you, the longest ones compared to the ones mentioned above, but paradise has to be earned, doesn’t it?
Option 1: the longest but the quietest
Park on the Route de la Gineste, opposite the Carpiagne military camp, near the barrier. Walk for about an hour along the winding track that leads to the car park near the La Fontasse youth hostel. The trail itself starts at this second car park, passes close to the youth hostel, crosses the scrubland facing the sea, then descends between the hills and cliffs down to sea level, ending at the calanque beach. Allow about 45 minutes: the walk is easy, only the climb back up can be tiring, although it is not long. This route may be closed depending on weather conditions (wind, high temperatures): always check in advance.
Option 2, shorter and more challenging (3 hours round trip from Port Miou)
To get there, park at Port Miou, walk through Port Pin and continue towards En Vau.
From Port Pin beach, follow the blue trail which runs along the calanque on the right to the headland and leads to the Cadeiron plateau, which overlooks the fabulous En Vau calanque and offers exceptional views. You can stay on the plateau and enjoy the panorama, but be careful: if you wish to reach the beach, the path descending from the plateau to sea level in the calanque is steep, the rock is weathered and slippery, and you may need to use your hands and descend facing the rock: it is not recommended for small children or inexperienced walkers (over 100 metres of descent).
