Turquoise cove between limestone cliffs
The trail starts at the university campus at Luminy, east of Marseille, and climbs through garrigue, woodland thick with thyme and rosemary. About 20 minutes later, you emerge out onto the Belvédère viewpoint, the famous Calanque de Sugiton sparkling below.
The view sweeps down over white limestone cliffs plunging into water so turquoise it looks dyed. Sugiton is narrow, enclosed, its waves crashing faintly in your ears. This is the calanque at its most dramatic – and you don't need to go any further to feel it.
If you do want to go further, the path continues steeply down to the cove itself. The reward is a small pebble beach, deep cool water, and the feeling that you've earned your swim. Just note that in summer you need to book in advance to access it.
Whether you stay at the top or make it all the way down, start early – the midday heat on the upper trail is serious. Bring more water than you think you need. There are no facilities at the calanque and no shade once you leave the pine cover.
View French Riviera (Côte d'Azur)
