Dramatic cliffs & hidden turquoise inlets
Limestone cliffs plunge endlessly into turquoise water. Narrow inlets carve deep into the rock. Pine trees cling to slopes that drop straight down to the sea.
The Calanques stretch for about 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) between Marseille and Cassis – a protected national park where France’s south coast meets the Mediterranean in dramatic fashion.
There are around 26 major calanques (the word means "inlet" in the Provençal dialect), each with its own character. Some are accessible only by boat, others only on foot. The rocks are white and pale grey, and the water shifts between deep blue and startling turquoise depending on depth and light.
Hiking here is spectacular, but can be demanding. Trails are rocky, exposed, and often steep. In summer, paths can close due to fire risk – check before you go. Bring water, sun protection, and proper footwear.
The good news is that there are gentler routes, if you want to take it easy. For example, a gentle trail to a viewpoint above the beautiful Calanques de Sugiton starts just outside Marseille.
Other popular calanques include Sormiou, Morgiou, and En-Vau – each requiring a decent walk to reach. If hiking isn’t your thing, boat tours run from Marseille and Cassis, offering a different perspective – cliffs towering above, caves at water level, and swimming stops in sheltered coves.
View French Riviera (Côte d'Azur)
