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Calanques at Marseille

The Calanques are found along the coast to the south-east of Marseille, and are usually accessed from the attractive harbour town at Cassis.. 

One of the highlights of the coast of southern France, the calanques are a series of limestone cliffs, fjords and rocky promontories plunging into the Mediterranean, for about 20 km of coastline immediately to the south-east of Marseille. In places there are pine trees clinging to the gleaming rock,

Those around Cassis are the most accessible, while those near Sormiou, a little to the west, are perhaps the most dramatic.

There are several small beaches set among the rocks, with pine trees climbing the hill behind the beach, for example at En Vau and Port Pin, where you can swim between the cliffs - very dramatic!

In order from Cassis the calanques are: Port Miou (easily reached on foot from Cassis), Port Pin, En Vau, L'Oule, Devenson, L'Oeil de Verre, Sugiton and Morgiou.

One particularly stunning way to see the calanques is by taking a boat trip from Cassis along the coast. Tickets are available in the harbour - 13 euros to visit three calanques (45 minutes), 15 euros to visit 5 calanques (65 minutes) and 19 euros to visit eight calanques (90 minutes). Whichever you choose you won't be disappointed, as the little boat travels around the beautiful coastline with a new surprise around each corner.

The other option to explore is on foot by hiking along the coastline - this region really is a walker's paradise. There are also designated climbing areas in the calanques.

Note that because of fire risk, there are significant restrictions on access to the inland regions, especially during July and August.

Note - the underwater Cosquer cave at Morgiou contains some of the oldest cave paintings in the world - said to rival those at Lascaux.. Unfortunately the entrance is 35 metres under water and access is prohibited even if you do come equipped with diving equipment!

Calanques de Marseille: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

Places to visit near Calanques at Marseille

Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Calanques at Marseille.

Some places to visit within 30 km of Calanques at Marseille are shown below (if found).

Aubagne Marcel Pagnol birthplace at 21 km
Cassis harbour town at 14 km
Marseille Riviera city at 12 km

See also Calanques at Marseille (version Francais)

Airports near Calanques at Marseille

Avignon airport at 97 km Marseille airport at 35 km Nimes airport at 126 km Toulon airport at 82 km

Photos of Calanques at Marseille - click a photo to see larger version