Visit the Cassis calanques, do you dream? Enjoy hiking, swimming, diving or simply breathtaking scenery, Cassis's calanques promise you relaxation and total change. Follow the guide!
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is for many the most beautiful of the French regions. Natural and authentic, it extends to the sun, rocked by the Mediterranean. The rocky bays of Cassis calanques are internationally renowned.
Treat yourself to sweet hours of farniente or swim in this little corner of paradise with the edges of the world. The song of the cicadas and the sun of the coast are no longer waiting for you, so here is a small guide to discover this unique place!
Visit le Parc National des Calanques and its unique panoramas
Photo credit: Wikimedia - Pmau
Created in 2012, the Parc national des Calanques is one of the ten national parks in France and hosts almost 2 million visitors per year. It is located in the heart of the metropolis Aix-Marseille Provence, and has as its particularity to extend on a terrestrial and marine territory.
A true natural gem, you will undoubtedly be charmed by its imposing cliffs, its lost sea of view and its exceptional fauna and flora, which constitute the breathtaking scenery of this world renowned national park.
The list of layers is long (26 in all) and extends over 20km from Marseille to Cassis. Under water, on water, or even on land, the calanques invite exploration and discovery.
Visit the Cassis Calanques
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Romrodphoto
« QUA VIST PARIS E NOUN CASSIS A REN VIST. » (Who saw Paris and not Cassis, saw nothing.) said Frédéric Mistral...
Located about 20 km from Marseille, Cassis is a pretty tourist town with about 8,000 inhabitants. This small fishing port is really worth the detour. It is nestled between two amazing natural sites: the Cap Canaille and the famous Calanques massif.
The layers of Cassis are the most accessible, with in order: the calanque of Port Miou, the calanque of Port Pin and the calanque of En-Vau.
Caroline Parna
La calanque de Port Miou A former limestone quarry, it is today a natural port that welcomes more than 600 boats, which will delight fans of sailboats. But the high number of boats and the absence of beach does not make this calanque an ideal place for swimming.
La calanque de Port Pin Located 2km, 35 minutes walk from Port-Miou, the calanque of Port-Pin is simply paradise. Its fine sandy beach and turquoise blue waters make it a place to swim and relaxation ideal!
La calanque d’En-Vau Have a good time walking to reach the En-Vau calanque from Port-Miou which is probably the most beautiful of the three. A real postcard landscape awaits you!
Good to know.
- The national park of the calanques can be closed in summer due to high fire risks. Learn to theOffice du Tourisme de Cassis to know if the park is practicable or not.
- Some portions of the paths can be slippery, difficult and even dangerous ! Provide suitable shoes and Meet before you leave on the difficulty of the route you have chosen.
- Think of course forecast water and you protect from the sun (chapeau, glasses, sunscreen), because there is very little shade on the trails.
- Finally, don’t forget your mask and tuba thanks to which you can enjoy the very clear water of the calanques and admire the seabed!
How to visit the Cassis Calanques?
It is a fresh air, a full of sun, a discovery of colorful flavors and an immersion in the heart of the Mediterranean that awaits you if you decide to visit the Cassis calanques.
Wanderlix reveals the different ways to visit them. Whether you're curious, sporty or adventurers, you'll necessarily find a shoe at your foot!
En paddle
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gaspar Janos
- 💰 From 60 € per person.
- ✱ Little more of this activity? The viewpoint on the calanques from the sea
Experience the stand-up paddle and discover the region in an original way! This activity, good for the body as for the mind, will allow you to drown with nature and to go to discover magical places, otherwise inaccessible.
Evade during 3 hours and enjoy the magical landscapes that will offer to you!
By kayak
Photo credit: Shutterstock -Gaspar Janos
- 💰 From 115 € per person.
- ✱ Little more of this activity? Discovering the exceptional coastal landscapes of the Cassis calanques.
In lack of nautical activity?
Alone or in a binome, board a kayak and leave at sea admire the natural beauty Cassis calanques.
Accompanied by a guide, explore the unique coastal landscapes of the calanques offered from the sea and enjoy turquoise water at a loss of sight!
Electric mountain bike
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gaspar Janos
- 💰 From 69 € per person.
- ✱ Little more of this activity? The bathing break to cool down.
Do you have seaache and prefer to stay on the ground? We offer you to visit the Cassis calanques by bike!
Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will take a bike path to En Vau for your first stop. This place is deemed to be one of the most beautiful and impressive Cassis calanques.
You will be impressed by its high cliffs, turquoise water and sand and pebble beach! Enjoy it for a little swim break!
Then you will go to Port Pin and Port Miou, two other unmissable layers Cassis! To finish in beauty, you will have the opportunity to climb to the peaks! The game is worth the candle since you will be rewarded by the panorama on the beautiful bays of Cassis and La Ciotat.
En via cordata
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Grisha Bruev
- 💰 From 75 € per person.
- ✱ Little more of this activity? Strong sensations.
Looking for strong sensations? The via-cordata is surely the activity you need!
Halfway between classic hiking and climbing , the via cordata is a route equipped in a rocky wall. This day trip will allow you to discover the heart of the calanques where few people venture.
A succession of vertical passages and descents as a reminder along the sea await you. The reward? A breathtaking view of the calanques!
In climbing
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pavel Szabo
- 💰 From 300 € by group.
- ✱ Little more of this activity? The originality of the activity in an idyllic setting.
Discover the Cassis calanques as you have never seen them!
Opt for a climbing stage in the main tracks of 1, 2, 3 or 4 days in the calanques, one of the most famous spots in the world to discover or improve in this discipline!
Depending on your level and your desires, difficulty of the course will be adapted so that you can enjoy the maximum of this unique experience in this exceptional place! Warm sportsmen and beginners are welcome!
Other options to visit the Cassis calanques
Photo credit: Shutterstock – traveler8
On foot
Know that the national park of the calanques connects Marseille to Cassis on almost 20 km of marked trails. It is therefore a privileged place for hiking enthusiasts or simply for lovers of family or friends.
There are many hikes to do in the Cassis calanques. Alltrails identify the best ones, it will suffice you to find the one that suits you best, depending on your desires and your level.
By boat
Visiting Cassis's calanques by boat is giving your escapade a whole different dimension. Indeed, from the sea, it is a different show that awaits you, but just as beautiful! If you have the sea foot, do not hesitate to opt for a boat ride Cassis.
- Rent a boat to visit the Cassis calanques
The right addresses
Cassis is really not a big city (7,500 inhabitants a year), but in the summer it attracts tourists and the population passes to about 40,000 inhabitants. Hosting offers are rare at this time. Nevertheless, Wanderlix offers you its favourites for an exceptional stay in Cassis.
You can also find very good accommodation in the area if you take it in advance. You are advised for this to use a hotel comparison or Airbnb , to La Ciotat For example.
Unusual housing
Photo credit: Airbnb
This cabin in the trees is perfect for a romantic getaway! If you like atypical accommodation or if you have kept your child soul, you will inevitably be seduced by this perched cabin and its idyllic frame.
In the evening, enjoy the heated swimming pool with views of the mountains then warm up near the brasero of the beautifully decorated terrace.
We also note the kindness of the owners and their bitch, the cherry on the cake for an exceptional stay in the Cassis calanques.
A cocon cut from the world, between comfort and authenticity. In short, one true haven of peace .
For holidays with family or friends
Photo credit: Airbnb
Located 15 minutes walk from the city centre and the beach, this apartment in residence is fully equipped and has a terrace. From May to October, you can also enjoy the swimming pool from the residence.
Once again, we highlight the reception and availability of the host, which is Small care for his passengers.
The must-have restaurant
To spend a pleasant evening and enjoy your taste buds, Wanderlix advises you La Villa Madie . Indeed, with his 2 stars Michelin , this exceptional restaurant is worth a visit!
The staff of extreme kindness, the flavours of the dishes, the finesse of dressage and the idyllic setting of this restaurant are the perfect cocktail for a great dinner with a couple, family or friends!
The spots of the Cassis calanques
Photo credit: Flickr – akunamatata
Cassis calanques offer multitude of spots more wonderful than any other! You are advised to vary the views to make the most of this experience.
In particular, you can see fabulous views of the sea from the cliffs of the calanques. Conversely, from the sea, you will have an overview of the rocks of the calanques.
Finally, you can also go to the heart of the calanques thanks to activities such as via cordata or climbing.
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