Calanques of Marseille, an unmissable landscape

Part of the essential landscape of Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques massif is a natural wonder. Indeed, between pebble and fine sand beaches, small coves and turquoise water, this place is worthy of the most beautiful postcards. It is a paradise for a moment of relaxation, for a desire to scuba dive, or for a desire to paddle or kayak.

Visit the creeks by boat

Visiting the coves by boat is an easy way to practice and admire the coves, and to have a panoramic view of the sea. In fact, due to the risk of fire, access to them is limited during the summer period. The boat tour allows you to have a complete overview of the coves, without having the difficulty of finding a place to put your towel. Departures to visit the coves are generally made from the Old Port, Cassis and also from La Ciotat. In high season, no reservations are required and many companies offer trips throughout the day. You have the choice between several routes of varying length.

 

Swimming in the creeks of Marseille

Here is a selection of 5 spots in the coves perfect for a moment of swimming alone or with friends. With such a landscape, it’s a shame not to enjoy it!

• Callelongue : at the end of the southern harbor of Marseille, easily accessible by bus, this small port and its huts has no beach. But nothing stops you from swimming there.
• La Mounine : 30 minutes’ walk from Callelongue, this narrow cove is known for its varied fauna and flora. It is not uncommon to come across sea urchins, scorpionfish and starfish. A good spot for scuba diving enthusiasts.
• Niolon : on the Blue Coast, this inhabited cove is also a recognized diving spot. This place is idyllic for a moment of relaxation with the added bonus of a beautiful view of this colorful port.
• Port-Miou : located in Cassis, it is above all a charming marina but you can still swim there in a more beautiful than natural setting.
• Méjean : the Méjean cove is located at Ensuès-la-Redonne (accessible by the Côte bleue train). To reach it, you have to take the road to the grand Méjean. The cove is then accessible via a small path at the end of the port. To see: a cave with access to the sea which you can enter.

 

How to access the creeks?

To access most of the coves, you will not need a car. The best is to go there on foot if you have the soul of an adventurer.

If this is not the case you will need to take a bus from Place Castellane or Rond-point du Prado.

• Magnificent cove of Sugiton : from Castellane or Rond-point du Prado, bus B1 or 21J to the “Luminy” terminus.
• For the Calanque de Callelongue : from Castellane, bus no. 19 to the terminus “La Madrague de Montredon” (Departure from GR98), then bus no. 20 to Callelongue.
• For the Sormiou cove: from the Prado roundabout, bus no. 23 to the “La Cayolle” stop and continue on foot for 700m along the road to the car park.