Few visit Marseille without seeing the majestic landscapes of theCalanques National Park. For generations its natural beauty has been inspiringFrance’s poets and artists who are drawn to the vivid shapes and tones of thelimestone cliffs and the coves below. There are many ways to experience thenational park, the perfect daytrip from Marseille: admire it from cliff-toplookouts, hike through the incredible terrain or look up from the water belowas you kayak along the coast.
Thanks to its diverse ecosystems and rugged beauty, Calanques NationalPark was selected as a national park in 2012. The park stretches from withinMarseille’s city limits for some 20 kilometres (12 miles) to the neighbouringtown of Cassis.
Your options for exploring the park are varied. Hop aboard the BlueCoast railway line that traverses the park to admire the coastline and nationalpark from the comfort of your seat. For a different perspective, join a guidedboat tour from Vieux Port and look back at the park from the Mediterranean Sea.
Rent a car to see the park at your own pace. Drive to Sormiou andMorgiou, two of the most popular calanques to find panoramic lookouts just ashort walk from the parking areas. At Sormiou you’ll find a sandy beach next toa small harbour surrounded by seafood restaurants. Go for a swim in the inletsof Morgiou, a charming coastal settlement.
Traverse the park on foot to really immerse yourself in its untamedbeauty. Follow the marked trails that traverse the landscape to see the manyspecies of plant and animal life that live here. Look out for foxes, rabbits,sea turtles and dolphins.
Don’t forget to bring water and sun protection as the park is subject tohigh temperatures. Overcast days make for smaller crowds and perfect conditionsfor photographing the white cliffs. Check for fire warnings in summer as someareas of the park are subject to closure.
Give yourself a whole day in the Calanques National Park to fullyexperience its sights and activities.
