Parc national des Calanques, Marseille

National Park near Marseille

CC BY-SA 4.0 / GabrielleMerk

Stretching between Marseille, Cassis and La Ciotat, Calanques National Park (Parc national des Calanques) protects a jagged shoreline of limestone cliffs plunging into unbelievably clear, blue-green water. Created in 2012, it is both France's first peri-urban national park and one of the top attractions in Marseille, blending wild Mediterranean landscapes with easy access from the city. From high ridges you can look back to the skyline of Marseille and out towards the islands, while at your feet scrubland, pines and aromatic herbs cling to the rock.

Down at sea level, narrow inlets like Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton and the iconic En-Vau feel like fjords in miniature, with pebble beaches and rocky ledges perfect for swimming stops. The park also includes a vast marine area, home to rich underwater life, and shelters the prehistoric Cosquer Cave in a flooded grotto offshore. Whether you come for hiking, climbing, kayaking or simply a boat tour and a lazy picnic, this is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Marseille if you want to see the wild side of the Mediterranean coast.

History and Significance of the Calanques National Park
Things to See and Do in the Calanques National Park
How to Get to the Calanques National Park
Practical Tips on Visiting the Calanques National Park
Where to Stay close to the Calanques National Park
Is the Calanques National Park Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Calanques National Park
Nearby Attractions to the Calanques National Park

History and Significance of the Calanques National Park

The push to protect the Calanques dates back to 1923, when the Comité de Défense des Calanques formed to resist industrial projects around En-Vau. Over the 20th century, Marseille’s urban area crept closer to these cliffs, raising concerns about pollution, quarrying and overdevelopment. In 1999, the Groupement d’Intérêt Public (GIP) des Calanques was set up to prepare a formal national park plan, which went through years of public consultation and environmental studies before being approved in 2011. The park was officially created on 18 April 2012, marking a major milestone for coastal conservation in France.

What makes the Calanques particularly significant is the mix of habitats packed into a relatively compact area: steep limestone massifs, maquis and garrigue scrub, cliffs used by nesting birds, underwater canyons and seagrass meadows. The park's boundaries link land and sea, recognising that what happens in the hills directly affects water quality and marine ecosystems. It also sits right up against Marseille's southern districts, making it one of the must-see places in Marseille for understanding how a large city and a fragile environment can coexist.

Things to See and Do in the Calanques National Park

For many visitors, the classic experience is hiking down to one of the emblematic calanques. Popular options include the Calanque de Sugiton, with viewpoints over the sea and the “Torpilleur” rock, and the vertiginous Calanque d’En-Vau, where sheer cliffs bracket an emerald cove. Paths vary from easy coastal tracks to steep, rocky descents that require good shoes, so you can choose a route that matches your fitness and heat tolerance. In summer, early starts are essential both to avoid the midday sun and to beat the crowds to the more confined beaches.

Boat trips from Marseille's Old Port or from Cassis give a completely different perspective, gliding beneath cliff faces and into inlets you might not reach on foot. Some cruises are non-stop sightseeing, while others include swimming or snorkelling stops in sheltered coves. Sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are another fantastic way to explore, letting you hug the coastline quietly and slip into small corners between the rocks. On calm days, the water is so clear that you can often see fish and the patterns of the seabed from your boat.

If you are into climbing, the Calanques are legendary, with hundreds of bolted routes from beginner-friendly slabs to serious multi-pitch climbs high above the water. Wildlife watchers can look for seabirds such as yellow-legged gulls and, with luck, the rarer species that nest on the cliffs, while underwater the park protects posidonia seagrass meadows and rocky reefs rich in marine life. Away from the shore, trails on the Massif des Calanques offer wide panoramas and quiet corners where you can picnic among the pines and listen to cicadas. This spot is one of the best places to see in Calanques National Park if you appreciate both big views and small details like wild thyme and limestone fossils underfoot.

How to Get to the Calanques National Park

The Calanques stretch between the southern edge of Marseille and the towns of Cassis and La Ciotat, so you have multiple access points. Most international visitors arrive via Marseille Provence Airport, which has frequent flights from across Europe and shuttle services and trains into the city centre and towards the coast. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Marseille on Booking.com.

If you are travelling by train, Marseille Saint-Charles station is the main hub for TGV and regional services.You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. From there, local trains and buses can take you towards Cassis, La Ciotat or the southern districts of Marseille, where you can pick up trailheads or boat trips into the park. Many organised excursions and boat tours also depart directly from Marseille's Vieux-Port or from Cassis harbour, making it easy to visit without a car.

For maximum flexibility, especially if you want to explore several access points in one trip, travelling by car allows you to drive to trailheads such as Luminy (for Sugiton) or to the approach roads above Sormiou and Morgiou, bearing in mind that access is strictly regulated in summer for fire safety and congestion.If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Always check current restrictions and parking rules before you set out, as roads and paths can be closed at short notice due to fire risk, high winds or heat.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Calanques National Park

Suggested tips: Start early in the day, carry plenty of water, sun protection and sturdy footwear, and always check fire-risk and access restrictions before heading out in summer.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer the best balance of pleasant temperatures, fewer closures and clearer views; summer can be glorious but very hot and often restricted due to fire risk.
Entrance fee:
Opening hours:
Official website: https://www.calanques-parcnational.fr/en
How long to spend: Plan at least a half day for a short hike or boat tour; a full day or more lets you combine hiking, swimming and exploring different calanques.
Accessibility: Many trails are rocky, steep and exposed, so they are not suitable for all visitors; boat tours offer a more accessible way to see the cliffs for those with limited mobility.
Facilities: There are very few facilities inside the park itself, so bring water, snacks and any essentials; toilets and cafés are mainly found in Marseille, Cassis, La Ciotat and at some harbours.
Photography tip: Bring a wide-angle lens or use panorama mode to capture the scale of the cliffs and coves, and consider visiting early or late in the day for softer light and fewer people.
Guided tours: Hiking guides, kayak tours and boat trips are widely available and can help you discover routes and viewpoints safely while learning about geology, flora and park regulations.
Nearby food options: Stock up in Marseille, Cassis or La Ciotat before heading into the park, then reward yourself afterwards with a terrace meal or ice cream by the harbour.

Where to Stay close to the Calanques National Park

If you want an urban base with easy public transport and boat connections into the park, Marseille is ideal. A stylish waterfront option is Hôtel La Résidence du Vieux-Port, right on the Old Port, perfect if you plan to hop on a calanques boat tour in the morning and explore the city in the evening. For a more peaceful, village-like feel with quicker access to some of the most famous coves, consider staying in Cassis at Best Western Plus Hôtel La Rade, a short walk from the harbour where hiking paths and boat trips begin. If you prefer a modern, comfortable base back in Marseille with good links to buses and trains, NH Collection Marseille gives you city convenience while still keeping the Calanques within easy reach for day trips.

Is the Calanques National Park Worth Visiting?

Calanques National Park is absolutely worth visiting if you enjoy dramatic landscapes, coastal walks and time in or on the water. It offers a rare combination of wild scenery and easy access from a major Mediterranean city, so you can breakfast in Marseille and be swimming below cliffs or hiking fragrant limestone ridges by late morning. The mix of land and marine environments, the variety of activities and the sheer beauty of the coves and viewpoints make it a highlight of any trip to southern France.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (21,017)

Parc national des Calanques spans a rugged Mediterranean coastline and adjacent marine area where turquoise waters meet bright limestone cliffs; visitors praise endless climbing routes and dramatic multi-pitch lines, excellent hiking with steep, exposed trails like the Massif Marseilleveyre offering sweeping views toward Marseille and Cassis, and boat or yacht trips that reveal hidden coves and clear swimming and diving spots; be prepared for demanding terrain (long walks from parking, exposed sections, bring plenty of water), follow fire-and-litter restrictions, and check trail or access closures and reservation requirements in dry, windy periods.

Andrew Green

2 months ago

"Beautiful national park on the Mediterranean coast. We were here rock climbing for a week. You could stay here a year and never do the same 2 climbs.So much to explore and climb. Incredible rock and views. Definitely do the 6 pitch 5.10a Arete de Marseille. Some of the more popular climbing areas are a little slick from wear. Still, worth it and highly recommend for a climbing trip!!..."

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Youcef Guenane

2 months ago

"Visiting the Calanques National Park was an absolutely sublime experience. The turquoise waters are breathtaking, and the way the sea crashes againstthe mountains creates a powerful, almost overwhelming sensation. I had the chance to discover it on a yacht, which made the experience even more unique and luxurious, allowing me to fully enjoy the hidden coves and majestic cliffs. The contrast between the crystal-clear sea, the bright limestone rocks, and the calm Mediterranean atmosphere is unforgettable. A true natural wonder that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Marseille...."

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Paul A

4 months ago

"No fire, no smoking and no litter please ! Gemstone water at the foot of dizzy white cliffs. A good physical condition is better since you may needat minimum about 1h of walking one way from the parking to the beach. Check on the internet if the path is open, it closes on dry and windy times to limit wildfire risks and you need a reservation (free) during summer. You can also choose to dive there, which is a great way to see the Mediterranean fishes near Riou, where fishing is prohibited...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Calanques National Park

No, you can reach many areas by bus, train and organised boat tour, but having a car gives more flexibility, especially for trailheads and early starts.

Yes, swimming is allowed in many coves, but always respect safety signs, avoid jumping from cliffs and be aware that there are no lifeguards on most beaches.

Facilities inside the park are very limited; plan to bring your own water and food and use the cafés and restaurants in Marseille, Cassis or La Ciotat before or after your hike.

The original prehistoric Cosquer Cave is underwater and protected, but a detailed replica and interpretation centre, Cosquer Méditerranée, is located in Marseille for visitors.

Some shorter, less steep paths and boat trips are family-friendly, but many hikes are rocky and exposed, so choose routes carefully depending on your children’s age and experience.

Nearby Attractions to the Calanques National Park

Cassis: A charming harbour town at the eastern edge of the park, perfect for boat trips, seafood lunches and wandering narrow streets.
La Ciotat: A laid-back coastal town with beaches, old shipyards and access to the towering cliffs of the Calanque de Figuerolles and Cap Canaille.
Vieux-Port de Marseille: The historic Old Port, a lively hub of restaurants, markets and boat departures, ideal as a starting or finishing point for calanques adventures.
MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean: A striking modern museum and historic fort at the entrance to Marseille's harbour, exploring Mediterranean cultures and offering superb views.
Marseille History Museum and Jardin des Vestiges: A central museum and archaeological garden tracing the story of Massalia from Greek colony to modern port city.

The Parc national des Calanques appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Marseille!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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