13 Best Calanques to Visit in Southern France

Hunting for the blue ocean hues of the best Calanques to visit this summer to cool off the summer heat?

Whenever family or friends tell me they will visit France, I will ask them to leave Paris off their itinerary and head down to the South of France, with the best Calanques to visit!

Often, people will only know a little about these Calanques and prefer to stay within the city. But boyy, I am telling you, take the TGV and EXPLORE 😉

South of France is known for its rich culture, beautiful medieval cities and Calanques National Park hiking activities. If you miss this, you are literally missing out on the whole package of what makes the South of France attractive.

If you skip these calanques in your itinerary, I will personally find you and drag you with me 😛

The Mediterranean coastline offers a plethora of breathtaking landscapes, and the best Calanques to visit are nestled along the stunning French Riviera.

I will bring you through impressive cliffs, clear waters, and a dreamy summer. So, grab your swimsuits cause we’re going to explore the Calanques National Park together!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links here are affiliate links, and I may earn commissions if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. I hope you find the information here useful! Thanks!

All You Need To Know Before Hiking Calanques National Park

1. Reservations are required for most Calanques. France has changed its regulations due to the high number of tourists during the summer season. You can easily download the mobile application Mes Calanques to find out about road closures and reservations for Calanques.
2. Guided Tours are recommended if you are not familiar with trekking and hiking. Some trails are easy and moderate, while some trails could be on a difficult level. 
3. Accessibility by car can be very strict and limited, so it is better to use public transportation during the peak season. 
4. Access to Calanques National Park on foot can be limited, especially during the dry season, as there is a high risk of fire due to the scorching heat and wind. 
5. Camping Calanques is strictly prohibited in Calanques National Park. 
6. Plan early, book your spot in advance, and secure your trip as soon as possible.
7. If you plan to go for a solo Calanques hike, please kindly inform your family and close friends.

1. Calanque d’En-Vau

• Hiking Difficulty: Moderate 
• Route Type: Out and Back
• Recommended Hiking Trail: Calanques d’En Vau
• Best Time To Visit: March through November

Calanques d’En Vau is, as you can see above, hidden between deep cliffs with calm turquoise water. 

Surrounded by tall limestone cliffs, this Calanque is usually on the checklist of climbers from France and Europe. 

After a few hours of hiking and sweating through the valley, you will be rewarded with a stunning view. Here, you can sit, relax, sunbathe, and have a picnic.

The refreshing sensation after the sweaty Calanques hike is nothing short of exhilarating. 

As you soak in the ocean, the cooling water will instantly soothe your body’s fatigue and make you forget about everything. I can tell you that it is a rewarding feeling! 😀 

With the sunlight dancing on the ocean, you will be able to see through the clear water. 

Bring your swimming goggles or snorkel gear! Sometimes, you can see fish and, if you’re lucky, an octopus as well! 

2. Calanque de Sormiou

• Hiking Difficulty: Moderate 
• Route Type: Out and Back
• Recommended Hiking Trail: Calanque de Sormiou via les Baumettes
• Best Time To Visit: Open All Year Round

Are you not a fan of super long hikes and getting drenched all in sweat? 

Well, you can actually drive yourself up to one of the Calanques during the low season! The spot you are looking for is Calanque the Sormiou.

The route down to Sormiou is more relaxing and reachable. At the end of the road, you’ll find a parking space and a restaurant. 

However, this road is only accessible during specific periods. During peak season, you’ll need to hike down to these Calanques, as the road will be blocked, especially during the summer season. 

Otherwise, you can go hiking in Calanques here. The trails will take you through the Les Baumettes district and narrow paths, surrounded by pine trees, white limestones, and a glimpse of the ocean’s beautiful blue azure. 

It’s peaceful and calming. You can lie down on the beach peacefully. The soft sand beneath your toes and the distant calls of seagulls will make you forget about your daily concerns. 

There is also a restaurant at the end of the trail. You can dine in here but do bring some cash.

3. Calanque de Port-Miou

• Hiking Difficulty: Easy
• Route Type: Out and Back
• Recommended Hiking Trail: Sentier du Petit Prince
• Best Time To Visit: Open All Year Round

Another Calanque for you vacationers who would like to have a relaxing holiday instead of a sweaty one is Calanque de Port-Miou.

Calanques Port Miou is beautiful and is accessible on foot from the town center in 30 minutes. 

Otherwise, you can come by car and park in the Presqu’île parking at a flat rate of approximately 10 euros a day in the summer. 

It is definitely a family- and kid-friendly hot spot. Therefore, when summer is around the corner, expect a number of crowds rushing in with little kids. 

Adventurers who would like to go further into the challenge can hike up to Port Pin and Port d’En Vau. You’ll be rewarded with the view of the coastline 🙂 

4. Calanque de Morgiou

• Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
• Route Type: Loop
• Recommended Hiking Trail: Calanque de Morgiou
• Best Time To Visit: February to June

Nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike will find this paradise among the best Calanques to visit, with mindblowing views of ports and unforgettable hiking experiences.

Formerly known as a fishing port, Calanque de Morgiou features tons of possible ways to enjoy your stay in the Provence. 

What I can tell you is that this Calanque promises you a unique connection to nature and the ocean. You can go Calanques climbing, hiking, swimming, kayaking, or simply sunbathing.

The fresh ocean water will wake every nerve and muscle in you, leaving you fresher than ever. 

It was deeply gratifying! The excitement of dipping into one of the most scenic Calanque relieved all the strained muscles! I mean, hiking can be pretty tiring 😛 

5. Calanque de Sugiton

• Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
• Route Type: Out and Back
• Recommended Hiking Trail: Calanque de Sugiton
• Best Time To Visit: Open All Year Round 

This has always been and will always be one of my favourite spots for hiking in Calanques. 

One is because of how enjoyable the trail is. 

Two, because along the pathway down, you will be rewarded with snippets of different views of Calanque de Sugiton. Each angle is beautiful. 

Bring your snorkels, goggles, and everything you need to take a dip. Come early in the morning if you’d like to have a shaded area to avoid the full force of the sun. 

It’s best to ensure that you are not sunbathing in the middle of the hot, scorching sun. Why?

I witnessed an emergency helicopter come by to pick up a man who was going through a heat stroke. The guy literally couldn’t move at all…

At that time, my head was running through the calculations of how much that would cost him…

So, ladies and gents, please take care of yourself. 

Want to try something out of the ordinary? 

Be a nudist for a day. When you arrive at Calanque de Sugiton, walk right up ahead towards the open sea and head down to the left-hand side of the cove. 

It’s called Plage Naturistes Les Pierres Tombées, an area dedicated to nudists. So, be respectful of those who are serious about their nudist getaway!

6. Calanque de Cassis 

• Hiking Difficulty: Easy to Hard
• Route Type: Loop
• Recommended Hiking Trail: The Three Calanques
• Best Time To Visit: March through October

Calanques de Cassis is the whole route starting from Calanque de Port-Miou, going on to Port Pin, and the furthest one of all, Calanques d’En Vau. 

You have a few options: to follow the blue trail (easy) or red trail (complicated) pathway. 

As you go further into the hike, especially on the hike down to Calanque d’En Vau, it gets slightly challenging. It is considered to be an intermediate hike. Some parts are rugged and steep. 

I recommend following the blue route for a more relaxing hike. It takes longer, but it is definitely safer, especially if you have small kids with you.

For the fastest way to quickly change into your swimsuits and take a deep dive into the ocean, you can opt for the red path 😉 

The extraordinarily steep and precarious fall to the beach is well worth it for the pristine beach below!

7. Calanque de Marseilleveyre

• Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
• Route Type: Loop
• Recommended Hiking Trail: Calanque de Marseilleveyre Loop
• Best Time To Visit: Open All Year Round

Staying in Marseille? You can definitely add Calanques de Marseilleveryre to your places to see in the South of France. 

When I go to work in Marseille, Calanque de Marseilleveyre is one of my go-to Calanques simply because it is easily accessible and reachable from the city center. 

Plus, the hike in the creeks is pretty easy! Why go further when you can be in the middle of nature and still be close to the city? 😛

The beach is pretty sandy and pebbled-like. Since it is close to the city, it could be busy despite being one of the largest Calanques beaches compared to neighboring Calanques. 

Come early and secure a spot to enjoy the perks of bathing in the ocean shimmering with sunshine, swayed by the Mistral wind, and enjoying a spectacular view of the Riou archipelago. 

Oh, another thing! Do you have a diving license? If yes, then spend some time diving in the Riou archipelago. Rich in shipwrecks, fantastic flora and fauna, it’s known to be a diver’s paradise! 

8. Calanque de Port-Pin 

• Hiking Difficulty: Easy
• Route Type: Out and Back
• Recommended Hiking Trail: Pointe d’En Vau
• Best Time To Visit: Open All Year Round

You’ll surely pass by Calanques Port Pin when you hike up to Calanques d’en Vau. Situated between Port Miou and Calanques d’en Vau, it is a feasible hike for everyone.

Suppose you’re on a family trip and want to spend some quiet time together. 

In that case, Calanque de Port-Pin is the ultimate destination for an exciting day by the sea with your loved ones. Plus, you can go on calanques en kayak expedition from Cassis beach to this cove.

Get ready for an action-packed retreat that caters to every age!

With its shallow and crystal-clear waters, this Calanque becomes a natural aquatic playground. 

Grab your snorkels and dive into a world of underwater wonders. Watch in awe as you explore the marine life beneath with colorful fishes.

9. Calanque du Devenson 

• Hiking Difficulty: Hard
• Route Type: Loop
• Recommended Hiking Trail: Falaises de Devenson Loop
• Best Time To Visit: Open All Year Round

Calanque du Devenson is an excellent place for people who love excitement and extreme thrills. Why? 

Because there is no way you can hike down a 200 m above sea level cliff unless you are a pro climber and an expert rock climbing person. 

I’ve never been there yet, and I’m still considering taking up rock climbing courses. I’ve only started with beginner bouldering. 

So, this Calanque will be on my bucket-things-to-do list for a while! O.O

The good thing is that you can still go and visit the Calanque du Devenson by sea. 

Some Calanques boat tours offer personalized swimming excursions leaving from Marseille, like BleuEvasion. 

You’ll need to inform them if you’d like to stop by Calanque du Devenson!

10. Calanques de L’oeil de Verre

• Hiking Difficulty: Hard
• Route Type: Loop
• Recommended Hiking Trail: L’oeil de Verre
• Best Time To Visit: Open All Year Round

Known for its blue-eyed painting on the limestone facade, it generates curiosity among hikers, climbers, and boat excursions about where the painting comes from. 

It is not suitable for swimming but offers a great point of view from an altitude of 400 m above sea level. 

Just like Calanques du Devenson, you can visit Calanques de L’Oeil de Verre by private boat excursions. 

You may need to ask the boat agencies if they will be passing by this Calaque prior to booking your tour.

11. Calanque de Figuerolles 

• Hiking Difficulty: Easy 
• Route Type: Out and Back
• Recommended Hiking Trail: La Ciotat Beach – Calanque of Figuerolles
• Best Time To Visit: Open All Year Round

Situated slightly further down from the city of Cassis, you will find Calanque de Figuerolles in La Ciotat (one of the provencal cities that you must check out while in the area).

Calanque de Figuerolles is a perfect place for couples looking for a peaceful and intimate getaway. My husband brought me here when we first started dating 😂

It is quiet, relaxing and also easily accessible from the town. The peaceful moments we shared in the picturesque Calanque setting will always be cherished as one of my favorite memories.

He chose an excellent place to go on a date. 😛

Parking might be hard to find, so I do recommend getting here early in the morning to secure a closer car park. 

Otherwise, you can find a parking lot in the town and start your day with a breeze walk straight to the Calanques.

While the view is impressive, tucked in between particular rocks plunging into turquoise waters, the beach’s landscape is pretty stone-ish. 

12. Calanques de Méjean

• Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
• Route Type: Out and Back
• Recommended Hiking Trail: Niolon – Méjean Trail
• Best Time To Visit: Open All Year Round

Saving the best for the last, and of course, it goes to Calanques de Méjean. This hidden gem is known amongst locals and avid hikers. 

The blue hue of this particular Calanque brings peace the moment you lay your eyes towards it. 

Méjean is divided into two parts, which are the small Méjean and grand Méjean. 

The small one has a scenic postcard-like harbour and beach lined with pine trees and rocks. 

The grand one has a splendid, beautiful, pretty cove! It’s perfect for a day outing to a spot with much less crowd.

However, the hiking trail can be very challenging as it involves a lot of steep areas and rocky, slippery paths. 

Psst. Don’t go yet! 

I have another secret spot that you should definitely drop by if you’re already in Niolon or Méjean. 

13. Calanques de Erevine

• Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
• Route Type: Out and Back
• Recommended Hiking Trail: Calanque of the Blue Sea
• Best Time To Visit: January to June

Locals call it the jewel of la Côte Bleue. 

The landscape is mindblowing. It’s different from other Calanques. The turquoise water will bewitch your eyes, and you’ll fall head over heels. 

All beautiful things in the world will require extra work in order to attain it. The same goes for this hidden spot. It’s a challenging route, as steep and rocky as the route to Calanques de Mejean. 

But every step is worth it. 

I can’t tell you how beautiful the cove is. If you’ve made it there, share with me how you felt in the comments section! <3

FAQ on Best Calanques to Visit

Is It Better To Stay In Marseille Or Cassis?

Marseille is a bigger city with a more vibrant, hyped life and will have a lot of things for you to do. Nightlife can be very lively and fun.

You can check out my recommendations on where you can stay in Marseille. 

Cassis is a small city with calm and peaceful vibes, charming indeed, with fewer things to do. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet getaway away from the hustle and bustle. 

In any case, both cities are nearby and reachable with public transportation.

What Is The Easiest Calanque In Marseille?

The easiest Calanque in Marseille to hike will be Calanque de Sugiton. It is reasonably doable by everyone, even with kids. 

Start your hike early in the morning. It’ll give you a head start and let you pick a nice spot to settle down by the cove. 

Is Calanques Worth It?

Yes, Calanques is undeniably worth it. Each Calanques is unique from one another. 

With sheer cliffs, beautiful crystal clear turquoise water and beaches, you will not regret waking up in the morning and going for the hike.

Some trails may require extra effort, but it is worth every drip of your sweat.

Where To Stay To Visit Calanques?

Here are some top trending Calanques hotel near the National Park: 

• La Villa d’Orient (Marseille)
• La Petite Calanque (Marseille)
• Toyoko Inn Marseille Saint Charles (Marseille)
• La Calanq’Aise (La Caiotat)
• La Calanque de Figuerolles (La Ciotat)
• Hôtel Les Roches Blanches (Cassis)
• Cassis La Fontasse youth hostel (Cassis)

So, Paris or Les Calanques?

That’s a wrap for the beautiful Calanques you should not miss. It’s okay if you don’t have the time to cover everything in one go. 

The most important thing is that you have experienced the Calanque adventures, and you have something to brag about to your family and friends once summer is over :-P. 

An extra note from my side: when planning for the hikes, you can easily find the hiking route through a few mobile applications such as Mes Calanques, All Trail App or Komoot App. 

I always go with All Train and bookmark the routes prior to the day of hiking. You can use whichever app that you want.

For those of you who are on a short stay, don’t worry. It is also feasible to do a Calanques day trip from Marseille or Cassis with a cruise.

Otherwise, you can reserve Calanque boat tours leaving from Cassis or from Marseille.