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!

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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.