South-east of Marseille the city stops abruptly against a massif of white limestone, and the coast breaks into a series of calanques — deep, narrow inlets of turquoise water between cliffs, shaded by Aleppo pines. In 2012 this coast between Marseille, Cassis and La Ciotat, its islands (including Riou and much of the Frioul) and the sea around them became the Parc national des Calanques, France’s first national park on the edge of a major city.
The famous names — Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, En-Vau, Port-Pin and Port-Miou — can be reached on foot over rough trails, by road in a few cases, or seen from the water on a boat trip from the Vieux-Port or from Cassis.
What to see and do: Calanques National Park
See the calanques by boat
The easiest way: a half-day boat or catamaran trip from the Vieux-Port, with swim stops. Our Calanques boat trips guide compares the options.
Hike to Sugiton
From the Luminy university campus (bus from the city), a trail descends to the belvedere and calanque of Sugiton. In summer, a free online reservation has been required on certain days to limit numbers.
Sormiou and Morgiou
Two larger calanques with fishermen’s cabanons and restaurants, reached by a long walk or, at certain times and with restrictions, by road.
Kayak and snorkel
Guided sea-kayak tours leave from Marseille’s southern districts and from Cassis; the clear water is excellent for snorkelling.
How to get to Calanques National Park
- By boat from the Vieux-Port or Cassis — the simplest option, and the only one that shows you the whole coast.
- On foot from the end of the city buses at Luminy, Les Goudes or Callelongue, or from Cassis. Trails are rocky and steep; carry plenty of water.
- From June to September, access to the massifs can be restricted or closed on days of high fire risk. Check the official forecast the evening before or the morning of your walk.
Insider tips
- Never underestimate the heat and the terrain: many hikers need rescuing every summer. Start early.
- Boat trips do not land at the calanques but anchor offshore for swimming.
- Fires, drones and picking plants are prohibited in the national park.
- If the Mistral is blowing, boat trips may be cancelled — and the land restrictions are often in force at the same time.
Best tours & tickets for Calanques National Park
These well-reviewed experiences pair well with a visit to Calanques National Park:
Small-group boat tour from €79 From Marseille: Iconic Calanques Boat Tour with Swimming
Marseille's best-selling Calanques trip, with well over 1,700 reviews. A fast boat heads east along the Calanques National Park towards Cassis, stopping to swim and snorkel and visiting places such as Riou island and a sea cave. For many visitors this is the highlight of a Marseille stay.
- Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton and more from the sea
- Riou island and a sea cave
- Snorkelling gear, wetsuits, soft drinks and GoPro
Catamaran cruise from €79 Marseille: Calanques Catamaran Cruise, Picnic & Swimming
An all-inclusive catamaran cruise along the most beautiful calanques between Marseille and Cassis, with a picnic, rosé, swimming and snorkelling. Choose a half-day or a longer version on the listing.
- Picnic and rosé included
- Snorkelling gear, wetsuits and GoPro
- Maximum 24 guests, two skippers
Guided hike from €35 Marseille: Calanques National Park Guided Hike with Picnic
A guided walk through the Calanques National Park on foot, with the coast, the creeks and the story of the landscape explained, and a picnic. Note that the park restricts access to its massifs on days of high fire risk in summer; the operator cancels and refunds in that case.
- Coastal paths and creeks of the national park
- Picnic included
- Cancelled with a full refund if conditions are unsafe
Boat and snorkel excursion from €45 Marseille: Snorkelling in the Calanques National Park
A sea excursion that mixes relaxing on board with guided underwater exploration, with all the snorkelling kit — wetsuit included — provided.
- Wetsuit, fins, mask and snorkel provided
- Time to relax on the boat
- Underwater life of the national park
Full-day sailing catamaran from €169 Marseille: Calanques Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Wine
A full day on a sailing catamaran to some of the finest calanques between Marseille and Cassis, with lunch and wine on board and plenty of time in the water.
- A whole day under sail
- Lunch, rosé and soft drinks
- Snorkelling and wetsuits included
Guided sea-kayak tour from €76 Cassis: Calanques National Park Sea Kayaking Tour
Paddle the famous calanques east of Marseille from Cassis — Port-Miou, Port-Pin and En-Vau — with an instructor who tells you the stories of the coast. Half-day and longer versions are offered.
- Port-Miou, Port-Pin and En-Vau
- Instructor-guided
- Private option available
