The best activities in the Calanques National Park
The Calanques National Park is part of the incredible and magnificent landscape of Marseille and the surrounding area. The kilometres of coastline between forests, beaches, coves and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean offer an exceptional picture-postcard panorama! If you're looking for something to do, the Calanques are the place to be.
People often talk about the Calanques de Marseille, but in reality the Calanques National Park stretches along more than 20 kilometres of coastline between three communes, from Marseille to Cassis and as far as La Ciotat. The park comprises a total of 26 calanques that are more or less easily accessible. From sheer cliffs to fine sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, there are several routes to the Calanques, with some coves accessible via hiking trails and others that can only be visited by boat.
The Calanques National Park is made up of numerous large coves formed by the erosion of limestone rock to create the steep cliffs we know today. But the Calanques from Marseille to Cassis are much more than just an exceptional landscape: they are home to a vast diversity of flora and fauna, both on land and underwater.
Marseille and the Calanques National Park are a veritable paradise for lovers of outdoor activities. There's something for everyone, from aquatic activities to rock climbing or guided sightseeing tours, you're bound to find something to suit all tastes.
1. Boat trip
Among the must-do activities in the Calanques National Park, cruises and boat trips are among the best ways to visit the coves and creeks along the coast.
From the Old Port to the Frioul islands and the Côte Bleue towards Carry-le-Rouet, Bateau Marseille Calanques offers a wide range of possibilities for visits.
Calanques takes you on a unique cruise aboard a comfortable RIB. Fancy sailing around Marseille? Embark on a boat trip through Marseille's Old Port to discover all the city's emblematic monuments, with information and explanations from a local guide. A 1-hour cruise awaits you in the heart of the city's historic centre to find out more about its iconic cultural and historical sites. Prefer to discover the islands of the Mediterranean? Take a cruise to the Frioul Islands from the Old Port, in the heart of the exceptional landscapes of the Calanques National Park and the Château d'If. You'll have the chance to stop for around 30 minutes on the island of Frioul!
If you'd rather go on a sailing cruise or visit other incredible places in the Parc national des Calanques, here are all the boat trips from Marseille that we offer.
2. Cycle tours
Accompanied by an experienced guide, take to the roads of Marseille to discover the city's most emblematic sites on a guided electric bike tour of the historic heart of the city. Ride your electric bike along the roads of Marseille for half a day, at your own pace, and benefit from the knowledge of a local guide who will share his passion for the city with you. From the Palais de Pharo and the Old Port to the Corniche Kennedy and Notre-Dame de la Garde, you'll have unforgettable memories of your time in Marseille.
Want to enjoy cycling for longer? Want to be completely independent? You can hire electric bikes or scooters in Marseille to discover the city and its emblematic districts at your leisure.
3. Walking tour
Walking and hiking is one of the best ways to descend the Calanques and reach the little hidden coves. For 4h30, cross the southern districts of the city of Marseille on a panoramic guided walk in the Calanques National Park, surrounded by Aleppo pines, holm oaks and laurel trees, before climbing back up to the Col des Chèvres. You'll also enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the steep cliffs and coastline of Marseille, before reaching the Calanque de Callelongue in the Marseilleveyre massif.
There are many guided walks between Marseille and Cassis to visit the Calanques National Park. Are you tempted by the Calanque de Port-Pin, a haven of peace with its white sand and pebble beaches, or the Calanque de Port-Miou with its pretty little port in the heart of nature? Check out all our walks in the Calanques National Park and the city of Marseille to find the activity that's right for you!
4. Sea kayaking
Navigate the Calanques National Park on a superb kayaking adventure in Marseille during a full day of discovery! Relax, paddle and explore the Calanques of Marseille and Cassis by sea kayak. On the Mediterranean, you'll set off towards the Côte Bleue or the Riou archipelago in the Calanques Marine Park to the rhythm of the natural landscapes between the winding cliffs, forests and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Look up from your boat so you don't miss the incredible view!
You'll be accompanied by an expert guide who will give you tips on how to become increasingly self-sufficient and, above all, provide you with more information on the flora and fauna of the region in the places you visit.
From hire to guided trips between Carry-le-Rouet and Cassis, for a few hours or for longer, you'll find plenty of sea kayaking activities in the Calanques National Park between Marseille and Cassis!
5. Diving (and snorkelling)
Another great activity to do in Marseille is to try scuba diving! Using specialised equipment, you can dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean to explore the wealth of Mediterranean underwater flora and fauna during a first dive in Marseille with Atelier de la Mer.
Alone underwater with your instructor, who will help you gain confidence and adapt to the equipment, start by feeling at ease and then discover the seabed at depths of up to 6 metres in Marseille's Calanques between the Frioul islands and the Riou archipelago. This first dive in Marseille will leave you with unforgettable memories, and you'll leave with a diving certificate attesting to your experience.
If you prefer an activity that's a little more accessible, take a boat trip and snorkel in Marseille, exploring the seabed of the Calanques de Marseille, where you'll dive with flippers, mask and snorkel in the clear waters of the Mediterranean. It's the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the Calanques National Park above and below the water.
6. Via ferrata in the calanques of the National Park
The Calanque de Sormiou is one of the most popular coves in the city of Marseille, thanks to its exceptional backdrop of limestone cliffs and shades of green and turquoise in the Mediterranean.
In this calanque, you'll find plenty of activities to do in contact with nature, including rock climbing and via ferrata. Before you set off on your via ferrata session in the Calanque de Sormiou, a guide will give you all the information you need about climbing techniques and safety on the route. Climb up and down the rock faces of the Calanques National Park in Marseille and enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast between the Calanques and the Mediterranean Sea.
Would you prefer an even more dizzying experience? Tryrock climbing in the calanques between Marseille and Carry-le-Rouet. Depending on your level and your desires, you'll find activities of varying lengths and levels of difficulty.
7. Climbing
Come and work on your strength and agility in the heart of an incredible natural environment by first learning the basics of a climbing experience where an instructor will teach you basic techniques such as roping and belaying.
During your introduction to rock climbing in the Calanques National Park, climb the magnificent limestone cliffs under the guidance of your instructor. From up there, admire the beautiful panoramic views of the coastline and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean below.
In an incredible setting worthy of a postcard, come and try your hand at climbing under the guidance of climbing professionals. In the Parc national des Calanques, you'll find climbing routes in Marseille that are more demanding depending on your level.
8. MOUNTAIN BIKE
If you're looking for a dynamic way to discover the Calanques National Park, an electric mountain bike tour from Cassis is a must. This adventure lets you explore breathtaking scenery while enjoying the assistance of an electric bike, perfect for the varied terrain of the Calanques.
An electric mountain bike tour of the Calanques National Park from Cassis is one of the activities not to be missed if you want to discover both the natural land and sea areas of the Calanques National Park. Thanks to a local guide who will offer you a superb guided tour on the paths between the cliffs, you will enjoy a unique ride.
This activity is open to everyone aged 11 and over, whether you're a novice or a seasoned cyclist, as long as you know how to ride a bike. Electric mountain bikes help you to climb the slopes effortlessly, so you can enjoy the scenery to the full without getting tired.
What's more, you'll have the chance to learn more about the local flora and fauna from your guide.
9. Stand up paddle
Discover the unique calanque of Cassis on a guided stand-up paddle tour of the Parc National des Calanques from Cassis to admire the most beautiful spots amidst the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
A real corner of paradise, the calanques offer plenty of surprises and opportunities to discover both the seabed, where you can swim, and the land. Sail the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean on a stand-up paddle for a relaxing experience with friends or family. All you need to do is know how to swim!
Do you dream of admiring the sunset from the sea? Would you like to set off on your own adventure? Or would you prefer to explore the Calanques of Callelongue, Marseilleveyre and Podestat? Check out all our stand-up paddle activities in Marseille, Cassis and Carry-le-Rouet for even more unforgettable adventures!
The Calanques National Park from Marseille to Cassis is incredible both in terms of the beauty of its landscapes and the diversity of activities available in Marseille and Cassis. From the classic hike along the cliffs to sea kayaking, climbing and diving, every corner of the Calanques is full of surprises and breathtaking views.
The diversity and richness of the flora and fauna further enriches the experience, making the Parc national des Calanques a must-see during your stay in Marseille!