Hiking in the Calanques, from Marseille to Cassis

France, discover this 7-day trip

Randonnée Calanques, de Marseille à Cassis

Calanques de Sormiou, Morgiou et Sugiton - Cassis

Trip Description

Calanques de l'Estaque, Côte Bleue, Sormiou, Morgiou and Sugiton, for a superb hike in the Calanques between Marseille and Cassis. The Calanques, l’Estaque, the Côte Bleue, la Ciotat… Who hasn't dreamed of exploring these places with magical names in the heart of Provence, between the mountains and the sea? These places about which Simone de Beauvoir wrote: "At once wild and easily accessible, the nature around Marseille offers the modest walker sparkling secrets." The Côte Bleue stretches to the west of Marseille, at the foot of the Nerthe range. The name "Côte Bleue" refers to the color of the water surrounding the massif. Less renowned and less spectacular than the Calanques, these small coves are also limestone calanques. Starting from Marseille, we will explore its coastline, which has remained partly wild. Ancient quarries, Gallic oppida, and Neolithic dwellings on the plateaus will also enhance our hikes. No road follows the coast, whose cliffs plunge straight into the sea, leaving barely enough room for the small ports nestled in their calanques. But a railway was built at the very beginning of the 20th century and tries to cling to the seaside rocks!

Accomodation

No accomodation information available

Stay program

day 1
Marseille
Welcome at 3 p.m. at the meeting point of the Saint-Charles train station in Marseille. Check-in at the hotel**. Visit of the city and the Old Port. Meal at the restaurant. Accommodation: hotel** Meals included: dinner. Meals not included: breakfast, lunch.
day 2
Frioul Islands - Marseille
Short crossing to the Port of Frioul. Hike and warm-up on the island of Pomègues and its many creeks, as well as on the island of Ratonneau with its strange ruins of the Caroline hospital and its chapel built in the style of a Greek temple. Many opportunities for swimming. Meal at the restaurant. Walking time: about 4 hours. Elevation gain: +300 m. Accommodation: hotel**. Meals included: breakfast - lunch - dinner.
day 3
Calanques of l'Estaque and Côte Bleue
Transfer by the small train of the Côte Bleue to La Redonne. Return on foot along the coast to the village of Niolon, with its azure blue colors. Meal at the restaurant. Walking time: about 5 hours 30 minutes. Elevation gain: +500 m. Accommodation: hotel**. Meals included: breakfast - lunch - dinner.
day 4
Calanques of Sormiou, Morgiou and Sugiton - Cassis
At the gates of Marseille, a trail, among the Spanish lilacs and multiflora heathers, offers exceptional views over the entire Calanques massif, as well as adorable little ports with turquoise waters and beaches of fine sand or pebbles. Transfer to Cassis and check-in at the hotel. Walking time: about 5 hours. Elevation gain: +700 m. Accommodation: hotel**. Meals included: breakfast - lunch - dinner.
day 5
Port-Miou - Port-Pin and En-Vau - Cassis
From the port of Cassis, we head towards the calanque of Port-Miou, then Port-Pin, and finally En-Vau, dominated by the "Doigt de Dieu" (Finger of God). A magical walk to the most famous calanques, with their deep inlets and dizzying needles. Meal at the restaurant. Walking time: about 4 hours. Positive elevation gain: + 600 m. Accommodation: hotel**. Meals included: breakfast - lunch - dinner.
day 6
Devenson Cliffs - Cassis
Via the Crête de l’Estret, Mount Puget, the highest peak of the Calanques (564 m), Cap Gros and the Escaliers, we reach the Grande Candelle before following, along a good path, the dizzying cliffs of Devenson, offering magnificent views. Night at the hotel**. Meals at the restaurant. Walking time: about 5 hours 30 minutes. Positive elevation gain: +700 m. Accommodation: hotel**. Meals included: breakfast - lunch - dinner.
day 7
Cassis - Cap Canaille - Marseille - End of the stay
Hike from Cassis to La Ciotat via the Chemin des Crêtes, along the highest maritime cliffs in France, passing by the Pas de la Colle, Cap Canaille, and the Bec de l’Aigle semaphore. Separation around 3:30 pm at La Ciotat station. Train to Marseille. Walking time: about 4 hours. Positive elevation gain: + 500 m. Meals included: breakfast, lunch. Meals not included: dinner.