Calanque de Sormiou

Overview

The Calanque de Sormiou is one of the most accessible and popular calanques in the national park, a wide, pine-fringed inlet with turquoise water, a sandy beach, and two seaside restaurants. It can be reached by car (restricted) or on foot via a scenic hillside trail.

Highlights

• The Beach: A small sandy beach at the head of the calanque — one of the few sandy spots in the Calanques park.
• Swimming: Crystal-clear, sheltered water ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• Seaside Restaurants: Le Château and Le Lunch serve fresh fish and pastis on waterfront terraces.

History

Sormiou has been a fishing and leisure destination for Marseillais since the late 19th century. A small community of cabanons (fishermen's huts) lines the shore, passed down through generations. Access by road is restricted from June to September to protect the environment.

Visitor Tips

• Summer Access: Cars are banned June–September; walk from the Luminy campus parking lot (30 minutes downhill).
• Fire Risk Days: The calanque closes entirely on high fire-risk days — check prefecture alerts before going.
• Duration: 2–4 hours.