Calanques National Park

Overview

The Parc National des Calanques is a breathtaking stretch of Mediterranean coastline spanning 20 kilometers between Marseille and Cassis. Its dramatic white limestone cliffs plunge into turquoise waters, creating narrow fjord-like inlets (calanques) surrounded by pine-scented maquis scrubland.

Highlights

• Calanque de Sugiton: The most accessible calanque from Marseille, a steep 45-minute hike from the Luminy campus.
• Calanque d'En-Vau: The most spectacular calanque — a narrow, cliff-enclosed fjord with crystal-clear swimming water.
• Rock Climbing: World-class climbing routes on the sheer limestone walls attract climbers from across Europe.

History

Established as France's 10th national park in April 2012, it was the first European national park to include marine, terrestrial, and peri-urban zones. The calanques have been inhabited since prehistoric times — the Cosquer Cave, submerged at the base of the cliffs, contains 27,000-year-old cave paintings.

Visitor Tips

• Access Restrictions: The park closes on high fire-risk days (common in summer). Check access status at bouches-du-rhone.gouv.fr before setting out.
• Water: Bring at least 2 liters per person — there are no water sources or shops in the park.
• Duration: 3–5 hours for a hiking round-trip.