Parc national des Calanques (cœur)

Coastal highlights of Parc national des Calanques

The Calanques National Park spans 20 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline between Marseille and Cassis. This limestone massif features deep, narrow inlets known as calanques, formed by ancient river valleys submerged by rising sea levels. The landscape includes 400-meter-high cliffs, hidden pebble and sand beaches, and a network of hiking trails like the GR 98-51. Notable sites include the fishing harbor at Morgiou, the dramatic vertical walls of En-Vau, and the former limestone quarry at Port-Miou.

Coastal Highlights — Map

Ingo Mehling / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Queyrons Beach

This beautiful natural sight could be considered a series of Mediterranean fjords. A perfect chance to hike around the marvellous nature.

EL KAOUTARI / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Calanque de Morgiou

A deep inlet featuring a small fishing harbor and traditional cabanon cottages. It serves as a starting point for trails to Cape Morgiou and the prehistoric Cosquer Cave.

Bruno / CC-BY-SA

C

Calanque d'En-Vau

Enclosed by high vertical limestone cliffs, this calanque is known for its clear turquoise waters and small pebble beach. It is a major site for rock climbing accessible via steep hiking trails.

Anthospace / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Calanque de Callelongue

The first calanque from the Marseille side, marking the end of the coastal road. It features a tiny port and serves as the gateway to the hiking trails of the Massif des Calanques.

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Pointe Rouge Beach

Easily accessible sandy beach with lots of facilities. Popular with sport lovers, especially windsurfers.

Tobi 87 / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Calanque de Sugiton

Accessible from the Luminy campus, this site features two small pebble beaches and a distinctive rocky islet known as Le Torpilleur. The nearby belvedere offers panoramic coastal views.

Lcatta13410 / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Calanque de Figuerolles

Located near La Ciotat, this inlet is distinguished by its eroded conglomerate rock formations and reddish-ochre cliffs rather than the typical white limestone of the western calanques.

H

Calanque de Sormiou

One of the largest calanques, featuring a sandy beach, a small port, and traditional fishermen's cabins. It is one of the few inlets with seasonal road access and a restaurant.

I

Plage de Port Pin

A small beach at the end of a narrow inlet, shaded by Aleppo pines. Located between Port-Miou and En-Vau, it is characterized by a mix of sand, pebbles, and flat rocks.

J

Plage La Grande Mer

The main public beach in Cassis, located near the town center and the port. It features a mix of sand and gravel with facilities including showers and seasonal lifeguards.

K

Plage du Bestouan

A pebble beach in Cassis offering views of the Cap Canaille cliffs. It is known for its clear, cooler water due to natural underground springs.

L

Plage Calanque du Grand Mugel

Located in La Ciotat at the foot of the Bec de l’Aigle, this pebble beach is sheltered from the Mistral wind and sits within the Mugel Botanical Park.

M

Plage de l’Arène

A rocky natural beach located at the foot of Cap Canaille. It is characterized by large limestone slabs and clear water, typically less crowded than central Cassis beaches.

N

Calanque de Port-Miou

The most easterly calanque, once used as a limestone quarry. It functions as a long, sheltered natural harbor for pleasure boats and is the only one accessible by car from Cassis.

O

Petit Mugel Calangue

A smaller, sheltered cove adjacent to Grand Mugel in La Ciotat. Part of a protected area within the Mugel Park, its clear waters are used frequently for snorkeling.

P

Sémaphore (Rockclimbing Wall)

A limestone cliff face located near the Cap Canaille ridges, offering various climbing routes with vertical drops overlooking the Mediterranean.

Q

Candelle

A prominent limestone spire in the heart of the Calanques massif. It is a landmark for hikers on the GR trail and a destination for multi-pitch rock climbing.

R

Parc national des Calanques (aire d'adhésion)

A protected area established in 2012, covering 520 square kilometers of terrestrial and marine environments to preserve the biodiversity of the limestone massifs.

Other Lists

Parc national des Calanques (cœur) Essentials Top Scuba Diving Spots Historic Sites & Fortresses Scenic Peaks and Viewpoints Climbing in the Calanques