Hiking between the sea and cliffs in the Calanques

We embark at the Old Port for a boat trip to Pointe Rouge (20 minutes) (depending on the season: April to September and the weather; otherwise, a 30-minute transfer by public transport). We leave Marseille via a coastal path that leads us to a small fishing village, Les Goudes, where we have a picnic. After a siesta, we head towards Callelongue and its traditional fishing huts, the gateway to the Calanques National Park.

Return by public transport (bus + tram, 40 minutes depending on traffic). For those who wish, we will visit Notre-Dame de la Garde (the "Good Mother"), which watches over the city. Dinner at a restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Before embarking again from the Old Port for the Frioul archipelago, we delve into the world of the Cosquer Cave. This interpretation center houses a replica of the cave covered in parietal art discovered in the Calanques. A complete and identical reproduction, the Cosquer Cave showcases drawings, engravings, paintings, handprints, and other stalagmites and stalactites dating from 30,000 years ago to the present day. Henri Cosquer began his first explorations of the cave in 1985. Before these early modern explorations, the cave had remained untouched by human presence for nearly 20,000 years.

A 20-minute boat trip takes you to the wild and unspoiled Frioul Islands. We'll explore the fortified islands of Pomègues and Ratonneau, which offer breathtaking views of the Bay of Marseille and the Château d'If. Swimming is possible, depending on the season, in a small cove with turquoise waters, a veritable natural pool. Back on the mainland, we have the opportunity to visit an iconic Marseille market, where we'll be immersed in the scents and colors of the Mediterranean. Dinner at a restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

After a transfer by public transport (bus + tram, 1 hour), beautiful paths through the pine forest lead us to the magnificent Sormiou viewpoint. From there, a lovely trail allows us to reach splendid viewpoints overlooking the mountains and the sea. We end this day with a breathtaking view of the calanques and the Grande Candelle, a famous rocky peak, a playground for climbing pioneers such as Gaston Rébuffat and the couple Georges and Sonia Livanos. Transfer by bus to Cassis (1 hour). Dinner and overnight stay in a 2-star hotel.

Before joining the trail for our enchanting walk to the most famous calanques with their deep inlets and vertiginous peaks, we'll stroll through Cassis via its charming, typically Provençal streets. Our hike begins at the Calanque de Port Miou, now used as a harbor for pleasure boats. A short descent leads us to one of the few fine sandy beaches in the calanques: Port Pin. We'll enjoy a picnic at the magnificent viewpoint overlooking the Calanque d'En Vau, dominated by the "Finger of God" rock formation. The return to Cassis is via the track across the Fontasse plateau, offering exceptional views of the Bay of Cassis and Cap Canaille, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Dinner and overnight stay in a 2-star hotel.

Departure at the hotel after breakfast.

For those who wish to extend their stay freely, there is the possibility of strolling through the Cassis market, renowned for its Provençal atmosphere and its seafood (many regional products).

Weather permitting, we recommend booking a boat cruise departing from Cassis.

It is also possible to take the Little Prince Trail on the Cassis peninsula which offers superb views of the Port-Miou cove and the Cap Canaille (allow 3 hours of walking, +150m/-150m elevation gain).