Hiking between the sea and cliffs in the Calanques
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur / The Calanques
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AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions72.99 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Explore the Calanques National Park on a unique route between Marseille and Cassis , combining accessible hiking with spectacular views. The selected trails allow everyone to progress at their own pace, in complete safety, amidst a wild and rugged landscape bordering the Mediterranean.
Along the way, you'll enjoy superb viewpoints overlooking limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. The experience is enriched by the discovery of Marseille , a vibrant city with a rich heritage, and by a visit to the fascinating Cosquer Cave , a unique testament to prehistoric art.
A sailing trip to the Frioul Islands offers an unforgettable maritime interlude, before reaching Cassis , famous for its colorful port and Provençal atmosphere.
This stay harmoniously combines nature , culture and escape , for a complete immersion in one of the most beautiful sites on the Mediterranean coast.
The highlights
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A hiking route in the Calanques accessible to all hikers
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A visit to Marseille, the Cosquer cave and the Frioul islands
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The magnificent panoramic views of the sea
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
PHYSICAL LEVEL:
For any hiker seeking a leisurely pace, with an accessible level of physical fitness and technical skill, we recommend using a pair of telescopic walking poles.
Approximately 2.5 to 4 hours of walking per day. Minimal elevation gains ranging from 100 to 300m maximum.
TECHNICAL LEVEL:
Some of the paths in the calanques are stony, and a little slippery in places, worn smooth by the passage of hikers over time.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 238 m
- Average daily descent: 238 m
Management
The stay will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide.
The swimming activities mentioned in the program are optional and undertaken at the participants' own risk during free time. They are not supervised by the guide.
Program
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Marseille
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival in Marseille, at Saint Charles train station, on Sunday at 2 pm. Check-in at the hotel in the Old Port district, in the heart of the historic center. Your guide has prepared a 2.5-hour city tour to take you back in time and discover the history of Marseille, the oldest city in France (according to a local!). A feast for the eyes and a delight for the curious.
Meal in a restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3* hotel.
Day 1 -
Calanques of Marseille
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
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.
Day 2 -
Cosquer Cave - Frioul Islands
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
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.
Day 3 -
Calanques viewpoint, Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton - Cassis
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
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.
Day 4 -
Calanques of Cassis
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
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.
Day 5 -
Blackcurrant
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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).
Day 6
Note
The durations of our hikes are approximate. They may vary depending on several factors during our trip (participants' fitness level, weather, trail conditions, etc.). Transfer times may also fluctuate depending on weather conditions and road conditions. Swimming, as mentioned in the program, is optional and undertaken at the participants' own risk during free time. It is not supervised by the guide.
The program was established based on the latest information available at the time of writing and may be subject to change in the interest of quality. Furthermore, circumstances beyond our control may alter the course of your stay (weather, road closures, cancelled or delayed flights, strikes, local festivals, etc.).
Accommodation
3* hotel in the Old Port district, right in the center of Marseille.
Family-run 2* hotel in Cassis.
Access
APPOINTMENT
Meet at 2:00 PM at the St. Charles train station at the designated meeting point near the main exit, or at 2:30 PM in the lobby of our hotel in Marseille (address will be provided on your confirmation). If you arrive late, you can call our guide to arrange a meeting in the city center. Beforehand, please leave your luggage at your hotel in Marseille.
You will receive an email invitation approximately 2 weeks before your departure: it summarizes the information you need to get to the meeting point (contact details of your first accommodation, first name and phone number of your guide, our emergency mobile number, etc...).
DISPERSION
Departure after breakfast on day 6 in Cassis. Return possible by bus or train to Marseille. You can also depart from Cassis train station.
Go to the starting point
Airport - Saint Charles train station connection by bus (Shuttle line 91, departing every 15 minutes)
You can park your car in Marseille in the paid car parks indicated below.
You can also park your car in the free Gorguettes car park in Cassis and travel to Marseille by train. (2.6km walk from the car park to Cassis train station).
Parking in Marseille:
- Charles de Gaulle parking lot: 1 minute walk,
- République parking lot: 5-minute walk
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by an experienced guide who knows the region well.
- Accommodation in 2* and 3* hotels
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
- The entrance to the Cosquer cave
- The transfers as planned in the program
- Tourist taxes
The price does not include
- Transportation to and from the meeting point.
- Lunch on Day 1
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room : CHF343.05 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
- Valid identity card or passport
- Health insurance card
- Your travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased this insurance through our offices) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number)
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
LUGGAGE
- One travel bag per person (or a rolling suitcase; recommended for trips with public transport included for transfers). Oversized luggage should be avoided as it would cause problems with bus capacity or logistical organization.
- One 35-40 liter backpack with a flexible frame, hip belt, and well-ventilated back panel for your comfort (to carry your personal belongings for the day: camera, packed lunch, water bottle, snacks, windbreaker, sweater, rain gear, etc.). This bag is usually placed in the cabin for any air travel (10kg maximum per person, typically).
On multi-day or semi-multi-day trips, you are asked to limit the weight of your luggage to a reasonable extent, as difficult access to some accommodations could compromise luggage delivery. We also advise you to avoid leaving fragile and/or valuable items behind.
FOR PICNICKS – MIXED SALADS
- Cutlery (reusable, not disposable)
- 1 airtight plastic container with a minimum capacity of 0.5 liters. It can be used as a plate and for storage, without getting your bag dirty.
- 1 sample of dishwashing liquid and a small sponge for washing your picnic equipment
- 1 plastic or aluminum cup with an insulated handle to prevent burns from hot drinks
- 1 folding pocket knife (optional)
- One insulated or aluminum water bottle of at least 1.5 liters, or a flexible water bottle (not recommended in winter). Especially useful in winter, also bring (optional) an insulated bottle to carry tea, coffee, etc. during the hike.
OTHERS
- 1 large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect your belongings from the elements and/or 1 rain cover
- 1 waterproof pouch containing: your assistance contract, your identity documents, health insurance card and any other document mentioned in the formalities section
- 1 sturdy and lightweight umbrella (optional but very useful in case of rain, or even heatwave)
- One pair of telescopic walking poles (optional, depending on your preferences or the technical difficulty of the hikes; refer to the "Technical Level" section of the trip information sheet). Using pole tips is essential to protect the soil and prevent erosion. These tips reduce the impact of the metal points on the trails, thus preventing damage to fragile terrain. We recommend using them (rubber or plastic). Some sites and national parks are gradually making them mandatory.
- 1 pair of good quality sunglasses (protection level 3 or 4) that provide good side coverage
- Sunscreen with a good protection factor (30 minimum)
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
- Earplugs made of wax or foam (against neighbors' snoring or other noise pollution)
- Tissues
- 1 headlamp or flashlight + survival blanket: these should always be in your backpack, as an unexpected delay due to an incident can occur even during an easy hike
- Spare glasses (if you wear prescription glasses; optional)
- Camera
- Binoculars (optional)
Clothing to bring
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- a light and breathable layer
- a warm layer
- a waterproof and breathable layer
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rainy or windy conditions, simply add this waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Choose clothes that dry quickly, so avoid cotton. Opt for synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.
The complete and ideal list: (although this should be adapted depending on the hike, the season, and your habits)
- 1 sun hat or cap, or scarf
- 1 fleece hat or headband and/or a neck warmer
- 1 pair of lightweight gloves
- Short-sleeved T-shirts in breathable material preferred (1 for every 2 days of walking).
- 1 long-sleeved base layer in breathable material or a shirt (sometimes the peaks are windy and a light layer is welcome during the lunch break),
- 1 warm fleece-type jacket (or even water-repellent) or a warm and compressible type)
- 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
- 1 rain poncho (optional) and/or sleeping bag cover
- 1 pair of sturdy, loose-fitting, comfortable, water-repellent hiking trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable overtrousers
- 1 pair of shorts or capris, comfortable and durable
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 days of hiking). Opt for wool or specific hiking socks like terry cloth, which will prevent your feet from overheating prematurely.
- One pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with a sole that grips well on uneven terrain and is abrasion-resistant. Consider testing new boots and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand, or if you're used to hiking, a pair of low-cut trail shoes is ideal, especially for summer trips.
- 1 swimsuit and 1 quick-drying towel (optional in case of swimming)
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening, like sneakers, which can also be used for sightseeing or walks in town.
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The Romain team
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