a preserved territory to protect
It is a haven of calm and nature waiting for you here!
The calanques of Marseilles, extend over twenty kilometers of coast. From our Small Hostel in the district of La Madrague to the town of Cassis, passing by The Goudes and Callelongue, you can discover these magnificent natural resources, treasure of our region. With its majestic cliffs, endless sea and exceptional fauna and flora, you will be immersed in a dream setting.
Protected since 2012 by the regulation of the national park of the Calanques, its access is limited by prefectoral order from June 1 to September 30.
The calanque de Marseilleveyre
Marseilleveyre Calanque, with its charming beach of small pebbles and sand, is an invitation to escape and relax in the heart of the Calanques National Park. Surrounded by picturesque cabins and a bar-restaurant supplied by sea, it perfectly embodies the essence of Mediterranean life, where time seems to stand still. Offering one of the most beautiful panoramas on the massifs of the Riou archipelago, Marseilleveyre is a true balcony over the Mediterranean, where the intense blue of the sea harmoniously blends with the bright green of its vegetation. This vegetation, mainly composed of aloes, prickly pears, and wild herbs, adds an exotic touch to the landscape, highlighting the natural beauty and preservation of the calanque. Accessible by hiking trails that wind through the limestone landscape, this place is an oasis of tranquility for nature lovers and a hidden paradise for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Island of Riou
The “Île de Riou“, the largest island in the Riou archipelago, stands proudly off the coast of Marseille, offering a true natural and underwater treasure. With its beach combining fine sand and round pebbles, the island is a sanctuary of tranquility where the sound of waves and the cries of seagulls create a soothing symphony. This idyllic setting becomes even more enchanting underwater: the seabed around Île de Riou hides vertiginous drop-offs over 70 meters deep, making marine exploration a fascinating adventure. Divers discover a rich underwater world, populated with numerous caves and ancient wrecks, silent witnesses to the Mediterranean’s millennia-old history. These diving sites offer exceptional panoramas of the aquatic fauna and flora, making the Île de Riou a favored spot for both diving enthusiasts and those in search of preserved and spectacular marine landscapes.
The port of Callelongue
The port of Callelongue, located in a cul-de-sac at the very tip of Marseille’s southern roads, offers privileged access to the heart of the calanques, where civilization gives way to the majesty of wild nature. This quaint port, with its parking and bus terminal, serves as a gateway for adventurers eager to explore the hidden treasures of the calanques through a multitude of hiking trails. From the very first steps, visitors are enveloped by the raw beauty of the landscape, where the blue of the sea clashes with limestone cliffs and dense vegetation. Callelongue, with its fishing boats and typical cabins, retains an authentic charm and offers a peaceful break before or after immersing oneself in the vast wilderness that stretches beyond. It’s the perfect starting point for those looking to escape into the purity and isolation provided by the unique landscapes of the calanques.
The Goudes
A winding coastal road sets the scene and leads you to a real fishing village at the edge of Marseille, Les Goudes. This exotic location is enhanced by numerous bars, restaurants, cabins, and fortifications, offering a 360-degree view. The charm of Les Goudes lies in its ability to blend the rustic life of a traditional fishing community with the allure of Mediterranean beauty, making it a unique escape for those looking to experience the authentic side of Marseille’s coastline. Here, the pace of life slows, and the breathtaking surroundings invite visitors to relax and soak in the panoramic vistas that capture the essence of the French Riviera.
The calanque of Morgiou
The calanque of Morgiou, one of the jewels of the Calanques National Park, stands out for its impressive depth, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque setting dotted with cabins, fishermen, and intimate small beaches. This calanque is like a living postcard, offering a perfect escape from urban hustle and bustle. The path to Cap Morgiou via the ancient GR trail offers hikers a memorable adventure, crossing wild and preserved landscapes, until reaching the emerald waters of Sugiton. The calanque of Morgiou is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing visitors to connect with nature and discover the hidden wonders of the Mediterranean. Whether it’s for a day of relaxation in the sun, a diving session to explore the seabed, or a kayak getaway, Morgiou promises an unforgettable experience in a breathtakingly beautiful setting.
The calanque of Port-miou
Without even leaving the harbor, you are already in the calanques. The calanque is a shelter for ships (500 anchorage around the year) and is the only accessible by car. It is home to freshwater springs, a magnificent pine forest and a striking contrast between white limestone, ocher cliffs and turquoise blue sea. Starting point of a hiking trail, the GR 98, You will be able to traverse the calanques Marseille in less than eight hours of walking depending on your level.
The calanque of Sugiton
The calanque of Sugiton, located in the Calanques National Park near Marseille, is a true haven of wild and preserved nature. Accessible via a hike through picturesque trails, it offers visitors pebble beaches framed by impressive limestone cliffs. The panorama from the belvedere overlooking Sugiton is breathtaking, with crystal clear waters inviting swimming and snorkeling. Less frequented, this calanque is a haven of peace ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility, offering an unforgettable experience of the raw beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
The calanque of En-Vau
Nestled between Cassis and Marseille in the heart of the Calanques National Park, the calanque of En-Vau is one of the region’s most breathtaking natural wonders. This limestone rock amphitheater descending towards turquoise waters offers an extraordinary natural spectacle. Although access is more challenging, either on foot or by sea, it rewards visitors with almost surreal tranquility and strikingly beautiful panoramas. The pebble beach at the bottom of the calanque, surrounded by steep cliffs, is a paradise for diving, climbing, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. En-Vau is a symbol of the wild majesty of the French Riviera, a natural treasure that amazes all who have the privilege of discovering it.