We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This summer, our family spent four amazing days in the small French fishing village of Cassis. This stop was part of our annual two-week European vacation that took us to Spain and then the French Riviera. During our time in Cassis, we had the chance to explore Calanques National Park, which is renowned for its many picturesque calanques, or creeks, along the Mediterranean coast. In this French Riviera travel guide, I want to share exactly how we saw the Cassis calanques.
We did it three ways: by hiking, by boat, and by kayak. Each way was a fun and exciting adventure, and we have a lot of tips to share later in this travel blog post! Cassis was the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation for us while traveling with two teenagers. We stayed in this Cassis ground-floor apartment in the heart of the old town.
Seeing The Cassis Calanques In Parc National des Calanques
Parc National Des Calanques, or Calanques National Park in English, is a large national park in southern France. It’s located west of Cassis and east of the larger town of Marseille. It is a very popular hiking and boating destination for both locals and tourists staying in Marseille or Cassis.
The Park has dozens of hiking trails along the rugged Mediterranean coast, many with sweeping views. A major feature is its calaques, which are long, narrow coves accessible only by boat or on foot. The beauty of Parc National des Calanques blew us away!
What Is A Calanque?
A calanque is a coastal cove or creek cut into limestone and dolomite rocks. Over many centuries, erosion has cut deep inlets into the rock, forming high-walled valleys that rise from the sea. The water in these inlets is deep blue and crystal clear. Some calanques are set beneath sheer cliffs and end in secluded beaches.
The Most Popular Cassis Calanques
The three closest to Cassis are the most popular calanques. From east to west, the nine most visited Cassis calanques are:
- Port-Miou
- Port-Pin
- En-Vau
- Sugiton
- Morgiou
- Sormiou
- Podestat
- Marseilleveyre
- Callelongue
The first three are the most famous and easy-to-access calanques, and you will want to see them on your trip to Cassis! So, let’s talk more about those three.
Calanque de Port Miou
Calanque de Port Miou is located just west of Cassis and is a popular destination for hikers looking to explore the park entrance and see its rugged cliffs, winding trails, and sweeping coastal views. It is the only Cassis calanque with a marina and is also the only calanque accessible by car.
Calanque de Port Miou is at the Cassis-side Parc National des Calanques entrance, so you’ll see many hikers passing by, moving deeper into the Park. It’s accessible by kayak and boat, but because it’s home to a private marina, it’s not a major destination for those exploring by water. If you’re hiking from the center of Cassis, you can get to Calanque de Port Miou in about half an hour.
Calanque de Port Pin
Calanque de Port Pin is located about 20 minutes further by foot west of Calanque de Port Miou. Two hiking trails take you there. It’s a very popular destination for day-trippers enjoying the Cassis calanques, as well as kayakers paddling from Cassis.
Calanque de Port Pin ends in a popular beach, which was very busy when we were there in June. The beach is a nice place to stop and enjoy a picnic or get some photos. However, I preferred the next one and will share why later in this post! From the beach, several more lengthy hiking trails ascend the high bluffs and go deeper into the Park. It takes about an hour to hike here from Cassis, France.
Calanque d’en Vau
Calanque d’en Vau is the farthest of the three most popular Cassis calanques. It’s likely the one you have seen in photos!
Calanque d’en Vau is considered the most beautiful calanque and is a popular place for boating, kayaking, and walking. Its magnificent soaring coastal bluffs flank gorgeous blue coves. At the end of the calanque is a pebbly beach that looks like something out of a movie.
This secluded beach is the holy grail of hikers and is only accessible by a long hike west from Calanque de Port Pin. From the center of Cassis, it will take you about 2.5 hours, each way. The trail to Calanque d’en Vau is very rocky, steep, and strenuous.
It’s a favorite place for kayakers and offers a cable to tie up on and then swim to shore. We kayaked here with our two teens and had a picnic on the beach under the warm Mediterranean sun. It was a bucket-list experience we won’t forget!
Ways To See The Calanques Near Cassis
As I mentioned above, there are three main ways to explore the Cassis calanques, and each has advantages and disadvantages.
First, you can walk west from Cassis into the National Park and hike on several different trails to get to the various calanques. Second, you can purchase tickets and take one of the popular calanque boat tours from Cassis. Third, you can rent kayaks in Cassis and paddle to the calanques yourself.
On our trip, we experienced the calanques in all three ways, so we felt like we really had a chance to explore and appreciate them fully. This would be hard to do on a day trip, which is why I recommend spending a few days in Cassis!
Above is a map of Calanques National Park showing trails, calanques, and the park’s location relative to Cassis. To view this map and additional maps of the park, please visit Calanques’ website: www.calanques-parcnational.fr.
Exploring The Calanques By Foot
One of the most popular ways to explore the calanques near Cassis, France, is to hike into Calanques National Park and then take one or more hiking trails leading to the calanques.
The Park is accessible on foot by walking west out of Cassis. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the Park on foot, or about 10 minutes if you take an Uber. Once in the Park, there are a number of trails (marked with red, green, or white blazes) that extend out toward the coastlines of the canyons or ascend the high coastal bluffs into the interior of the Park.
The trail system was a bit confusing for us, partly because of the language barrier. It wasn’t easy to read the online maps, measure distances, and figure out what could be seen from the many different trails. Like everything else, we just had to hike into the Park and begin exploring ourselves to really understand the lay of the land.
Calanque Hiking Resources & Must-Haves
Matt downloaded an app called Outdooractive, which was a lifesaver! The app plotted our location in real time and showed exactly where we were on popular hiking trails logged by past hikers. We followed it closely to hike from Cassis to the Park and then again while we hiked the different trails. It kept us on the correct trail.
We maintained a cellular connection to map our location the entire way. Other popular apps people use to navigate the trails are AllTrails and the official Calanques National Park app, My Calanques.
The trails in the Park are rugged and very rocky. We only packed tennis shoes and were able to hike in these, but I recommend boots with good ankle support. The rocks are sharp, and you can easily roll an ankle on sliding rocks and sharp stones. The trail markings seemed to disappear as we hiked further from the park entrance, so be sure to have a real-time tracking app loaded on your phone so you can navigate.
There are numerous trails, especially higher up in the hills. We got off the main trail several times and had to backtrack. Don’t always expect good signage and well-worn pathways.
Also, it’s obviously quite hot during the summer in the South of France, so be sure to dress appropriately, bring LOTS of water, and have a backpack with some snacks. I would not attempt these hikes if you have limited mobility or underlying health issues.
Our Recommended Hikes
For first-timers, I recommend taking two different hikes.
The first is the trail from the park entrance to the beach at Calanque de Port Pin. This path is a great introductory trail, and it will take you several hours and be around 5 miles round-trip from Cassis. The views of the first two calanques are spectacular, and you’ll have many opportunities to photograph the coast from both high and low vantage points.
The second Cassis calanque hike I recommend is to explore the pinnesula (Pointe de la Cacau) between the first and second calanques. Matt did this hike with Jake, and they really enjoyed it. The hike offers incredible views and lets you explore old coastal gun batteries and fortifications, as well as relics left over from when the area was used as a limestone mine. Like other trails, the path is not well marked and can be a little difficult to find, so have your hiking app handy.
Exploring The Calanques By Boat
We took a Cassis calanque boat tour as a family and really enjoyed it! You can read my blog post about the experience here: Taking A Calanque Boat Tour From Cassis.
Tickets to the boat tour can only be purchased in person and not online. You’ll need to go to the ticket booth located on the east side of the marina. Boat tour tickets can be purchased for tours of varying durations and numbers of calanques. The shortest tour takes you to three calanques and lasts one hour. The longest tour will take you to nine calanques and lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes.
If you purchase tickets between about 11 am and 2 pm, it will be busier due to day trippers and cruise passengers, so consider taking a tour earlier or later in the day.
The calanque boat tour is fantastic, particularly if you want an easier, less strenuous way to see the Cassis calanques. This boat tour is really the only option for Marseille cruise ship day trippers. I would not recommend attempting a hike or kayak outing if you need to be back at a specific time to board a cruise ship.
The calanques boat tour will go back into each calanque as far as water depth (and human activity) allows. You’ll get some breathtaking photos of the massive limestone bluffs, the beautiful French coastline, and the deep blue waters of the sea. We even saw rope climbers tackling the high bluffs and a few sea caves.
Exploring The Calanques By Kayak
Another way to explore the Cassis calanques is to rent a single or double kayak in Cassis and paddle across the bay toward the National Park. Matt and I rented a double kayak, and our teenagers each had a single kayak. You can also do guided kayak tours from Cassis.
I have to be honest, this is a fairly strenuous trip, especially crossing the channel to get to and from the Park.
It took us about 45 minutes to paddle to Calanque de Port Miou (the first calanque) and another 30 minutes to paddle all the way to Calanque d’en Vau (the third calanque). The seas were somewhat rough when we kayaked, and it made it a fun challenge.
We rented our kayaks from Lo’kayak, which is located on the east side of the marina in Cassis, just east of the town park. We did a five-hour rental and used up every minute. The price increase is small for the longer rentals, so I recommend renting kayaks for at least five hours so that you don’t feel rushed! We entered the water from the main beach of Cassis, shown here.
The kayak outfitter gave us a small barrel-looking container to put our items in. These barrels are waterproof and float in the water, and are designed to protect your belongings in case you capsize the kayak. I recommend bringing only the basics on this trip. Be sure to bring some type of water shoe (not just flip-flops!) if you plan on getting out of the kayak and getting to the beaches.
Because Calanque de Port Miou ends in a private marina, most people paddle straight to Calanque de Port Pin. At its terminus, Calanque de Port Pin has a gorgeous beach and is a favorite place for kayakers to explore.
Kayaking To Calanque de Port Pin
To stop at the beach, you must tie up your kayak (using a rope and carabiner) to a metal cable attached to the rocks about 300 feet away from the beach. You then need to get out of the free-floating kayak and step onto very jagged rocks as you can see in the photo below. Once on the rocks, you have to cross an extremely sharp shoreline to get to the beach. We weren’t prepared for this and didn’t have the right water shoes on. Don’t try to do this in bare feet!
We ended up jumping into the water and swimming to shore. The water was still chilly in early June. The entire experience of stopping here was scary, exhilarating, and exhausting. Do not attempt this without good shoes and enough strength to navigate getting in and out of the kayak while tied up.
Kayaking To Calanque d’en Vau
The third calanque, Calanque d’en Vau, is the most popular and lies another 15 minutes or so by kayak from the second calanque. The high walls of this calanque make you feel small, and the deep blue waters beneath you create a magical atmosphere. After paddling into Calanque d’en Vau, you’ll find a beach at the very end.
When we were there in June, the beach was very busy, mostly with French locals. It’s a secluded, yet popular Cassis calanque, where the natural beauty of the moment is overwhelming. Calanque d’en Vau was our favorite stop, and I personally would skip the previous one and just visit this one.
You can’t pull your kayak directly onto the beach, so you’ll need to tie it up on a metal cable. You must then carefully and dextrously exit the kayak onto some underwater rocks and swim through the water onto shore. If you have kids, I would have them kayak to the shoreline (left side drop-off and pickup area) and get out. Then, one adult can pull the kayaks over to the rope to secure them.
We hopped out, floated our waterproof barrels to the beach, laid out some towels, and had a wonderful picnic under the hot sun. What a wonderful memory for the whole family!
FYI: Topless sunbathing is popular in France, and we saw numerous people only partially clothed. If this makes your group uncomfortable, be sure to assess the situation before swimming to shore. However, I am sure it gave our 14-year-old son some funny stories to share when they heads back to school!
Cassis Calanques FAQ
I wanted to put together a practical and helpful FAQ for those wishing to explore the Cassis calanques by foot, boat, or kayak for the first time. These are all first-hand lessons we learned by visiting Cassis and the Parc National Des Calanques ourselves. Hopefully, it will give you some ideas to better prepare for your own adventure.
Additionally, I want to point out that this charming coastal community is much less “Americanized” than other popular areas along the French Riviera, such as Nice. Fewer people speak English, and it felt more authentic to us! We are so glad that we decided to stay in Cassis for four days over other larger cities.
Click here to browse accommodations in Cassis, France!
FAQ: Hiking The Calanques
Here are some helpful frequently asked questions regarding hiking in Calanques National Park.
How Do I Get To The Cassis Calanques?
You can get to the trailhead by walking or driving to the entrance of the national Park just west of Cassis. It’s about a mile walk, or you can get an Uber. We walked it both times we hiked, and it wasn’t too difficult. Some of the streets are somewhat steep. Along the way is a great local beach named Plage du Bestouan, which has a fun beachside bar and a large sunbathing area.
What Should I Bring On The Hike?
I would bring a backpack and at least a litre of water per person. Include some snacks so you can refill during the hike. Sunscreen is wise, as the sun is intense. Be sure to have your cell phone fully charged (with a portable charger) and download a map and a hiking app with good directions. Wear hiking boots if you can, but we wore sneakers and did okay. We purchased snacks at one of the two small grocery stores in the center of Cassis.
Are The Trails Dangerous?
Some trails take you up into the high hills overlooking the calanques. There are some steep drop-offs that you need to be careful around. I would not recommend allowing small kids near the edge. The trails are rocky, so be sure to watch your footing and go slowly. There are a few places where you need to use both hands and feet to traverse steep rocks. It would be helpful to have a small first aid kit in your backpack. We always travel with one!
Can Young Kids Hike These Trails?
I saw numerous younger kids on the trails, but these were locals who were familiar with the Park. I recommend that kids be at least 12 years old for the longer hikes. Younger kids are great for the shorter trails at the beginning of the Park that go to the first two canyons. Hiking to the third canyon is a very long way, and I think this would be best for teens and adults.
Will The Calanques Hiking Paths Be Busy?
When we went to Cassis in June, the hiking trails were surprisingly busy, especially on the weekends. The trails to the first calanques had quite a few people, and the beaches were really busy. The longer trails up in the hills were less busy.
FAQ: Boat Tours Of The Calanques
Here are some helpful frequently asked questions regarding boat tours to see the Cassis calanques.
Can I Book A Boat Tour Of The Cassis Calanques Online?
No. Tickets can only be bought in person, same day, at the ticket booth located on the east side of the marina. You can visit the Cassis boat operator’s website to see tour times and details, but you can’t purchase tickets online.
Is The Boat Tour Worth It?
Yes! The Cassis Calanques boat tour was a wonderful way to explore the national Park’s coastline and see the calanques. It is very affordable, and our family enjoyed it. We did the five-clanque tour, which was the perfect amount of time. We got to see sea caves, beaches, coastal fortifications, old limestone mining ruins, and beautiful natural features.
If you do one thing on your visit to Cassis, France, I would make it one of these calanque boat tours!
Are There Other Boat Tours To The Calanques?
As far as I know, most of the private boat tour operators are located in Marseille. There are many great options to visit the calanques via Marseille, which may be a better fit if you are visiting via a cruise ship.
We love taking Get Your Guide tours, so be sure to check out this full list of calanque tours from Marseille!
FAQ: Kayak The Calanques
Here are some helpful frequently asked questions regarding kayaking to the calanques in the South of France.
What Should I Bring On My Kayak Trip?
Bring only the essentials. Try not to bring anything that might break if it gets wet. You will be provided with a waterproof container that floats, but the conditions are such that it’s easy to drop something in the water accidentally. I brought my Instax360 video camera to do my main photography, and kept my phone in the container (more for emergency calling purposes).
When visiting the Cassis calanques, wear a swimsuit and bring good water shoes (not flip-flops) like Crocs. We brought snacks and four large Dock and Bay lightweight, quick-dry towels, both for drying off and our picnic. These are our favorite towels to travel with. You will get wet, and if you want to explore the beaches, you must swim!
Do They Offer Two-Seater Kayaks in Cassis?
Yes! They offer both single and double kayaks. Matt and I had a two-seater, and the kids wanted their own kayaks. It was perfect!
How Long Does The Kayak Tour Take?
There are actual kayak tours that you can book that have a set timeline. However, we did it on our own. If you paddle all the way out to the third calanque (Calanque d’en Vau), it will take over an hour to get there, one-way. We explored the second and third calanques and spent time on the beach, and we were able to make it back just before the 5-hour cutoff time. If you want to spend a lot of time on the beach(s), you may need to limit your time exploring other areas or rent the kayaks for longer.
We Loved Visiting Cassis and Seeing The Calanques
Exploring the Cassis calanques was easily one of the highlights of our European vacation. Whether we were hiking along rugged cliffs with our teenagers, cruising into hidden coves on a boat tour, or paddling our way through turquoise waters by kayak, each experience offered a different and unforgettable perspective of Calanques National Park.
If you’re planning to travel to Cassis, I highly recommend trying more than one way to see the calanques. We loved visiting Cassis and seeing the calanques, and I know you will too. In fact, I am pretty sure it moved into the top three of my favorite European coastal communities. Another hidden gem that I love is Camogli, Italy!
More Family Travel Inspiration
I hope you have a great trip to Europe and get to see the Cassis calanques yourself! Make sure to read all of our Europe travel blog posts for valuable first-hand travel tips, original photography, and so much more!
Here are some posts that you may enjoy:
- Planning A European Trip
- Spending 4 Days In Paris
- Visiting Antibes, France
- Cinque Terre Towns & Tips
- Rome Colosseum Tours
- Sitges, Spain Boat Outing
- Europe Travel Must-Haves
- Brussels To Bruges Day Trip
- Things To See In Malta
- Browse All Travel Posts
PIN Our Cassis Calanques Blog Post For Later
