Hike, paddle, or simply sit and gaze upon the incredible white limestone cliffs, inlets and coves that have inspired many of France’s greatest artists.

No visit to Marseille is complete without experiencing the truly awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Calanques National Park. Generations of painters and poets have been drawn to these dramatic limestone cliffs, inlets and coves. The calanques are the perfect day trip from Marseille, and can be seen from roadside observation points, or by hiking or sea kayaking.

In 2012 the calanques were designated as a national park due to their wild beauty and the unique habitats they support. The park begins within Marseille’s city limits and stretches for 12 miles (20 kilometres) south to the town of Cassis.

There are numerous ways to experience the calanques. Book a ticket on the Blue Coast train from Marseille and simply enjoy the passing calanque landscape from your window seat. Or, join one of the many informative guided boat tours which leave daily from Marseille’s Vieux Port.

Rent a car and drive to two of the most popular calanques, Sormiou and Morgiou. Both offer panoramic lookouts just short distances from the parking lots. Sormiou features a beach, seafood restaurants and small harbour, while the picturesque settlement of Morgiou has swimming inlets.

One of the best ways to explore this incredible region is on foot. Follow the miles of marked trails and enjoy the hundreds of plant species which thrive in this arid landscape. Keep an eye out for foxes, rabbits, sea turtles and dolphins, and look to the skies for eagles and falcons.

Be sure to pack plenty of water before hitting the trails and avoid the exposed cliff faces on windy days. Don’t be put off by cloudy weather, as the white cliffs are often at their photographic best on overcast days when crowd numbers are down. Most calanques are closed in the hottest summer months due to risk of forest fire.

Allow at least a day to properly experience the calanques, including travel time there and back.

Plan a trip to see Calanques National Park

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Hôtel Josephine by Happyculture

9th Arrondissement

per person

24 Aug - 27 Aug

found 4 hours ago

Return flight included

London (LON) to Paris (CDG)

8.4/10 Very Good! (646 reviews)

This hotel has the potential to be absolutely brilliant I don’t quite understand how it has been awarded 4 stars. There was tea and coffee making facilities in the room but no mugs so I took some paper cups from reception. The towels were very standard not very big or very thick and they never smelled freshly washed. The room itself was clean and tidy however the bathroom needed some work e.g. the shower screen did not close so wasn’t water tight and the skirting boards had some serious water damage. Everywhere needed dusting skirting boards etc had a thick layer of dust that you could visibly see (no one is clearly doing spot checks) and the sliding doors to the bathroom/toilet were covered in water marks that clearly hadn’t been wiped down in quite sometime. It was very budget hotel standards for 4 stars. The air conditioning/heating unit made an awful noise that seemed to get worse and sounded like a phone vibrating every few minutes or a ship fog horn. Please do not get me wrong it was fine for a budget hotel and the bed was very comfortable but this was not budget hotel and I would not recommend to a friend or stay again. Someone mentioned to us that the hotel had almost finished their renovation save for the stairs I find this hard to believe giving the state of the bathroom!

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Hotel Port Palace

Monte Carlo

Save 100% on your flight

per person

26 Aug - 31 Aug

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

Delhi (DEL) to Nice (NCE)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (899 reviews)

Amazing restaurant - would recommend

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice

Nice City Centre

per person

26 Aug - 31 Aug

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

Delhi (DEL) to Nice (NCE)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (94 reviews)

This is not a conventional hotel; Reception is often unattended and guests are trusted to look after themselves. Maids will not enter your room when you are out to tidy, clean and make the beds, though a member of staff did offer us clean towels when we needed them. For those on a budget, there are facilities for preparing and eating food in the rooms. Everything is clean and well appointed. The staff - mostly young women, as far as I could make out - are exceptionally charming and helpful. I was contacted by a staff member a day or two before our arrival, to give us instructions on how to find the hotel and access the hotel using a pass-code. She also provided prompt information when I asked for it. Our room overlooked a main road but we were not disturbed by traffic noise because double-glazing reduced external sound by at least 95%. The rooms are air-conditioned, of course. AMMI is nicely situated on the edge of the old city, just seconds from the lanes and passage-ways which make this part of town so attractive, with their bars, cafes and restaurants. I'd guess that it's a 15 minute stroll to the beach. Recommended!

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Popular places to visit

Calanque d'En-Vau

Explore the great outdoors at Calanque d'En-Vau, a lovely green space in Marseille. Wander the beaches and parks while you're in the area.

Parc du Roy d'Espagne

Explore the great outdoors at Parc du Roy d'Espagne, a lovely green space in Marseille. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Calanques showing a river or creek and a bay or harbour

Calanque de Port Miou

Explore the waterfront in Cassis with a trip to Calanque de Port Miou. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.

Cassis Harbour

Explore the waterfront in Marseille with a trip to Cassis Harbour. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.

Plage de l'Aiglon

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Plage de l'Aiglon during your trip to Marseille? Stroll along the beaches or visit the shops in the area.

Calanque Sormiou

During your trip to Marseille, enjoy the surf and sand at Calanque Sormiou along with the boating. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.