Discover Turquoise Coves of the Calanques in Cassis

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The Calanques are among the most breathtaking destinations along the southern coast of France, surrounded by exquisite natural beauty. From my personal experience, the Calanques are absolutely worth visiting for adventurous exploration of inlets, hidden coves, and mesmerizing blue waters shifting from turquoise to deep emerald.

The Calanques had been on my bucket list for years, and they did not disappoint. I had a coup de coeur at first sight! The spectacular views and exploration of secluded coves surrounded by lush greenery were true highlights of my recent trip to Southern France. I have a feeling that it won’t be my last visit!

Overview of Calanques

The Calanques are a series of striking, narrow inlets carved into white limestone cliffs, featuring turquoise coves and hidden beaches. They stretch for about 12.5 miles along the Mediterranean coast between Marseille and Cassis. What’s truly fascinating is that these dramatic formations date back millions of years!

Calanques National Park was officially established in 2012, becoming one of just 11 national parks in France.

Hiking the Calanques

Hiking is one of the best ways to fully experience the Calanques. Several marked trails crisscross the national park, ranging from easy walks to more challenging climbs. The three most famous calanques near Cassis—Port Miou, Port Pin, and En-Vau—can all be reached on foot from Cassis.

The entrance to Calanques National Park is about a 30-minute walk from the Cassis harbor. While the road leading to the park is a bit steep, it’s manageable—the entrance is free and open 24 hours.

The Calanques National Park entrance is a few minutes walk away from the Calanque de Port Miou.

The Port-Miou Calanque (Calanque de Port-Miou)

The closest calanque to Cassis, Port Miou is more of a marina than a beach, for boats and yachts. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the Cassis harbor, or just a few minutes away from the park entrance. With scenic views of the cliffs and harbor, Port Miou is the easiest calanque to visit.

The Port-Pin Calanque (Calanque de Port-Pin)

Named for its pine trees, Port Pin features a small pebble beach and crystal-clear water ideal for swimming. From Port Miou, it’s a 20–30 minute walk along a rocky but well-marked trail.

The path offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Mediterranean—think turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs.

D’En Vau Calanque (Calanque d’En Vau)

The third calanque from the park entrance, En-Vau is the most scenic and dramatic of the Calanques near Cassis. Reaching it requires a more challenging hike—2 hours or more each way from the park entrance.

Don’t be surprised if you can’t spot the cove from higher up on the trail. Calanque d’En Vau is well hidden by cliffs and dense forest. To enjoy the panoramic view from above, you’ll need to follow the blue striped trail from Port-Pin that leads to an overlook.This trail is longer than the white and red striped trail, but offers panoramic views.

The trail becomes particularly difficult in the final 30 minutes, with steep, narrow, and rocky sections that can be slippery.

Be sure to wear proper footwear and take your time, especially on the descent to the beach.

 En-Vau’s beach, with its white pebbles and stunning turquoise water, is a true highlight of the hike. After the tough trek, reward yourself with a refreshing swim and take in the breathtaking scenery of cliffs, forest, and sea. You’ve earned it!

Visiting the Calanques by Boat

Visiting the Calanques by boat is another option. You can rent small boats or kayaks from Cassis or Marseille or take an organized boat tour from Cassis or Marseille to enjoy the impressive coastal views and the Calanques (inlets). Organized boat tours allow you to visit multiple calanques in a single tour hassle free.

Many tours depart from the Cassis harbor with different options. You can also purchase daily tickets to see the Calanques by boat at the ticket office in Cassis port, on Quai St. Pierre. For further information on tickets, check  their official website.

Interested in exploring Cassis? Check my How to Explore Cassis: Transport, Activities, Hotels & More post for further information.

Renting a Kayak or Paddle Boarding

The calm waters of Calanques make them ideal for exploring  by kayak. Kayaking and paddle boardings are great ways to discover the coastline, especially for a scenic experience in crystal clear blue waters. You can rent a kayak on your own or take a guided kayak tour if you are a beginner. Lo’Kayak is one of the local rental companies based in Cassis offering both rentals and tours.

Swimming and Beaches

Despite the majority of calanques coves being pebbly, the crystal-clear refreshing water make them some of the perfect spots for swimming in southern France. En-Vau, Port Pin, Port Miou, are the most accessible beaches from Cassis by boat.

Park Regulations and Accessibility

Some trails may close during periods of high fire risk and windy conditions (usually July–September)—check the park’s website for daily updates.

• Colored stripes painted on rocks mark the hiking trails. These stripes are not indicators of difficulty.
  • A blue stripe marks scenic paths with coastal views.
  • White and red stripes indicate more direct routes between key points.

Tips for Hiking

• Start early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially during the summer, to avoid the midday heat.
• Wear proper footwear—sneakers or hiking shoes are essential, as the trails can be steep, rocky, and uneven.
• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks. There’s only a small kiosk at the park entrance, and it only accepts cash—so be sure to carry some with you.

• You can hike solo or join a group. Guided hiking tours from Cassis to the Calanques are available and are a great option if you prefer to go with others.
• If you’re starting your hike from Cassis, plan to spend at least 5–6 hours in total, allowing time to visit the Calanques and relax at Calanque d’En Vau.

What to Bring

• Water – Bring at least 1 liter per person. It’s a long hike with no water sources along the way, except a small kiosk at the park entrance (cash only). Summer heat can make dehydration a real concern.
• Hat – The sun can be intense, even in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Sunglasses – Essential for walking comfortably under strong sunlight.
• Sun protection – Apply sunscreen and consider wearing light, breathable clothing with UV protection.

• Towel – Handy if you plan to swim or relax at the beach.
• Snacks – Pack light snacks to keep your energy up during the hike.
• Power bank – If you use your phone for photos or navigation, a power bank is a lifesaver for long days outdoors.
• Water shoes – If you have room in your bag, bring water shoes. The beaches are made up of medium-sized pebbles, which can make getting in and out of the water uncomfortable without them.

Whether you choose to hike, kayak, or take a boat tour, visiting the Calanques near Cassis promises unforgettable experiences filled with breathtaking natural beauty, crystal clear turquoise waters, and dramatic landscapes.