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Where to go hiking in the Calanques?

A remarkable natural site, the Calanques National Park – located between Marseille and Cassis – is packed with exceptional places. Walking the trails is the best way to discover the many facets of this national park. Numerous signposted trails are available for visitors in search of a hike. Whatever the chosen level of difficulty, each itinerary offers fabulous landscapes between sea and mountains.

The most accessible: from Luminy to the Sugiton lookout

For the less athletic, the hike from Luminy to the Sugiton lookout will suit you perfectly. The Tour d’Orient – another name given to the belvedere perched 250 meters above sea level – features an orientation table and offers a breathtaking view: on one side, the Calanque de Sugiton, the massif du Puget and the Grande Candelle; on the other, the aiguille de Sugiton, the cap Morgiou and a bird’s-eye view of the Calanque de Morgiou. Simply unmissable, this hike takes you through wooded areas and gravel tracks before reaching the belvedere.

Hike distance and duration: 2.3 kilometers from Luminy / between 30 and 40 minutes

The sportiest: crossing the Calanques via the GR 98-51

If you’re used to intense hikes, the trek linking Marseille to Cassis by crossing the Calanques National Park will satisfy you hands down. Over three days, you’ll cross the entire Calanques in semi-autonomy while enjoying the idyllic setting of the Mediterranean landscape. During your itinerary, you’ll encounter some physically demanding passages and relatively easy climbing sections, but these are not to be taken lightly. Beyond the physical effort involved, you’ll enjoy a succession of unique views and sceneries that are well worth the detour.

The start of this sporty hike starts in the Madrague district of Marseille to join the GR 98 to the Calanque de Sormiou for the first day. The second day will link the Calanque de Sormiou to the aiguille de l’Eissadon, during which you will join the GR 98-51 to arrive at the Col de la Candelle where the view is absolutely divine. You’ll finish your trek at the little port of Cassis, which marks the final point.

Bivouacking is forbidden in the Calanques National Park, so you’ll need to leave the National Park for the night and find accommodation in the 8th or 9th arrondissement of Marseille, for example. The only accommodation in the heart of the National Park is the Cassis youth hostel, located in Cassis.

Hike distance and duration: 35 kilometers from La Madrague / about 3 days

The most beautiful view: the summit of Marseilleveyre from the Pastré countryside

If you’re looking for a hike that’s full of views, the one linking the Pastré countryside to the summit of Marseilleveyre will suit you without hesitation. The hike departs from the Pointe Rouge in Marseille’s southern suburbs. Access is by bus 19, or by water shuttle (in season) to the entrance of the municipal park. Follow the yellow markings all the way up the vallon des Trois Gancets. From Bois de la Selle onwards, to reach the summit, the markings are red. Once you reach the summit of Marseilleveyre at 440 meters above sea level, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view that you won’t soon forget.

Hike distance and duration: 7.8 kilometers from Campagne Pastré / approx. 4h

More about hiking

Safe sensations: hiking with a guide

You want to go hiking, but have no idea where to go? Or are you simply afraid of getting lost in the Calanques? Call on experienced guides who can accompany you every step of the way. The aim of these professionals is to share with others the places only accessible to the initiated, all in a cautious way so as not to endanger hikers and preserve natural areas made fragile by the many passages of visitors. Whether you’re in the mood for a hike, an introduction to climbing or a refresher course in the Calanques’ must-do climbing itineraries, each guided route will enhance your day with the marvellous scenery you’ll be able to admire without moderation.

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Rando naturo-poétique à Sugiton – 5h

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Hiking Calanques Cassis : Port-Miou, Port-Pin & En-Vau

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Swimming hike in the Calanque de Sormiou

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Preparing your hike in the calanques

If you want to go hiking in the calanques, it’s essential to prepare carefully beforehand. Make sure you have the appropriate equipment: walking shoes, backpack, sun cream, hat or cap to protect you from the sun, plenty of water (water sources are non-existent in the calanques) and energy bars.
We also advise you to take with you an orientation map, as you may miss some important intersections. Most of the time, signposting in the form of paint on the ground will show you the way. During your hike, be sure to stay on the marked paths at all times and pay close attention to the flora and fauna.