What are the Calanques?
A Calanque is a unique kind of geological formation made of limestone. They are big rocky coves forming a steep and narrow valley inland and are mostly found around the Mediterranean sea. Here, the Calanques National Park is a protected and highly regulated area, stretching over 20 km from Marseille to Cassis, with 26 Calanques of various sizes (25 in Marseille and 1 in Cassis). Some are easily accessible and others are a lot less, but regardless, the Calanques are an absolute must-see when you visit Marseille!
Extraordinary underwater flora
Fauna and flora are everywhere in the Calanques National Park. We often forget to mention underwater vegetation. However, it is so diverse that it can be compared to an underwater garden with octopuses, anemones, urchins, seabreams, mullets but also pointed-snout wrasses, saddled seabreams, and groupers. The turquoise waters reveal a sandy seabed that stands out against the indigo of the Posidonia, an aquatic flowering plant sheltering many species. The National Park regulations allow limited access for boats and forbid any type of fishing.
