Calanques National Park Tours and Activities

Calanques featuring rugged coastline and a ruin
Calanques showing sailing, tranquil scenes and a river or creek
Calanques featuring rugged coastline and swimming
Calanques showing general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Calanques featuring a bay or harbour and a river or creek


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 kilometers) 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 harbor, 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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Best Lodging Options Near Calanques National Park

Hôtel Les Roches Blanches

Hôtel Les Roches Blanches

5 out of 5
9 Avenue des Calanques, Cassis
Hôtel Les Roches Blanches
Residhotel Grand Prado

Residhotel Grand Prado

3 out of 5
Allée Turcat Méry, 7 square des frères Ambrogiani, Marseille
Residhotel Grand Prado
Hotel 96

Hotel 96

3 out of 5
96 Avenue de la Soude, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
Hotel 96
Villa M Marseille

Villa M Marseille

4 out of 5
17 Place Louis Bonnefon, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
Villa M Marseille
Le Drips

Le Drips

4 out of 5
98 Av. Elsa Triolet, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône
Le Drips
chateau beaupin

chateau beaupin

37 Av. Beau Pin, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône
chateau beaupin
AC Hotel by Marriott Marseille Prado Velodrome

AC Hotel by Marriott Marseille Prado Velodrome

4 out of 5
4 allee Marcel Leclerc, Marseille
AC Hotel by Marriott Marseille Prado Velodrome
Hotel Liautaud Rooftop Cassis

Hotel Liautaud Rooftop Cassis

4 out of 5
4 AVENUE VICTOR HUGO, Cassis, PROVENCE-ALPES-C TE D'AZUR
Hotel Liautaud Rooftop Cassis
Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port

Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port

4 out of 5
43 Quai des Belges, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone
Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - Marseille Vieux Port
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Calanques National Park

Calanques National Park offers a range of exciting activities for visitors, including shopping in charming local boutiques and engaging in various sports like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. The stunning coastal scenery provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

Shopping

For shopping in Calanques National Park, visit Prado Market, 17.7km away, offering local goods and a vibrant atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out Les Terrasses du Port, 20.9km away, or Plan de Campagne, 32.2km away, both featuring a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

At Velodrome Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying fitness activities. Aqualand Cyr Sur Mer offers family-friendly aquatic fun, perfect for relaxation and bonding. For a more tranquil experience, Golf Marseille La Salette provides a scenic outdoor setting for golf enthusiasts to unwind.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Circuit Paul Ricard, located 29.0km from Calanques National Park, where motor racing ignites your adrenaline. For water enthusiasts, Expenature, 12.9km away, offers exhilarating water sports. Alternatively, enjoy family fun at Speedwater Park, situated 32.2km from Calanques, perfect for entertainment and adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Calanques National Park at La Criee National Theater, offering a romantic atmosphere and captivating performances, or visit La Friche Belle de Mai for cultural events. For thrills, enjoy the stunning views from La Grande Roue amusement ride, just a short drive away.

Find the best attractions near Calanques National Park

Calanques National Park offers a stunning array of attractions for visitors, featuring beautiful beaches, picturesque bays, and charming streets. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers, highlights include the Parc National des Calanques and the scenic calanques in Cassis and Marseille. Whether you're relaxing by the shore or exploring the rugged landscapes, this park promises an unforgettable experience for every traveller.

  • Calanque Sormiou: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Calanque Sormiou, a stunning bay that offers outdoor adventures and serene beach vibes. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, it’s perfect for swimming, hiking, and picnicking while soaking in the picturesque scenery.
  • La Corniche: Stroll along La Corniche, a vibrant street lined with cafés, shops, and stunning coastal views. This lively promenade captures the essence of city life, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely walk or indulge in local cuisine while watching the world go by.
  • Parc Chanot Convention and Exhibition Center: Discover Parc Chanot, a hub for business and cultural events. With modern facilities and spacious venues, it hosts a variety of exhibitions and conferences, making it a key player in the region’s commercial and social scene.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Calanques National Park

Calanques National Park is a budget-friendly destination, offering free entry and nearby attractions like Calanque d'En-Vau and Cassis Harbour. To save on accommodation, visit from December to February, when prices are lower, and aim for a Tuesday stay for the best rates. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and sort prices from lowest to highest. Consider booking a package deal that combines flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities and take advantage of public transport options for economical travel within the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Calanques National Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Calanques National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Calanques National Park is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on costs by combining your hotel stay at Calanques National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.