Les Calanques de Marseille
Marseille’s Magnificent Rocky Inlets
According to the general opinion, the term « calanque » would come from the provençal word « calenco » meaning a small creek or bay overhung by ravines. As centuries went by and through extension, the whole limestone massif that extends from Callelongue to Port-pin has become « Les Calanques ». The sharp ridges of this rocky structure, where whiteness clashes with the blue colour of the sea, assault the sky like gothic cathedrals.
Over thousands of years, waves and storms have slowly but surely shaped the crests and crevices of these ravines. Heavenly and steep, « Les Calanques » that extends from Marseille up to Cassis, are listed in Natural Zone of Environmental Interest and are often inaccessible in summer because of a certain fire risk that’s more particularly present on mistral days. If you are interested in buying a house near Marseille, Sextant French Properties might have the solution for you.
As much prized as beaches by visitors, they combine the pleasure of swimming in the sea with contemplating a breathtaking panorama.
These rocky inlets offer a challenge to hiking lovers with the GR 98-51 hiking trail covering around 28 km between Callelongue and Cassis. They are landscapes of astonishing beauty.
You have to schedule 12 hours of walking to walk across the creeks of the Mounine, of the Escu, Cortiou, the beach of Sormiou and the small ports of Morgiou and Sugiton…
However, from the 1st of July to mid-September, the access to the Calanques is strictly forbidden for vehicles, VTT and camping. The only solution remaining during this period to deserve the right to gaze at this magical smelling myrtle, broom and Aleppo pine is to walk.
Prospecting to have a swim in emerald water may be the reason why you could become a highly skilled hiker.
One should never forget to make sure he or she has always got the following kit when having a long walk in the Calanques:
- Shoes, cap and water to confront the nature constraints as well as informing about the authorised time to hike are mandatory.
The best period to visit the Calanques stretches from mid-September to the end of the month of June when the Calanques are beautiful. But the most fascinating approach to maximize the chances to enjoy your rocky inlets trip remains the one that’s done by boat from Marseille (several departures every day from the quai des Belges in the Vieux-Port) or from Cassis where this magnificent sight can be discovered from another viewpoint. That will for sure be an unforgettable stroll.
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