Fancy a trip to the Calanques de Cassis? Discover Port-Miou and Port-Pin on foot during a hike in the Parc National des Calanques. We loved the spectacular views of the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Let yourself be tempted by this hike and discover the magnificent Calanques of Cassis and one of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur!
Here are our tips for planning your hike to the Calanques de Port-Miou and Port-Pin in Cassis.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Tour summary – map
- Distance: approx. 2km (round trip)
- Height difference: 45m
- Duration: 45min to 1h to reach Calanque de Port-Pin
- Level of difficulty: Moderate
- Departure point: Parking de Port-Miou, at the end of Avenue Notre-Dame
- Arrival point: Calanque de Port-Pin
- Loop: no
- Free access
- Wear good shoes, as the trail is strewn with rocks and boulders! Some passages may be slippery.
There are plenty of signs along the way to help you find your way around. Here’s a map to help you visualize the location of the calanques and the start of the tour, in Cassis..:
Is the Calanques de Port-Miou et Port-Pin hike worth it? Our review
The hike between the Calanques de Port-Miou and Port-Pin is a magnificent walk. We loved the spectacular views of the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
The trail is well laid out and relatively easy to follow, but there are a few steep climbs, and rocks to negotiate. It is therefore important to wear suitable walking shoes. We highly recommend this hike. Here you’ll discover 2 very different, yet magnificent calanques, each in its own way.
It’s one of the best things to do in Cassis.
Our favorite moments:
- Discover the port and history of the Calanque de Port-Miou.
- A well-deserved swim on the Plage de Port-Pin.
- Observe the Trou du Souffleur, an interesting attraction created by nature.
- The different views from the panoramic trail on the way back. Particularly on Cap Canaille.
Let yourself be tempted by a guided tour of the calanques:
- How about a half-day hike in the Parc National des Calanques?
- Or how about a day trip to the region’s most beautiful landscapes?
WHERE TO STAY IN Cassis
Option 1 : Around Bestouan beach
More peace and quiet between the calanques and the city
- Hotel Les Roches Blanches – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Le Jardin d’Emile – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Downtown
Close to restaurants and activities
- Hotel HPC – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Eden – prices, pictures and availability
What are the difficulties?
The floor
In some places, the route is marked by stones that you’ll have to cross.
Sun and heat
At the height of summer, it can get very hot in the mornings on the Côte d’Azur. We recommend you leave early and bring water and sunscreen for this hike. You can take a refreshing dip in the Calanque de Port-Pin!
The road
A small part of the route is along the roadside. It’s really only a small portion, but we still recommend that you take care at this point. Especially if you have children or a dog.
The influx
The Calanque de Port-Pin, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur, suffers from overcrowding in high season, due to its beauty and ease of access. Yet another reason to leave early! You’ll have the first look at the trails and the lovely rock-covered beach.
Polished rocks
We recommend that you exercise caution as you move along the trail. Some rocks, polished by the passage of many visitors, are slippery.
Access to Calanque de Port-Pin
Where is the trailhead?
- The hike officially starts at the parking lot at the end of Avenue Notre-Dame, in Cassis.
- This parking lot is located above the Calanque de Port Miou.
- However, as you’ll then have to walk up this alley, we recommend parking directly on Avenue Notre-Dame if there’s room. You’ll pay less for parking and be closer to the trail.
Here are the signs at the parking lot to help you find the start of the hike:
Access by car and parking
If you come by car, you’ll be able to park:
- or at the Calanque de Port-Miou parking lot, at the end of Avenue Notre-Dame. It’s a large paying parking lot with trees.
- or directly on Avenue Notre-Dame (cheapest option) if space is available.
You can also opt for public transport. By bus, stop at the Presqu’île stop on the Marseille-Provence metropolitan area public transport network. For further information, click here.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Useful tips for hiking the Calanques de Port Miou and Port-Pin
How long and when?
- Allow around 1 hour for a leisurely hike from the parking lot. Not to mention a possible swim break.
- Avoid hiking in the middle of the day, as there are more people and the sun is at its zenith. There’s shade only on certain parts of the path.
- We recommend you plan this excursion early in the morning. You’ll avoid the heat and the crowds, and be able to sit back and relax on the beach.
The meaning of hiking
This itinerary is a round trip. All you have to do is follow the marked path. However, there are 4 itinerary options:
- by track: this is the easiest way, because it’s all flat. On the other hand, the distance is longer and there are fewer views.
- by the “fast” path: which is easier and faster, but offers fewer views.
- by the panoramic path: which offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean, but has some slippery sections.
- Finally, before heading back up to Port-Miou, you can make a detour to the Trou du Souffleur. This itinerary includes a few high steps, but you’ll see some great views! We think it’s worth the short detour rather than turning back and having to climb the steep descent on the outward journey.
Hiking with children
You can take your kids along for the ride! As the Calanque de Port-Pin is accessible via a number of different itineraries (detailed above), you can choose the one that suits you best. We think the kids will love discovering the beach and the funny sound of the Trou du Souffleur!
A LITTLE MORE patience
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First part: discovering the Port-Miou cove
The adventure begins above the Calanque de Port-Miou, which you’ll observe more and more closely as you go along. It marks the start of your itinerary to discover the Calanques.
Did you know? The Calanque de Port-Miou is the only one to be part of the Cassis commune. All the others, including the Calanque de Port-Pin where you are about to go, are attached to Marseille!
A small marina nestled in the rock
We noticed that the Port-Miou Calanque stands out from the others for its sinuous profile and its length: 1.4 km. It is bordered by high cliffs and features a remarkable coastal notch.
It now accommodates around 550 boats under 20m in length, as a light nautical base. We learned that “Port-Miou” in Provençal means “good port”. In fact, this very deep cove provides excellent shelter for boats on windy days with rough seas.
If you’d like to go down into the calanque to admire the boats up close, you’ll have to walk along the calanque and up the peninsula towards the center of Cassis. At the junction between the 2 banks, you’ll find stairs and 2 pontoons for access to the boats.
The scars of human activity
The indentation in the rock that characterizes this small port was partly shaped by man. We learned that the Calanque de Port-Miou has been a busy limestone quarry for centuries.
The quarried stone, better known as Pierre de Cassis, was used in the construction of many buildings in and around Marseille. You’ll find them at Marseille’s Préfecture, the Château d’If and the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. If you’d like to find out more, we suggest you consult the information panels along the trail.
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Second part: hike to Calanque de Port-Pin
After enjoying the view of the Calanque de Port-Miou, let’s head for Port-Pin! Follow the signs to take the marked trail that suits you best:
- the “fast” path: shorter, but with a few rocks and boulders to overcome. It offers lovely views.
- the track: longer but easier. There are very few views from this path.
The path in the shade of the pines
On our visit, we opted for the “fast track”. It is occasionally planted with large Mediterranean pines. I really appreciate it. The path is made of stones and small pebbles. Watch where you step so you don’t trip.
Views of the Mediterranean Sea
As you make your way down, you’ll catch glimpses of the sea along the way. It’s very pleasant and a change from the mountain hikes we’re used to.
The closer you get to the finish, the more you’ll see of Port-Pin beach. We enjoyed observing it from every angle before catching our breath.
Port-Pin Beach
You’ve arrived at the beautiful Calanque de Port-Pin! At the time, we thought that the beauty of this place was more than worth the small effort to reach it.
This cove takes its name from the abundance of Aleppo pines that surround the charming wooded beach. We loved this magnificent indentation in the coast and its peaceful beach.
This is one of the most beautiful beaches around Cassis.
If you’ve been too hot, this is the perfect opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the clear water. We did the hike early in the morning so we were lucky to have the beach all to ourselves. A luxury!
If you’re keen on water sports, you can reach the Calanques by sea:
- sea kayaking: we recommend this activity for exploring the calanques at your own pace and admiring their sublime landscapes. Accessible to all, kayaking is an ideal way to discover the Mediterranean coast and the calanques – See prices and book
- on a paddle: we recommend this activity, which combines sport and relaxation to perfection. Paddle in complete tranquillity, alone, with family or friends, to discover the cliffs and marine fauna – See prices and availability.
Third part: return along the panoramic trail
After enjoying the beach, it’s time to set off again. We decided to take the panoramic trail for one last look at this little corner of paradise.
This route also offers different views from the outward journey. Admire the contrast between the azure blue of the Mediterranean and the whiteness of the cliffs. The more curious among you can also take the time to observe the typical flora of the Garrigue.
Detour to the Trou du Souffleur
On the way back, we took time to observe the Trou du Souffleur, also known as the Narine de Neptune. Situated between the Calanques de Port-Miou and Port-Pin, it’s a rocky fault flush with the water.
This opening, about 3cm in diameter, releases air compressed by the waves, creating a breath-like sound. During your visit, you’ll see an inscription on the rock indicating its location.
We’ve seen visitors have fun dropping a piece of wood or a shell into it and seeing what happens. Despite a few high steps to climb, we think this natural attraction is well worth the detour.
View of Cap Canaille
All the way back, we enjoyed the views of the majestic Cap Canaille. Visible from many parts of the city, it seems to be quietly watching over the Côte d’Azur and its jewels.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
