The Massif des Calanques is a National Park stretching over 20km along the Côte d’Azur between Marseille and Cassis. We explored it on a boat trip from Cassis. We loved this walk, which offers breathtaking scenery! The Calanques are little corners of paradise wedged between scarlet cliffs and an azure sea.
Here are some useful tips for planning your boat trip to the Calanques from 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.
Is a boat trip to the calanques worth it?
Absolutely! We recommend exploring the Calanques of Cassis and Marseille by boat! You can admire them from the sea. It’s a completely different spectacle from that offered from the coast. We found it an unforgettable experience. You’ll discover one of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur.
Sailing along the Mediterranean coast gave us the opportunity to observe breathtaking natural landscapes. Each calanque is unique and will charm you with its turquoise waters, white cliffs and umbrella pines. We loved discovering 9 of them, from Cassis to Marseille, during our 2h20 excursion.
It was a magical, rejuvenating excursion in the heart of the Côte d’Azur. In fact, it’s one of the best things to do in Cassis!
What you can see
The Port-Miou cove
Our tour of the Calanques begins with a visit to the Calanque de Port-Miou. Did you know? It’s the only one to be part of the Cassis commune. All the other Calanques are attached to Marseille!
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.
We learned 3 interesting facts about this cove:
- it is home to some 550 boats under 20m in length, as a light nautical base.
- “Port-Miou” in Provençal means “good port”. In fact, this very deep cove provides excellent shelter for boats on windy days with rough seas.
- the indentation in the rock that characterizes this small port has been partly shaped by man. Specifically, we discovered that this cove has been a busy limestone quarry for centuries.
We also discovered it on a hike from Cassis to the Calanques de Port-Miou and Port-Pin. We recommend it if you want to visit the pretty beach of Port-Pin. This Provencal nature walk offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean.
Calanque de Port-Pin
We enjoyed admiring the beautiful Calanque de Port-Pin! It’s the second on the program for this Mediterranean excursion.
This Calanque 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.
If you’re keen on water sports, this Calanque is the place to be:
- 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.
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.
Calanque d’En-Vau
The Calanque d’En-Vau is one of the most beautiful and impressive in the Cassis and Marseille area. Its limestone cliffs rising over 170m above the sea impressed us.
We could see through the crystal-clear water that the seabed in this Calanque is full of life. In fact, we observed fish very close to the boat. We recommend a visit to this cove if you’re interested in snorkeling.
Would you like to dive in the transparent waters of the Calanques? Book your diving day from Marseille now!
The Calanque d’En-Vau is also a popular spot for rock climbing, with numerous routes on the surrounding cliffs.
Let yourself be tempted by a climbing course to discover the landscapes of the Côte d’Azur in a different way. – See prices and book
Calanque de l’Oule
We really liked the sharp scarlet cliffs of the Calanque de l’Oule. They reminded us of a Gothic cathedral. This Calanque is less well known than some of the others in the region. We loved its raw beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
During our boat trip, we noticed a hole in the rock. We imagined lost sailors nestling in the heart of this natural shelter on a stormy evening.
Does this boat trip make you want to discover the Calanques on foot? Take a guided tour and discover them up close:
- 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?
Calanque du Devenson
The 4th cove we visited during our boat trip in the heart of the Parc National des Calanques is Devenson. It, too, is one of the region’s lesser-known attractions.
We were struck by its wild, unspoilt character due to its difficult access. We were impressed by the white limestone cliffs of the Calanque du Devenson. They reach heights of over 250m. Faced with this landscape, we remembered how small we are in the face of nature.
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
La Calanque de St-Jean de Dieu or de l’Œil de Verre
The name of this heavenly cove immediately appealed to us. We learned on the boat trip that it comes from the cave at its end. It’s called theGlass Eye because of the color of the water inside, which creates a unique visual effect reminiscent of this object.
This fascinating natural feature makes it a popular destination for photographers and divers. Beyond the sea cave, we loved the magnificent landscapes that line this Calanque. Observe the steep cliffs, crystal-clear water and pine trees clinging to the rock.
Sugiton cove
This cove is one of the most popular in the National Park. We noticed that the small pebble beach in this cove attracts many visitors.
We learned that this calanque is also known for its famous “trou de Sugiton”. An underwater grotto running through the cliff, accessible by swimming underwater.
The Calanque of Morgiou
We loved this cove, which stands out from the other Calanques we visited on our tour. It’s not as wild as its neighbors, but that doesn’t mean it lacks charm.
We loved the little village of colorful huts lining the beach. Its picturesque atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, seems to offer a glimpse of Provencal life of yesteryear. The colors of the houses contrast with the whiteness of the limestone cliffs to create a picture-postcard landscape!
Calanque de Sormiou
This Calanque was the last of our excursion to discover some of the treasures of the Côte d’Azur. Sormiou struck us as the most civilized of all the Calanques we visited.
Indeed, we’ve learned that at the far end is a bustling village. It borders the beach, where you’ll find restaurants, cafés and more.
Departure from Cassis: how to get there
Where to find the departure point for the calanques excursion
- In the town of Cassis
- On the port, quai Saint-Pierre
Here’s a map to help you find Cassis:
Access and parking
The departure point and ticket office are located at the Port de Cassis, Quai Saint-Pierre.
The nearest parking lot is Parking de la Poste, located at 15 rue de l’Arène, a 5-minute walk away.
Visiting difficulties
There are no particular difficulties to be expected on this trip.
Wheelchair users and strollers are welcome on the boats. However, certain conditions must be met. Find out more here.
We strongly recommend that you bring a hat, water and sunscreen for this excursion. The sun is beating down hard at sea.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
Cassis to the calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
Boat trip in the Calanques: useful tips
Schedules and prices
- Prices range from €21 to €33, depending on the length of the excursion.
- Tickets cannot be booked online, but must be collected from the ticket office 30 minutes before boarding.
For information on times, prices and routes,click here.
How long
The excursion company offers tours of 3, 5, 8 or 9 calanques. We strongly advise you to choose the one that allows you to admire 9 of them! Visit the Calanques of Port-Miou, Port-Pin, En-Vau, Loule, Oeil de Verre, Sugiton, Morgiou and Sormiou. This tour takes around 2 hours 20 minutes, while the shorter one takes 1 hour.
For information on times, prices and routes, click here.
Best moment
We recommend you avoid the 2.30 – 4 p.m. slot, which is the most popular with visitors. Instead, opt for an early-morning excursion, around 10:30 a.m. for example. The crowds will be smaller and you won’t feel so hot.
Eating out
As the tour departs from the Port of Cassis, right in the center of town, you’ll find it easy to eat out before or after the tour. The city is home to some very fine restaurants! Discover them in our article dedicated to the best restaurants in Cassis.
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
