Les Calanques
The «Calanques» are rocky inlets found between Marseille and Cassis, and from Cape Croisette to Cape Canaille. A massif spreads over 20 kilometres with its white limestone that contrasts with the blue of the sky and the ocean. The Mediterranean created the Calanques more than 100 000 years ago, by submerging the estuaries of the little coastal rivers.
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The Calanques are only accessible on foot or by boat. From the sea, it is a real dream vision with its colors that change as the day goes by. On foot, it is an interlaced design of steep and stony paths that offer very little shady areas.
Stock up on something to quench your thirst because the Calanques are wild areas and it will be impossible to find any fresh water here. Once you have finished this rather difficult walk, the only thing left to do is to find yourself a little spot on the rocks, relax and be lulled by the lapping of the water and the chirping of the cicadas.
The Calanques have an exceptional fauna and natural setting that has to be protected. It is therefore prohibited to make fires, go mountain biking or to camp. It has 600 registered plant species. Euphorbe Arborescentes are amongst one of the rarest species. “Herbe à Gouffé” and Aleppo pines also form part of this list. Many birds including the Peregrine falcons from Riou Island, Bonelli eagles, sea gulls, etc. have also made their home here.
Today, only the Calanques of Sormiou and Morgiou shelter a little port, that is made up of a hundred cabins where a privileged few lead heavenly lives composed of fishing parties, long siestas and “sardinades”.
The Calanques are very sought for rock climbing. The Sugiton route, the Paroi Noire or the Calanques of En Vau are very frequented. Here, the rocks have become particularly smooth. They also offer fantastic spots for scuba diving. Numerous shipwrecks and underwater caves attract expert divers. |
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