Overview
A five day, self-guided adventure walking in Calanques National Park and, in particular, the Calanques de Cassis. A calanque is like a small fjord, created by limestone rocks that meet the Med, and then carved into a collection of creeks and crevices and there are 26 of them in total in the national park. Based in the small fishing port of Cassis for three nights, you have two days of walking through these stunning seascapes, as well as plenty of time for swimming and chilling. The final night is spent in Marseille, in the Vieux Port, with a highly recommended option to travel to the nearby Frioul Islands to walk the Calanques National Park’s island trails there.
- Calanques National Park
- Calanque d’en Vau
- Cassis
- Marseille
- Cap Canaille
- La Ciotat
- Frioul Islands
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cassis
Cassis is small but beautiful coastal town close to Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. If arriving by train, catch a bus (payable locally) into Cassis for the first night’s accommodation. Cassis, sheltered by the towering cliffs of Cap Canaille, has been inhabited since Roman times and boasts a vibrant old port, lined with colourful houses and seafood restaurants.
- Accommodation: Hôtel and Spa Coeur de Cassis or similar in Cassis
Day 2: Calanque d’en Vau | 12km
You are transferred by private taxi (10mins) to the start of the Gineste Trail, high above the coastline. Follow the trail to Gardiole Pass and descend to a shaded valley towards the sea and Calanque d’En Vau, one of most picturesque calanques in the region. Continue with a steep climb through the jagged limestone landscapes to Calanque de Port Pin, the perfect stop for a picnic and swim. Last but not least, arrive at Calanque de Port-Miou, over a kilometre long but ultra thin, lined on both sides by sailboats. Finish the day with a short walk back to Cassis town centre.
- Walking for the day: 4h, 12km, ↑200m ↓460m
- Accommodation: Hôtel and Spa Coeur de Cassis or similar in Cassis
Day 3: Cap Canaille | 12km
Start the day by walking along a wide track and gently climbing upwards to the top of the towering Cap Canaille. Standing at just under 400m, Cap Canaille is the highest sea cliff in France and among one of the highest in Europe. The panoramic view across the Bay of Cassis and the Mediterranean is an unforgettable scene as the route follows the cliff edge along the extensive coastline. Arrive in the adjacent port town of La Ciotat, from where you are transferred back to Cassis.
- Walking for the day: 4h, 12km, ↑500m ↓500m
- Accommodation: Hôtel and Spa Coeur de Cassis or similar in Cassis
Day 4: Marseille and the Frioul islands | 9km
Start with a private transfer to Marseille where you stay in the Vieux Port area. Founded by the Greeks 2,600 years ago, Marseille is the oldest city in France. Take a ferry from the port to Chateau d’If island fortress, made famous by the novel of Monte Cristo (30mins crossing). Or, if you want to walk more, take the ferry to the Frioul Islands for a 9km loop walk (15mins crossing, payable locally). Other than the range of restaurants and swimming opportunities, the islands are a protected oasis of wilderness with rare flora and fauna. Return by ferry to Vieux Port.
- Walking for the day: 2.5h, 9km, ↑137m ↓142m
- Accommodation: Hôtel Carré Vieux Port or similar in Marseille
Day 5: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour is in just two places, one of them with a small spa area. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to natural adventures. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotel
- Hôtel and Spa Coeur de Cassis (Cassis)
- Hôtel Carré Vieux Port (Marseille)
Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. Dinner is available either at the accommodation or from restaurants in the local area.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated moderate and daily walks are between three and five hours. The coastal trails have some steep ascents and descents, as well as some more gentle ridge walks (read more about difficulty grades). This itinerary is not recommended for people who are afraid of heights. From Cassis to La Ciotat, for example, there is always at least one metre between you and the cliff edge, so care needs to be taken along the path, especially if windy. We recommend using walking poles for this holiday. Poles are helpful to increase power going uphill, but especially to protect your knees on rocky descents. The walk on the Frioul Islands has gentle undulations but nothing taxing.
We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps in your holiday information pack and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime.
When to go
This trip is available all year except July and August (closure of trails due to wildfire risk) but we recommend the winter months to experience the serene beauty of the coast and the calanques, when the trails are less crowded.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your trip on any date within the season. Please note: Château d’If is closed on Mondays.
For more information on travelling in France, please visit our blog Best time to go to France.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Marseille Provence Airport (MRS).
By train or bus
If you are able to travel to Cassis without flying, this holiday is reachable by rail with train stations in Cassis and Marseille. For more details, see the national rail operator SNCF Connect or use the Omio planner above. Please note that Cassis train station is 45mins walk (mostly downhill) from the town centre, but there is a regular bus service to and from the station (371) in busier seasons, but with more limited services in quieter seasons, so we recommend checking La Metropole Mobilité for times.
From Marseille, there are regular trains to Cassis – for more information and tickets visit SNCF Connect or use the Omio planner above. Alternatively, there are regular buses to/from Cassis from Marseille city centre. For more information and tickets, visit LeCar Aix-Marseille or use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 4 nights accommodation in private en-suite rooms
- 4 breakfasts
- Transfer from Cassis to start of walk on day two
- Transfer to Cassis an the end of the walk on day three
- Transfer to Marseille on day four
- Pre-departure digital info pack and detailed road notes and maps
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Bus, train and ferry tickets (please pay locally)
- Entrance fees for attractions and museums
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. A supplement will be charged as accommodation and transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Hotel supplements are possible during the Cassis Marathon in October
- Extra nights can be booked on request
- Arrival transfer from Cassis train station or Marseille Airport
