Exploring the Cassis Calanques: Three Ways to Experience the Stunning Coastline

This summer, our family spent an unforgettable few days in the quaint fishing village of Cassis, nestled along the beautiful French Riviera. As part of a two-week European vacation that also took us through Spain, Cassis offered the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. One of the highlights of our trip was exploring the iconic Calanques National Park, famous for its dramatic coastal coves and crystal-clear waters.

In this post, I’ll share how we explored the Calanques, and how each method—hiking, kayaking, and taking a boat tour—provided a unique and memorable experience.

What Makes the Calanques Special?

Calanques are steep, narrow inlets carved into limestone cliffs over thousands of years, leaving behind deep blue coves that can only be accessed by foot or boat. The cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, creating stunning vistas that draw nature lovers from around the world. Parc National des Calanques, which stretches between Cassis and Marseille, is home to several of these natural wonders.

The Calanques are popular among hikers, kayakers, and boaters, all of whom come to explore the rugged coastline. While visiting Cassis, we had the chance to experience the calanques in three different ways—on foot, by kayak, and by boat. Here’s a breakdown of each experience:

Hiking the Calanques

We began our adventure by hiking into Calanques National Park from Cassis. This was one of the easiest and most accessible ways to explore the area. After a short 30-minute walk from the town center, we entered the park and followed the trails to reach some of the most famous calanques.

There are several hiking routes to choose from, ranging in difficulty. For beginners, the path to Calanque de Port Pin is a great start. It’s a relatively easy, 5-mile round-trip hike that takes you to a secluded beach. Along the way, we were treated to beautiful views of the cliffs and the turquoise waters below.

We also explored some of the higher trails, like the one leading to Pointe de la Cacau, which offered sweeping vistas and the chance to discover remnants of old coastal fortifications. Although the trails weren’t always well-marked, having a GPS app like Outdooractive helped us stay on track. I’d highly recommend downloading a hiking app before setting out, as the park’s trails can be a bit confusing at times.

Kayaking to the Calanques

Next, we rented kayaks to explore the calanques from the water. This was hands down one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the coastline. After renting our kayaks from Lo’kayak in Cassis, we paddled across the bay toward our first stop—Calanque de Port Miou. From there, we made our way to Calanque de Port Pin and finally reached Calanque d’en Vau, the most famous and stunning of all.

Kayaking was a great way to get close to the cliffs and caves that are inaccessible by foot. The feeling of paddling through the deep blue waters beneath towering limestone cliffs was magical. At Calanque d’en Vau, we tied up our kayaks to a metal cable and swam ashore to a beautiful beach, where we relaxed and had a picnic. While the journey was physically demanding, especially with rougher waters, it was an adventure we’ll never forget.

One tip if you’re kayaking: make sure to bring water shoes for navigating the rocky shores. The beaches at some calanques have sharp stones, and the water can be a bit chilly, especially in early summer.

Taking a Calanques Boat Tour

For a more relaxed way to see the calanques, we took a boat tour. This was a great option for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the area without the physical exertion of hiking or kayaking. The boat tour took us along the coast, with stops at several calanques, including the famous ones like Calanque de Port Miou and Calanque d’en Vau.

We booked the tour at the marina in Cassis, where tickets are sold in person. The tour lasted around 2 hours and provided breathtaking views of the limestone cliffs and the pristine waters. It was especially enjoyable to see the calanques from the water, where we could take in the full scale of these natural wonders. We even spotted rock climbers scaling the cliffs and explored some sea caves.

The boat tour was also ideal for families with younger children or anyone who prefers a more leisurely way to explore the coastline.

Our Recommended Hikes

If you’re planning to hike the calanques, here are two trails I highly recommend:

1. Cassis to Calanque de Port Pin: This is a beginner-friendly hike that takes about 2 hours round-trip. The views of the coastline are stunning, and you’ll pass through some picturesque landscapes before reaching the beautiful beach at Calanque de Port Pin.
2. Pointe de la Cacau: For a more adventurous hike, this trail offers incredible views of the surrounding area, plus the chance to see old coastal fortifications. It’s a bit more challenging, but it’s worth it for the scenic rewards.

Final Thoughts

Cassis and its surrounding Calanques National Park offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in southern France, and experiencing the calanques in different ways truly enhanced our visit. Whether you prefer hiking, kayaking, or taking a boat tour, there’s something for everyone.

We recommend spending a few days in Cassis to fully enjoy these natural wonders. It’s a place where adventure meets relaxation, making it a perfect family destination.

If you’re heading to Cassis, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Calanques—each method of exploring offers a unique perspective, and the stunning views will leave you in awe.