Calanques National Park: Day Trips and Tours from Marseille

Get ready to mark your presence at one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever explore! A different world in itself, visit France’s magnificent Calanques National Park from Marseille and lay testimony to stunning views, beautiful beaches, and a refreshing sea breeze that makes the French answer to the Garden of Eden so special!

Stroll your way through this small paradise along the French Riviera, with an expert guide as you enjoy breathtaking sights of soaring limestone cliffs, azure-blue waters, and secluded fishing villages that leave your soul refreshed and satiated.

Quench your thirst for adventure as you rev up your e-bike and pedal through Marseille’s diverse neighborhoods! Even better; stopover at the beach for a game of pétanque or relish a swim in turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

How to get to Calanques National Park from Marseille?

There are a few ways to reach Calanques National Park from Marseille:

By Car: Rent a car to take the short ride from Marseille to Calanques National Park (approximately 35-minute drive). After you leave the city, the landscape gets really beautiful.

By Bus: Transportation gets included in many tours listed on TourScanner.com from Calanques National Park to Marseille. Schedule a ride, so you don’t have to worry about handling directions to the destination yourself.

By Boat: Select tours travel from Marseille down to Calanques National Park. You’ll pay more for the experience and spend a lot more time getting there, but the views are unparalleled.

By Train + Bus: There is no direct connection for Calanques National Park from Marseille. However, you can take a subway to La Rose. From there you can take a bus to reach the national park.

How long does it take to get from Marseille to Calanques National Park?

The most direct route from Marseille to Calanques National Park is approximately 30 minutes depending on where you are staying in Marseille. Therefore, it is straightforward and easy to make a day trip out of Calanques National Park from Marseille. Tour buses might take slightly longer, but at least you don’t have to worry about directions.

How much does a Calanques National Park tour from Marseille cost?

There are a variety of ways to schedule a Calanques National Park from Marseille excursion:

Guided tours

A Calanques National Park from Marseille trip is easy to complete in a day. Day tours of Calanques National Park include transportation to and from Marseille. Day trips are very affordable, starting at 60€.

Boat Tours

Boat tours take you from Marseille to Cassis along Calanques National  Park. You’ll make stops along some of the trademark bays that make the  national park so unique. Boat tours average about 70€ per person.

Bike Tours

Bike tours are a very popular way to see Calanques National Park. Keep in mind that many parts of the national park are inaccessible by vehicle during the summer due to fire hazards. Fat tire or e-bikes are available for rent for an alternative to traditional rides. Bikes offer a great alternative with tours averaging 50€ for a day trip.

Scuba Diving Tours

Scuba diving tours are an excellent way to explore the depths below the crystal blue water of Calanques National Park. The gorgeous scenery provides a fantastic backdrop as you dip into the water. Scuba trips are affordable, starting at 90€.

When is the best time to visit Calanques National Park?

The best time to visit Calanques National Park is between May and June. The late spring/early summer weather is incredible. The heat begins to arrive in late-June and doesn’t settle until autumn. The fall is beautiful but expect some rain. Regardless, Calanques National Park is beautiful visiting any time of the year.

What are the best things to see and do in Calanques National Park?

The list of activities at Calanques National Park is endless. It is hard to find an adventure like it anywhere else in France. Schedule a Calanques National Park from Marseille tour to secure your spot:

Sightseeing

The views on the top rim of Calanques National Park remind you of something from a calendar. The crystal blue water below is unrivaled as it compliments the rest of the steep rock cliffs surrounding it. The park contains several features you’ll want to photograph so keep your camera handy throughout your day trip.

Hiking

National parks generally offer a plethora of hiking opportunities, and Calanques is no different. The French national park offers excursions to park features like Calanque de Sorminou, Cosquer Cave, Calanque de Morgiou, and Calanque de Port-Miou. You can travel on foot as little or as much as you prefer.

Biking

One popular way to see the sights of Calanques National Park is with a rented bicycle. Bike tours are an excellent way to see the sights as you follow a knowledgable guide around the rugged terrain.

Boat Cruises

Though some people jump off rocks or swim in the bays, it is not highly recommended for visitors since there are plenty of associated dangers. A better option is to take a boat cruise around the bays to see the amazing scenery from the bottom of the park. You’ll find both perspectives of the park (from the top and bottom) are equally mesmerizing.

Dining

The national park is like other natural areas that get protected from civilization. However, you can find a couple of places in the region to quench your thirst and grab a tasty bite to eat. You’ll find a seafood offering as a bar for your favorite adult beverage while soaking in the sights.

What are the most popular places to visit in Calanques National Park?

You may find below the most famous places to visit in Calanques National Park.

Massif des Calanques

Calanques is a word used to describe rocky cliffs and bays between Marseille and Cassis. The national park contains a series of these limestone cliffs that leave behind little remote bays. The Massif des Calanques is one of the most popular stops in the park to visit for tourists.

Calanque de Sormiou

The Calanque de Sormiou is the largest of all the calanques in the national park. People love to visit the area to reach climbing spots with personal overlooks of the bay. Keep in mind that car access to Calanque de Sormiou is restricted in the summer months.

Calanque de Morgiou

Calanque de Morgiou is also among the biggest calanques in the park. It was a fishing port, and gigantic tuna get reported in the area. Small fishing cabins are still evident along its shores.

Calanque de Port-Miou

The very long and narrow Calanque de Port-Miou offers a unique perspective just like all the other secluded bays of the national park. The marina accommodates the layout of the land as you explore its geological makeup.

Calanque de Sugiton

The Calanque de Sugiton is much smaller than many of the other calanques yet not to get overlooked. The hidden gem is accessible for hikers and worth a visit if you got the time.

Cosquer Cave

Cosquer Cave is situated near the Calanque de Morgiou. The entrance to the cave is underwater, so it is not easily accessible. However, if you do make it inside you’ll find prehistoric rock art engravings. The cave was recently discovered in the 1980s.

Travel Tips

• Check the weather forecast. Calanques National Park is gorgeous, but it’s a rugged outdoor place where the weather can change with a moment’s notice. Make yourself prepare by checking the forecast for the day. It’s a good idea to bring extra clothing even if the forecast indicates you won’t run into a storm. You never know.
• Exercise caution around the water. We recommend scheduling a boat cruise or guided tour if you want to get into the water. Calanques National Park is on very steep and unforgiving land. Rock jumping into the water is exhilarating but also very dangerous. So is swimming if you don’t know the right places to go.