Marseille & Aix En Provence: Adventures: On Foot:

Vertical limestone peaks and needles rising above the clear, teal blue Mediterranean, steep, narrow paths lined with wind-sculpted pines, winding down to tiny, almost private beaches – the Calanques offer breathtaking scenery, well-marked hiking trails and well-equipped and maintained escalade (climbing) sites. Hiking paths vary from moderate to very challenging. The GR98 connects Marseille to Cassis along 28 km/17.4 miles of crests and coastline, a difficult, 11-hour hike.

Note: There is no natural fresh water in the Calanques so you must bring your own. Because of the lack of water and danger of fire, local paths across the Calanque Massif, are closed from July to mid-September.

If you are a confident and very experienced hiker, you can go it alone, using Map: IGN “Plein Air” Collection, 1/15,000 scale – “Les Calanques de Marseille à Cassis.” The Marseille Office de Tourisme can provide a list of local climbing and hiking clubs, many of which will arrange guides. Both the Marseille and Cassis tourist offices can furnish maps of local cycling and hiking routes.

It is possible to enjoy the Calanques even if you have less experience. About 80% of the Calanque Massif is within the municipality of Marseille and the city itself owns about 20% of it. The local tourist authority has made the most of providing access to this striking natural area. Group tours accessible to anyone, in the company of professional guides, leave regularly from the tourist information office on the Quai des Belges. The cost is €15; children 12 and under go free. The guide provides knowledgeable commentary on the flora and fauna in this fragile ecosystem. Paths in the Calanque Massif can turn suddenly treacherous, so this is a good idea for first-timers to the area.

A more challenging hike, the Adventure Trail in the Calanques, which can also be booked at the tourist office, lasts three hours and includes zip lines and abseiling as well as hiking. The cost of the tour, which leaves from Calanque gateways at Callelongue and Sormiou, is €35.

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