You are staying at the Hotel Belle-Vue Are you on the Old Port and want to discover the calanques of Marseille without a car, without a 4x4 and without ecological guilt? Here are three low-carbon options, validated by our Green Key commitment, to enjoy the Calanques National Park while respecting what makes it beautiful.
Why visit the Calanques in an eco-friendly way?
Recognized as a National Park since 2012, the Calanques massif extends over 8,500 hectares of terrestrial core area + 43,500 hectares of marine core area between Marseille and La Ciotat. It's theone of the few European national parks that is simultaneously terrestrial, marine and peri-urbanIts downside: it welcomes approximately 2 million visitors per year, a significant portion of whom arrive by car on roads that become congested in the summer. Limiting its footprint also means limiting the pressure on a fragile ecosystem.
The hotel Belle-VueThe first hotel in Marseille to be awarded the Green Key label since 2012, naturally guides its guests towards low-impact solutions. Here are the three best.
1. On foot — hiking, the zero-carbon option
This is the most respectful and immersive option. From the Hotel Belle-VueTake bus 19 from the Old Port to Les Goudes (1 hour, terminus). From there, several loops open up:
- Marseilleveyre Cove From Callelongue: 1 hour 30 minutes one way, moderate elevation gain, swimming at the end
- Podestat Cove 2 hours one way, rocky path, secluded coves
- Cap Croisette + Views of the Riou archipelago: 45 min, flat, accessible with children
Our 2026 guide to the Calanques National Park details routes and seasonal closures.
2. By sea — hybrid-powered maritime shuttles
Several companies in the Old Port now operate ships diesel-electric hybrid which eliminate almost all noise, vibration, and fumes in the protected area. Departures are made directly From the Quai des Belges, a 3-minute walk from the Hotel Belle-Vue.
- Calanques cruise + Château d'If : 3-4 hours, sea view overlooking the calanques inaccessible on foot (En-Vau, Port-Pin, Sugiton)
- Day trip with a swimming stop in a cove
- Shuttle to Cassis The 1 hour 20 minute crossing then allows you to explore the eastern calanques on foot from Cassis.
To compare companies and formats, see our article boat from the Old Port.
3. By kayak or paddle — total immersion
Several water sports centers in the Old Port and Pointe Rouge offer rentals by the hour, half-day, or guided tours. Kayaks and paddleboards allow you to explore the coastline, enter coves inaccessible to larger boats, and dive into the open water. No motors, no emissions, and complete silence on the Mediterranean.
- Half day outing Old Port → Sormiou: 4 hours, intermediate level
- Day outing Pointe Rouge → Marseilleveyre + Riou: 6 hours, good physical condition required
- Stand-up paddleboarding discovery Maldormé Cove, ideal for beginners, 1 hour
And what about the Greeters program in Marseille?
To discover Marseille with a local who freely shares their time and knowledge of the area, the international network Marseille Provence Greeters has been active for over 10 years. Some Greeters even offer walks around the calanques for visitors seeking local authenticity.
Responsible visitor advice
- Bring back all your waste (no trash cans in the park)
- No fire, no cigarettes from June 1 to September 30
- Stay on marked trails — endemic flora takes decades to regrow
- Check out the My Calanques app every morning for fire closures
- No drones in the park
Book your responsible Calanques holiday
The hotel Belle-Vue is the ideal base camp for low-carbon days exploring the calanques: rooms facing the Old Port, sea shuttles 3 minutes away, bus 19 at the stop, and eco-tourism advice from our team. Book your room.
