Sorry for the rather direct and typically Marseillaise expression! But the idea is there. During your stay at the Belle Vue hotel , imagine what you will discover behind the hill of Notre Dame de la Garde… Les Goudes, the end of the world, the Baie des Singes and the Calanque de Callelongue, where the road stops and the steep massif of Marseilleveyre begins.
First step: go to Les Goudes
Initially, Les Goudes represented a hideout for thugs, a place where it was possible to hide or escape into the hills.
In the memory of Marseille, it is also the route of traffic jams because there is only one road and on weekends, the tourist crowd is very large. So how to escape it?
Easy: from 25nd June, from the Belle Vue hotel, you walk on the Old Port towards the shade house and you embark for 8 Euros on shuttle Old Port > Les Goudes. It passes through the port of Pointe Rouge but it's a match.
Another possible option: rent a boat if you have your license.
The journey is superb: views of the Château d'If, the Frioul Islands , the Maïre Island – which resembles a molar or the mysterious island – and here you are arriving in the mineral landscape of Les Goudes.
Second step: swimming in Goudes
You have plenty of choice for your swim! You can go to Baie des Singes and its restaurant with a superb view of Cap Croisette and Île Maïre.
Another option for walkers: the Callelongue cove , which also has a very popular little restaurant .
Last option: the port of Goudes which offers catering possibilities. All you have to do is choose the small cove where you are going to relax.
Third step: Sunset
Don't miss the sunset over Les Goudes. It is magnificent because you have a 360-degree view of the Marseilleveyre massif, the Mediterranean and Maïre Island.
To reach the Old Port, same scenario: the RTM maritime shuttle and in 40 minutes, you are back, ready to enjoy a last drink at the La Caravelle bar-restaurant.
Practical advice
- Sunscreen and hat essential > there are no trees in this little corner at the end of the world
- Picnic and bottles of water > bring everything you need, it's safer because most of the mini markets are located well before this district, at Pointe Rouge.
- Take the wind into account > you leave and return by boat, you will spend the day in the water. Knowing the strength of the wind is essential
- Sneakers rather than flip-flops > of course, there are paths, but to go down to the hollow of a cove, sneakers are much easier to wear and save you from painful falls!
For the bravest among you, head to Monkey Bay 😉
