Between the sea and limestone cliffs, the Calanques National Park is a true natural jewelWhether you're a fan of leisurely strolls or a seasoned hiker, there's bound to be a trail for you. Here's a selection of the most beautiful hikes in the calanques of Marseille.
From the Hotel Belle-Vue From the Old Port, departures for the calanques are easily made by bus or car. The reception staff is available to advise you on the best route according to your skill level and the season. For a wider overview of accessible coves, also consult our Top 7 most beautiful calanques of Marseille or our Complete guide to the Calanques National Park.
In short — The 3 must-do hikes: Sormiou (easy, 1h30, shuttle access in summer), Sugiton (moderate, 2 hours, reservation required from June to mid-September) and En-Vau (Sporty, 3 hours round trip). Start early in the morning between June and September; check the prefectural classification of the mountain range on MyProvence (green / orange / red) before leaving, and plan for a minimum of 2 liters of water per person.
Quick comparison of the 5 routes
| Directions | Difficulty | Duration AR | Distance | Summer access | From the hotel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sormiou | Easy | 1:30 | 3 km | Shuttle 23 mandatory | ~30 min by car / ~50 min by public transport |
| Sugiton (belvedere) | Easy to moderate | 2h | 5 km | Quota 400 people/day, reservations required | ~25 min by car / ~35 min by public transport |
| Morgiou | Moderate | 3:30 | 7 km | Limited car access, shuttle recommended | ~30 min by car / ~40 min by public transport |
| En-Vau | Sports | 3h | 6 km | Free (departure from Cassis) | ~45 min by car / ~1 hour by train + walking |
| Great crossing | Expert | 8 to 10h | ~ 25 km | Free, bivouac possible | ~30 min by car (Callelongue) |
Sormiou cove: the most accessible
If you're looking for an easy hike without too much effort, the Sormiou cove is perfect. In about thirty minutes from the Sormiou pass parking lot, you can reach this stunning spot with its turquoise waters. Ideal for a family outing, with the option of a swim at the end.
- Distance: 3 km round trip
- Duration: 1:30
- Difficulty : Easy
- GPS departure point (Sormiou pass): 43.2308, 5.4078
- 📍 From the Hotel Belle-Vue : 16 km, ~30 min by car. In summer (June-August), road access is closed beyond Baou Redon: take metro M1 to Castellane (5 min), then bus 22 to La Cayolle (25 min), then free RTM shuttle 23 (15 min).
⭐ Bonus: Le Lunch restaurant is right on the beach, practically in the water. Book before you go during peak season, as tables fill up quickly.
The En-Vau cove: the most spectacular
This is undoubtedly one of the most legendary hikes in the calanques. The trail starts at the Col de la Gardiole or the Calanque de Port-Pin, and descends to the sublime beach of En-Vau, surrounded by dizzying cliffs. Prepare yourself for a challenging climb on the way back!
- Distance: 6 km round trip
- Duration: 3h
- Difficulty : Medium to difficult
- GPS departure (Col de la Gardiole): 43.2122, 5.5239
- 📍 From the Hotel Belle-Vue : 32 km, ~45 min by car via A50 exit Cassis. Alternative: TER Marseille Saint-Charles → Cassis (25 min) then 30 min walk to Port-Miou, then 1 hour to En-Vau.
⭐ Bonus tip: Arrive early in the morning (before 9am) to enjoy the beach before the snorkeling boats arrive, dropping off dozens of tourists from 10am onwards. The difference is total.
Morgiou cove: between history and panorama
The hike to Morgiou offers a perfect blend of exertion and discovery. Starting from the Luminy car park, the trail winds through typical Mediterranean vegetation before arriving at the charming little port of Morgiou. Along the way, don't miss the viewpoint overlooking the famous Cosquer Cave (closed to the public) and the crystal-clear waters of the cove.
- Distance: 7 km round trip
- Duration: 3:30
- Difficulty : Average
- GPS departure (Lumily parking lot): 43.2333, 5.4400
- 📍 From the Hotel Belle-Vue : 14 km, ~30 min by car. By public transport: metro M1 → M2 Sainte-Marguerite-Dromel (15 min), then bus B1 to Luminy (15 min).
⭐ Bonus: the small port of Morgiou still shelters a few fishermen's huts, a vestige of a disappearing Marseilles tradition. A stop at the port bar is a must before the climb back up.
The Sugiton belvedere: the best panoramic view
If you want a breathtaking view without too much effort, head to the Sugiton viewpoint. From Luminy, a wide path climbs gradually to the viewpoint, offering an exceptional panorama of the Sugiton and Morgiou coves. An ideal hike at sunset!
- Distance: 5 km round trip
- Duration: 2h
- Difficulty : Easy to medium
- GPS departure (Lumily parking lot): 43.2333, 5.4400
- ⚠ Reservation required From June to mid-September (quota 400 people/day), free on reservation.calanques-parcnational.fr.
- 📍 From the Hotel Belle-Vue : 12 km, ~25 min by car. By public transport: M1 → M2 Sainte-Marguerite-Dromel (15 min) then bus B1 (15 min).
⭐ Bonus: It's the perfect spot to photograph the calanques at sunset. Bring a headlamp for the descent — the trail gets dark quickly after 20 pm in summer.
The great crossing of the calanques: for adventurers
For the more athletic, the great Calanques crossing connects Marseille to Cassis, passing through all the most beautiful coves and cliffs of the park, following the route of the GR 2000-2000It's a challenging hike, with technical sections, but it offers total immersion in this natural gem.
- Distance: about 25 km
- Duration: 8 to 10 hours (plan for an overnight bivouac if necessary)
- Difficulty : Difficult
- Marked trail: GR 98-51 (red and white)
- Recommended map: IGN TOP 25 No. 3645ET "Aubagne / La Ciotat / Sainte-Baume Massif"
- GPS departure point (Callelongue): 43.2128, 5.3578
- 📍 From the Hotel Belle-Vue : 13 km to Callelongue (~30 min by car, bus 20 from La Madrague). Return possible from Cassis by TER train (25 min to Saint-Charles).
Who is it for? Three selections based on your profile
Hiking in the calanques with children
Choose Sormiou (short trail, swimming at the finish, Le Lunch restaurant on site) or the Sugiton lookout (Wide trail, gentle slope, rewarding viewpoint after a 1-hour climb). Avoid En-Vau with young children: the final descent is steep and slippery, and the return climb is demanding in the heat.
Accessing the calanques without a car
Three options from the Old Port: RTM shuttle 23 to Sormiou (free, via bus 22 from Castellane), bus B1 for Luminy (Sugiton, Morgiou, Grande Traversée departure) from metro M2 Sainte-Marguerite-Dromel, or TER train to Cassis (En-Vau, Port-Pin, Port-Miou) from Saint-Charles train station in 25 minutes. All these options are accessible on foot or by metro from the hotel. To learn more about the low-carbon approach, see our article Visiting the Calanques in eco-friendly mode: 3 low-carbon options.
The most beautiful cove at sunset
Le Sugiton lookout This spot is unrivaled for photographing the calanques at sunset, with a breathtaking view overlooking Riou Island and the Goudes rock. In summer, be prepared to use a headlamp for the descent (the path gets dark after 20:30 pm). An alternative on the town side: the Corniche Kennedy at dusk, a 10-minute bus ride (number 83) from the hotel.
Practical advice before you leave
- Equipment: Hiking shoes with notched soles (the limestone is slippery), 2 liters of water per person minimum, hat, sunscreen with an SPF of 50, and something to snack on — there is no water in the mountain range.
- Fire risk — ESSENTIAL: Between June 1st and September 30th, access to the mountain range is subject to the prefectural access map (green/yellow/orange/red). Check the map the evening before and the morning of your visit. myprovence.fr or the mobile app "MyProvence Envie de balade". Red = completely closed mountain range.
- Reservations are required for Sugiton. (June to mid-September, 400 people/day): reservation.calanques-parcnational.frFree, but must be done the day before.
- RTM summer shuttles: Line 23 to Sormiou (from La Cayolle), line B1 to Luminy. Timetables available at [website address]. rtm.fr.
- Long-distance hiking trails: The GR 98 runs along the coast from Marseille to Cassis, the GR 51 (“Balcons de la Méditerranée”) crosses the massif via the ridges.
- Mapping: IGN TOP 25 map no. 3645ET essential for the long crossing and off-piste variants.
- Respect for the park: No waste left on site, no fires, no picking, stay on the marked trails. More information on coastal preservation.
F.A.Q
Do you need to book in advance to hike in the Calanques?
Yes, for the Sugiton cove, from June to mid-September: a quota of 400 people per day has been imposed since 2022 to preserve the site. Reservations are free and can be made on [website/platform name]. reservation.calanques-parcnational.frThe other calanques (Sormiou, Morgiou, En-Vau, Port-Pin) remain freely accessible, but are subject to the prefectural map of access to the massif.
Which cove should I choose for my first hike?
Sormiou cove is the most accessible: a 1.5-hour round trip, minimal elevation gain, a swim at the end, and a restaurant on site. For a spectacular panorama without too much effort, the Sugiton viewpoint (2 hours round trip, wide track) is unbeatable.
How to get to the calanques without a car from the Old Port?
Three options: RTM shuttle line 23 to Sormiou (via bus 22 from Castellane, free), bus B1 to Luminy (Sugiton, Morgiou) from metro M2 Sainte-Marguerite-Dromel, or TER train from Marseille Saint-Charles to Cassis (25 min) to En-Vau and Port-Pin. From the hotel Belle-VueAll these options are accessible in less than 15 minutes on foot or by metro.
Is it possible to hike in the calanques in the summer?
Yes, but only during the cooler hours (departure before 8 a.m.) and after checking the prefectural map for access to the mountain range. From June 1st to September 30th, access is prohibited on days classified as "red" (very high fire risk). Check the map every morning on [website address missing]. myprovence.fr.
Which cove is best for hiking with children?
Sormiou and the Sugiton viewpoint are the two best options. Sormiou offers a short trail and a beach for swimming. Sugiton has a wide, easy-to-follow track and a spectacular viewpoint after a 1-hour climb. Avoid En-Vau, whose final descent is too technical for young children.
Which is the most beautiful cove in Marseille?
En-Vau is unanimously considered the most spectacular, with its 100-meter cliffs plunging into translucent water. But Sormiou, wilder and more accessible, appeals to those who prefer the authentic Marseilles charm with its fishermen's huts.
Whether you're looking for an easy trail or a grand adventure, Marseille's calanques offer hikes for all levels. Pack your backpack and set off to explore these exceptional landscapes!
Are you planning a hike in the Calanques during your stay in Marseille? The Hotel Belle-Vue is the ideal starting point, a stone's throw from the Old Port and transport links to the National Park. After your exertions, extend your day at restaurant La Caravelle right next to the hotel, with its terrace facing the Old Port.
