hiking in provence: famous calanques of cassis

Level 2 : Exploring the Calanques of Cassis
Distance: 8 km (4.9 mi) - Ascent: 158 m (518 ft). Descent: 150 m (492 ft) - Hiking: 2,45 hrs.
Starting from Cassis, you set off directly from your accommodation. From the harbor, the route winds through elegant villas and seaside houses before gradually leaving the town behind. The Mediterranean opens up, the limestone becomes more rugged, and the atmosphere turns distinctly wild. At the Trou du Souffleur crossroads-a natural curiosity as noisy as it is impressive-you then head out-and-back toward Pointe de la Cacau, enjoying views over Cap Canaille and Cassis, before going on to admire the Port-Pin calanque. The return to Cassis follows along the Port-Miou calanque.

Level 3 variant : Cassis Calanques Trilogy
Distance: 12,9 km (8 mi) - Ascent: 485 m (1591 ft). Descent: 475m (1558 ft)- Hiking: 5 hrs.
A deeper immersion into the massif, perfect for regular hikers. From the Trou du Souffleur, you continue toward the majestic En-Vau calanque, framed by high white cliffs and accessible through a rocky, mineral-strewn valley. The challenge gradually increases, but the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. You then return to the Trou du Souffleur before heading back to Cassis along the same path, your eyes still filled with shades of blue.

Level 4 variant: The fulltraverse of the Cassis calanques 
Distance: 15,6 km (9,32 mi) - Ascent: 600 m (1968 ft). Descent: 590 m (1935 ft) - Hiking: 6 hrs.
For experienced hikers, this variant offers the most complete experience. After the En Vau calanque, the route climbs toward the Col de l'Oule, unveiling breathtaking views over the ridges and hidden coves of the massif. This steeper ascent gives the day a true mountain feel, suspended between sky and sea. You then descend back to the Trou du Souffleur and complete your loop by returning to Cassis, bathed in the golden light of late afternoon.
 

Level 2: Marseilleveyre from Callelongue
Distance: 8,4 km (5,21 mi) - Ascent: 390 m (1979 ft). Descent: 390 m (1979 ft) - Hiking: 3,5 hrs
A beautiful and accessible loop, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere of the massif and reaching the calanque via wild trails. Starting from Callelongue, the path gradually climbs through dense, lush, and colorful vegetation up to the Sémaphore Pass, where a privileged panorama opens onto the Riou archipelago, Maïre Island, and the Tiboulen de Maïre. You then continue toward the bottom of the Mounine valley in a calm, untamed setting before reaching the Galinette Pass, the highest point of the day. From the Selle Pass, you get a view of the city of Marseille before heading to the Marseilleveyre calanque via the wild Malvallon valley. The coastal trail then brings you back to Callelongue.

Level 3 variant: From Callelongue to the Summit of Marseilleveyre
Distance: 10,3 km (6,3 mi) - Ascent: 580 m (1902 ft). Descent: 590 m (1935 ft) - Hiking: 4,45 hrs
A challenging loop, both varied, panoramic, and spectacular, ideal for regular hikers who aren't afraid of heights. From the small port of Callelongue, you first follow the coastal trail to the Marseilleveyre calanque. The route then leaves the shore, gradually climbing through the Plan des Cailles and the wild Malvallon valley. The path winds through fragrant scrubland before ascending to the summit of Marseilleveyre. From the top, your gaze takes in the entire Marseille coastline and the Riou islands. The return to Callelongue descends via the famous Giant's Staircase-fun, dramatic, and well-marked-allowing for careful progress while enjoying the scenery.

Level 4 variant: The Wonders of the Marseilleveyre Massif
Distance: 14 km (8,69 mi) - Ascent: 900 m (2952 ft). Descent: 910 m (2985 ft) - Hiking: 6,5 hrs
The most complete and immersive loop, alternating spectacular coastal sections with challenging terrain, designed for fit hikers. The route starts at the Port of Callelongue and climbs to the Galinette Pass, before returning through the wild Malvallon valley to reach the Marseilleveyre calanque. After this first section through the valleys, the trail returns to the sea for a long coastal traverse at the foot of the impressive Walkyries and Coulon cliffs, before ascending to the Cortinou Pass. You then reach the summit of Marseilleveyre via the ridges and the Homme plateau. The descent from the summit follows the same route as Level 3.


 

Level 2 : Sormiou Loop via the Col and Baou Rond
Distance: 6 km (3,72 mi) - Ascent: 310 m (1017 ft). Descent: 310 m (1017 ft) - Hiking: 2,40 hrs
A dynamic loop with already stunning views, capturing the essence of Sormiou with beautiful vantage points over the massif. From the Sormiou calanque, you head toward the col of the same name. Keep your eyes open along the way: the Calanques gecko might be basking on a rock. The trail begins on a balcony with an open view of the sea before skirting the forest edge up to Baou Rond and its viewpoint.

Level 3 variant: From Sormiou to Morgiou, the Iconic Calanques
Distance: 13,4 km (8,32 mi) - Ascent: 600 m (2001 ft). Descent: 610 m (2001 ft) - Hiking: 5,5 hrs
A major route through the heart of the Marseille calanques, linking the most iconic landscapes. From the Luminy University, the trail winds along a balcony path through fragrant scrubland before reaching the sandy beach of Sormiou calanque. You continue past the colorful cabins to the small port of Sormiou, then gain some height via a short but steep climb to the large cairn. A gentle, gradual descent leads to Morgiou, one of the most emblematic calanques, nestled at the foot of the cliffs. The return follows a forested path back to Luminy.

Level 4 variant: Sormiou to Morgiou Traverse via Cap Morgiou
Distance: 16,7 km (10,37 mi) - Ascent: 690 m (2263 ft). Descent: 690 m (2263 ft) - Hiking: 6,5 hrs
A sporty and spectacular traverse, with Cap Morgiou as the final balcony overlooking the Mediterranean. The route follows the same path as Level 3 up to the cairn at the crossroads. From there, you branch off toward Cap Morgiou, passing the remains of old fortifications that lead to the point. Along the way, the trail offers breathtaking views of the Triperie calanque, nestled at the base of the cliffs. Here, history lies beneath thirty-seven meters of water: the Cosquer cave preserves a submerged past. You then reach Morgiou calanque, where the Level 3 route is followed for the return.



 

Level 2: Sugiton Calanque and the Torpedo Rock
Distance: 10 km (6,21 mi) - Ascent: 350 m (1148 ft). Descent: 350 m (1148 ft) - Hiking: 3,55 hrs
A beautiful loop with no major difficulties, perfect for enjoying the best of Sugiton, between clear waters and limestone chaos. The day begins at the Luminy university; the trail soon enters a pine forest and gently winds up to the Sugiton col. A round trip to the viewpoint offers a striking panorama. You can then descend comfortably to Sugiton calanque via an easy route, letting yourself wander from cove to cove along turquoise waters.

Level 3 variant: Mont Puget hike and climb
Distance: 15,6 km (9,69 mi) - Ascent: 550 m (1804 ft). Descent: 550 m (1804 ft) - Hiking: 6 hrs
A complete hike alternating balcony trails with a gradual climb to the highest point of the Calanques. From the Sugiton col, you follow the call of the heights and reach Mont Puget, the Calanques' summit, via cliffside trails where the ascent remains steady. From the top, the view stretches in one direction over the sea and islands, and in the other across the vast limestone amphitheater of the cliffs.

Level 4 variant: L'Aiguille de l'Eissadon via the Devenson Cirque
Distance: 18 km (11,18 mi) - Ascent: 920 m (3018 ft). Descent: 920 m (3018 ft) - Hiking: 9 hrs
The most challenging and wild option, set in a spectacular rocky landscape. A complete immersion in the "back Calanques." From the Sugiton Pass, a more demanding route-often on stony and sometimes exposed trails-leads to the Aiguille de l'Eissadon and the Devenson cirque: a more rugged, secret world where nature asserts its grandeur without compromise.
 

Level 2 : La Ciotat Old Port and Figuerolles Calanque
Distance: 11 km (6,8 mi) - Ascent: 410 m (1345 ft). Descent: 410 m (1345 ft) - Hiking: 4,5 hrs
A varied loop hike blending a lively port atmosphere, hidden coves, and colorful cliffs-perfect for a gentle finale. On this last day, you head to La Ciotat. Upon arriving at the Old Port, the bustle immediately hits: brightly painted Provençal boats rock gently, while freshly caught fish glisten on the stalls, filling the air with a briny, unmistakable scent of the sea. The trail leads to Figuerolles calanque, peaceful and mineral, where the red rocks-unique along this coastline-form shapes resembling a reclining lion and an eagle's beak. The hike continues along higher ground through fragrant scrubland, up to the semaphore. The ridge trail then gently descends back to the port, offering sweeping views of both the town and the sea.

Level 3 variant : La Ciotat and Cap Canaille, panoramic views over the Bay of Cassis
Distance: 11 km (6,83 mi) - Ascent: 700 m (2296 ft). Descent: 700 m (2296 ft) - Hiking: 5 hrs
A scenic traverse that climbs toward the cliffs of Cap Canaille, offering a grand balcony over the Mediterranean. The route follows the Level 2 trail up to the semaphore, then continues along the heights toward Cap Canaille. Walking along the cliffs provides breathtaking views of the Bay of Cassis and the rugged terrain of the Calanques National Park. The descent leads to Cassis, weaving through fragrant scrubland and offering dramatic sea views.

Level 4 variant: Cap Canaille Cliff Traverse, from Cassis to La Ciotat
Distance: 14,5 km (9 mi) - Ascent: 850 m (2788 ft). Descent: 845 m (2772 ft) - Hiking: 6,5 hrs
A sporty and breathtaking traverse between sea and cliffs, perfect for ending the trip on a high note. Departing from the port of Cassis, the trail climbs toward Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, whose ochre and golden hues shift with the light. The path then follows the ridges through fragrant scrubland, offering a truly airy and panoramic experience. The final descent leads to La Ciotat's port, completing the traverse amidst golden cliffs and the sparkling Mediterranean.

Your trip officially ends after this hike. If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay, it's essential to book your accommodation in advance. We can arrange one or more extra nights at one of our partner hotels. Just ask!

Before you leave, why not take advantage of activities around the city: sea kayaking in the calanques, visits to vineyards, e-biking...
And the most unmissable of them all, a boat trip in the calanques, with options to visit 3, 5, or 8 calanques depending on how much time you have.