Calanque de Port-Miou
Cassis, France
Calanques National Park protects dozens of calanques—or dramatic, limestone fjords—along the southern French coast between Marseille and La Ciotat. Of these, the Calanque de Port-Miou is among the most accessible: Located just a quick trip from Cassis by car or on foot, the calanque (and former quarry) offers stellar views and access to coastal walking trails.
The basics
As the closest calanque to Cassis, the Calanque de Port-Miou is an excellent starting point for hikers and visitors looking to explore the wider region. Its historic castle building, the Château de Port-Miou, hosts the national park’s visitor center and offers direct access to the GR98-51 hiking trail, which winds along the coast.
It’s worth exploring the Calanque de Port-Miou and its neighboring calanques on foot for dramatic cliff and seaside views and a chance to spot lizards, fish, and other local wildlife. While the Calanque de Port-Miou has no beach, the neighboring calanques of Port-Pin and En Vau are popular swimming spots. In addition to independent excursions, an array of guided bike, walking, kayaking, and boat tours offer a particularly accessible way to explore.
Things to know before you go
- Be sure to bring sturdy footgear when hiking, as gravel, steep descents, and slippery surfaces are common.
- There are few bathrooms and refreshment facilities available along the GR58-51 hiking trail.
- Much of the area is exposed, so bring a hat, bottled water, sunscreen, and other sun protection.
- Due to uneven surfaces and rough terrain, the area’s trails are inaccessible to disabled visitors, but some calanques boat tours are.
How to get there
The Calanque de Port-Miou is roughly 10 minutes by car or 25 minutes by foot west of Cassis. A paid parking lot is located on-site. A shuttle service runs between the Les Gorguettes free park-and-ride and the Calanque de Port-Miou. Upon arrival, the area and its trails are best explored on foot.
When to get there
The Calanque de Port-Miou (and Calanques National Park, more generally) are open to visitors throughout the year. However, note that parts of the region may be closed with little notice during the summer months due to fire risk. For the optimal experience, visit outside of the summer months or plan your hike for a weekday.
The Calanque d’En Vau
Within hiking distance of the Calanque de Port-Miou is the Calanque d’En Vau. Reputed as one of the most beautiful calanques in the national park (and nicknamed “the Pearl of the Calanques”), it’s known for its soaring cliffs, turquoise waters, and swimming-ready beach, and is worth going out of your way to discover.
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