Calanque de Sormiou

The basics

The Calanque de Sormiou’s star attraction is its 197-foot (60-meter) stretch of beach and its clear waters, which are cooler than elsewhere in the area due to an underground spring that mixes with the seawater offshore. There's also a restaurant, a parking lot, an outdoor sports center offering kayaking and climbing trips, and a marina. If you're particularly active, consider a hiking or electric bike tour that also takes you to other scenic parts of the Calanques National Park.

Things to know before you go

• Check weather conditions before visiting, as high winds and storms can make navigating the trails around the calanque dangerous.

• Make sure to wear sun protection, even on cloudy days—the sun can be deceivingly powerful along this part of the coast.

• The beach here is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly.

• During select school holidays and on some weekends and public holidays, you’ll need a reservation at the on-site restaurant to use the parking lot.

How to get there

The Calanque de Sormiou is around a 30-minute drive or 1-hour bike ride from the center of Marseille. If you're coming by public transportation, you can take line M2 of the Marseille metro to Rond Point du Prado and then hop on the 23 bus to Sormiou Cayolle; note that from here, you will still have to walk around 50 minutes to reach the Calanque. Cruises from Vieux Port also pass by the calanque, but they don’t stop.

When to get there

The calanque is best visited in the spring or the fall, when the weather is pleasant but not usually too hot and the tourist crowds are fewer than during the busy summer months. If you plan to do a lot of trekking or cycling in the area, come first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and the worst of the sun’s rays.

Where to eat

For many people, the main reason to visit the calanque is to dine at Le Château de Sourmiou, a seasonal restaurant that's been serving up traditional Marseilles food since 1948. The views from the outdoor seating area make the restaurant worth visiting alone, but the food gets equally great reviews. If you want to try the restaurant’s famous bouillabaisse, make sure to reserve the dish at least 48 hours in advance.