In French, "calanques" means "small inlet", "bay".

Not far from Marseille, on the road to the city of Cassis, there is a whole galaxy of these elegant bays, which are also called "French fjords". This is a real must-visit for everyone who goes on a trip to the Cote d'Azur.

Many centuries ago, the calanques carved the local coast and turned it into a unique natural landmark with turquoise water, coniferous forests, grottoes, caves, and ancient limestone mountains, formed here 120 million years ago.

Previously, these limestone rocks were used for the construction of Marseille and its important cultural sites (for example, the cathedral).

The calanques are part of a national park of more than 158,000 hectares, protected by the state. Thus, access to them is restricted, and there is no developed tourist infrastructure.

This is the perfect place for lovers of real wildlife and breathtaking views. The difference in altitude here ranges from 0 to 1000 meters. For a comfortable hike, it is better to be physically prepared, wear trekking shoes, take water and a snack as there are no cafes and shops nearby.

There are only about 20 bays suitable for swimming. In hot weather, it is especially pleasant to swim in cool water.

It is not so easy to move between the calanques due to the steep rocky coast. It is especially difficult to walk here in bad windy weather. However, there are still narrow paths between some calanques.

You can get to the national park by bus from Marseille or Cassis: public transport from both cities departs every 30 minutes. From the bus stop, you will have to walk a few more kilometers along a long route. You can get also here by car. But keep in mind that there are not so many parking lots and they are located as far away as the stops.

There is no entry fee to the national park, but access to it is regulated by the state and depends on weather conditions. The high season runs from May to September.