To visit Cassis and its creeks by boat.
Are you spending your vacation in the south? Visiting the calanques of Cassis is a must-do. Some will tell you that Cassis is one of the most beautiful places around Marseille, or even along the entire Mediterranean coast!
Indeed, the Calanques National Park is a true animated painting : the turquoise water and the impressive cliffs, with a few Mediterranean pines growing between the limestone rocks, create this typical southern landscape. The lapping of the water in the En Vau calanque sounds like an invitation to relaxation. Each of its neighboring calanques is more beautiful than the last, and the best way to visit them is by boat!
A DAY BY BOAT OR THE BEST WAY TO DISCOVER CASSIS
Marseille is perhaps the only French metropolis that can boast of having a national park within its borders. In total, 26 calanques stretch along the Mediterranean coast between Marseille and the town of Cassis. To visit as many as possible, there's nothing like renting a boat in Cassis. With family or friends, you'll enjoy this exceptional territory at your own pace.
Cassis is one of the coastal towns worth visiting near Marseille. Cap Canaille and the Route des Crêtes, the Port Miou calanque, or even the Cassis market are all reasons to discover this magical place.
If you're a group and want to sail, a catamaran is an excellent option for a day trip to the calanques or for a cruise. You can sunbathe on the trampoline at the front of the boat and take a dip in the turquoise waters of the calanques.
Looking for more dynamism? A motorboat or a semi-rigid boat would be perfect to meet your expectations.
Renting a boat in Cassis will allow you to discover this paradise while being free from any time or destination constraints. The only imperative? Swim in each calanque where you anchor to find where the water is warmest!
OUR SELECTION : THE 4 CALANQUES TO SEE DURING A BOAT DAY
Calanque de Sormiou
Certainly among the most famous calanques in Marseille, Sormiou owes its reputation to its sandy beach. While this may seem insignificant at first glance, when visiting the calanques, you'll quickly understand that it's quite rare in the national park. Indeed, most calanques are accessible via rocks or pebble beaches. Take a look at the locals' feet—they all swim in shoes.
Calanque de Sugiton
Enjoy an unforgettable moment at Sugiton. This paradise-like location in the Marseille calanques seems unreal. Located south of the Phocaean city, near Luminy, by swimming a few strokes from your boat, you can access the central rocky islet that will amuse both young and old who want to jump into the translucent waters of the calanque.
This site is very touristy, and while its access by boat is simpler than its access by land, we advise you to check the conditions on the official website of the city of Marseille.
Calanque d’En-Vau
With the height of its cliffs, this calanque is surely the most impressive. Looking up, you might spot a few people doing via ferrata. Looking down, you'll discover the different shades of blue, caused by the cliffs' shadows. However, the southern sun always manages to find its way to promise you a stopover under pleasant rays.
Calanque de Port Pin
Its wild side gives this calanque a privileged place in the hearts of the people of Marseille and the tourists who visit it. Its beach is small, but like in most calanques, large rocks will allow you to settle down quietly if you want to take a break outside your boat. It's best to come early in the day, as this calanque is easily accessible on foot and therefore very popular with vacationers, especially during the summer season.
Before setting sail in the calanques, don't forget to consult the specific regulations for this navigation area. Indeed, with the aim of preserving the fauna and flora of the calanques, several navigation rules have been put in place. For example, before renting a boat to visit the calanques, make sure that it is authorized to sail in the park.
Cassis is a beautiful place to visit by boat! Its calanques can be discovered in several ways, so don't hesitate to alternate between hiking and boat trips to get the most comprehensive view. Thus, you'll quickly understand that Cassis has something to offer everyone, whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure.
Do you want to sail on the turquoise waters of the calanques, but you don't have a boating license? In this case, two options are available to you:
- Rent a boat without a license
- Rent a boat with a skipper
During your day, weekend, or week in Cassis, let yourself be rocked by the softness of the city center, the liveliness of the Cassis port, and the beauty of Bestouan Beach.