Hiking in the heart of the Calanque de Sormiou.
You can't visit Marseille without seeing the calanques. Marseille Tourisme has thought of you and hiking enthusiasts and offers you a stroll in the heart of the Calanques National Park. This family-friendly and easy hike invites you to reach the Calanque de Sormiou via the Col des Baumettes.
A hike amidst river, pine forest, and creeks
The Calanque de Sormiou is the most popular among the locals in Marseille. It is inhabited and surrounded by cabins, which is rather rare for calanques. In this secluded corner, you can indulge in fishing, hiking, and climbing. The underwater life harbors fauna and flora that should delight divers.
Don't forget your snorkeling gear! The General Council has provided a parking lot at Les Baumettes to facilitate access to the hiking trail. The trail starts with the Morgiou path. As you ascend the path leading to the calanques, you'll be able to admire a river and pine forests. Then, the hiking trail will offer you a magnificent viewpoint until the highlight of this circuit : the Calanque de Sormiou. Descending to the Calanque de Sormiou, you can recharge at one of the restaurants just steps from the beach. Be careful because in summer, it's a calanque that attracts many tourists!
Like any hike, you need to prepare well before setting off: water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and sturdy shoes are essential for a safe walk.
How to get to the starting point of the hike?
By car from Marseille Hôtel de Ville (12.7 km - 25 min): Take the Joliette tunnel, then the Prado-Carénage tunnel, and finally the Prado S tunnel. Follow Boulevard Michelet/D559 towards Boulevard Camille Blanc. Take Avenue Ludovic Legre and then Chemin du Roi d'Espagne towards Chemin de Sormiou. Park in the parking lot at the entrance of the Calanques National Park in La Cayolle.
You can also take bus No. 23 at the Prado roundabout and get off at La Cayolle.