Port Miou Cove
The Calanque from Port Miou in Cassis, France is one of the few that can be reached by car. Very popular with tourists, it has many restaurants. You can continue the walk to the Calanque de Port Pin and its beach at 1/2h walk.
PORT MIOU CALANQUE, THE FAIRYTALE AT THE DOORS OF MARSEILLE
Port-Miou Calanque, ("best port" in Provençal) is a natural shelter for ships. There are about 500 anchored there. It is the only calanque accessible by car all year round, making it a very popular spot for families. It is also the starting point of a hiking trail, the GR 98, which traverses the Marseille calanques in six to eight hours of walking depending on the levels. Finally, Port-Miou is the only calanque that belongs to the territory of the city of Cassis.
The site is magnificent, like a "Provençal fjord," with several sources of fresh water flowing into turquoise water, all surrounded by a beautiful pine forest. This former limestone quarry, exploited from 1901 to 1982, is separated from the Cassis harbor by the Peninsula.
This area is very popular with tourists and has many restaurants. The contrast between the white limestone of the Peninsula and the ochre of the cliffs is striking. What was once just a small forgotten port frequented only by locals quickly became a must-visit destination, since being awarded the Blue Flag in 2011 and with the creation of the Calanques National Park in 2012. During the day, you will be lulled by the sweet song of cicadas, while at night, it is silence and darkness. Indeed, the boats are not connected to electricity. This adds to the charm, and it's also what visitors come here to seek.
PORT-MIOU, THE PARADISE OF YACHTING AND WATER SPORTS
Port-Miou Calanque does not have a proper beach. However, it is the starting point for many hikes in the Calanques massif. In fact, if you continue your hike, after about half an hour of walking, you will reach Port-Pin Calanque. This calanque is renowned for its turquoise waters and the richness of its underwater fauna and flora! It's a superb diving spot ☺ A little curiosity of Port-Miou Calanque: the "blower hole."
It's a geological curiosity, a crack in the rock starting in the water and ending at the top of the rock with a very small hole. The waves compress the air in this natural conduit, which escapes from the top emitting strange sounds. These sounds can surprise unsuspecting visitors! Port-Miou Calanque belongs to Cassis. Why not rent a kayak or a boat to explore the Calanques National Park? Port-Miou is the ideal place for all water sports and leisure enthusiasts. It's undoubtedly a family-friendly choice, due to its proximity to Cassis and easy access. But also because of the many activities offered there.
