The southern coast of France overlooking the Mediterranean offers countless coastal walks. This time we explored the Calanches Natural Park, hiking from Cassis to the Calanque d'En-Vau.

 

Trekking: Calanque d'En-Vau from Cassis (France)

 

Cassis is a sophisticated resort town between Marseille and La Ciotat. West of the city, a spectacular stretch of coastline unfolds, where the sea plays with the land, intruding into deep inlets, bordered by high, vertical white limestone cliffs. Its origins are linked to the erosion of the rock by the area's streams and rivers during the Ice Ages, when the sea level was lower than today. The rising sea level at the end of the Ice Ages caused its waters to flood the carved gorges, resulting in the current conditions.

The hike suggested in this article is relatively simple, and not one of the area's hikes that poses any particular technical difficulties (climbing sections or significant length). However, it allows you to admire three calanques while enjoying spectacular views: the calanques of Port Miou, Port Pin, and En-Vau. However, keep in mind that, even though there isn't a significant difference in altitude to overcome, the route is constantly up and down, with some steep sections that require some effort on the climbs and can put strain on your knees on the descents. 

 

 

 

From the last balcony, the return journey begins. The wide path (keep left at the first fork) takes you to a clear crossroads, where a WNW path descends to the Calanque d'En-Vau beach, while a ESE path takes you back to Port Pin in about 20 minutes, completing a truly rewarding journey.

Enjoy your walk. Fabio

 

Click here for the complete slide gallery of our excursion