Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera, Calanque d’En Vau is a hidden gem that beckons adventurers and nature lovers alike. With its azure waters framed by steep limestone cliffs and lush Mediterranean foliage, this stunning calanque offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life—a breathtaking sanctuary where time seems to stand still.
But reaching this picturesque paradise requires more than just a passing glance; it invites you on a captivating journey through rugged trails that wind their way through dramatic landscapes.
This article will show you exactly how to get to the gorgeous Calanque d’En Vau, which is accessible via a hiking trail located just outside of Cassis, a little Mediterranean town 30 minutes southeast of Marseille. Here are all our tips and tricks for hiking the Calanques of Cassis:
What are Calanques?
The Calanques, a series of spectacular rocky inlets located between Marseille and Cassis along the Mediterranean coast, allure nature lovers with their breathtaking beauty and geological wonders.
These pristine coves, nestled within the Parc National des Calanques, boast towering limestone cliffs that rise dramatically from azure waters, creating a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.
As you traverse the winding trails through fragrant pine forests, you’re treated to stunning panoramic views and hidden beaches that remain largely untouched by time.
Tip: The trail is pretty sunny with a lot of spots with limited shade, so definitely bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and anything else you want for sun protection.
How to get to the Calanques parking lot and trailhead:
Reaching the Calanques parking lot and trailhead requires a blend of determination and preparation, but the journey is as rewarding as the destination. If you’re traveling from Marseille, consider taking public transport as an eco-friendly option.
He Metro line M2 will take you to the S Syndicat stop, where you can catch a scenic local bus that winds its way through picturesque landscapes before dropping you off at your starting point. This method allows travelers to relax and soak in the views without the stress of navigation.
This is an unpaved parking lot that, while not exactly small, did seem to fill up quickly. The parking lot is at the bottom of a hill, and the hill itself does not allow parking. So if the lot is full, you will have to park further up on the street and then walk down.
We did see a few people who had parked on the street and were walking down the hill – it’s not a big thing, just something to be aware of.
We read that it costs 8 euros to park, but when we were there there was no attendant or obvious way to pay. As we didn’t see anyone else paying, we didn’t worry about it either. However, that may vary by season (we were there at the beginning of May).
Hiking Along the First Calanque (Calanque de Port Miou)
The hike starts right at the tip of Calanque Port Miou. Right away you have a fun contrast between trees and cliffs to your right and a cute port for small boats to your left which transitions to a beautiful view out to the sea.
This section is the easiest and consists of a large, flat path that will take 15 to 20 minutes. This is the first section of the red/white trail on the map.
Hiking to the Second Calanque (Calanque de Port Pin)
As you make your way to the Second Calanque or Calanque de Port Pin, the rugged charm of Provence envelops you with each step. The well-marked trail meanders through a captivating landscape of fragrant pine trees and ancient olive groves, where vibrant wildflowers peek through craggy rocks.
This hike is not just an endurance exercise; it invites introspection as nature unfolds its beauty in serene solitude. Pause for a moment at viewpoints that offer breathtaking panoramas of turquoise waters sparkling under the Mediterranean sun—just don’t forget your camera.
Upon reaching Calanque de Port Pin, you’ll be greeted by a stunning inlet framed by towering cliffs and shimmering waves lapping gently against the shore. Many travelers overlook this gem because it sits slightly off the beaten path, making your journey feel like uncovering a well-guarded secret.
Hiking to the Third Calanque (Calanque d’En Vau)
We recommend that if you press on to hike to Calanque d’En Vau, you should take the blue loop at least one way (see map below). We took the blue trail on the way out and the more direct red and white trail as we were heading back, which worked out well.
Watch for a trail that veers to the left immediately after you reach the second calanque – this is the blue trail.
The blue loop offers beautiful views of the whole route, but especially as you round into the inlet of Calanque d’En Vau. Looking down into the gorge is amazing, with the white cliffs and turquoise water providing a wonderful contrast. You gain some good elevation on this stretch so the view down is more dramatic.
Expect this loop to add 20-30 minutes over the other route, but you don’t get this view on the main red and white trail, so it is very much worth it.
Bring a picnic, nibble on some French baguette and cheese (our favorite lunch in France), maybe do some cliff jumping, and soak up the sun and the view.
Coming Back from Calanque d’En Vau
We took the more direct trail on the way back and it took about an hour to get back to the parking lot. If you want to have an even longer hiking experience, there are several other side trails to explore inland, or you can continue farther to other calanques in the national park.
Are the Calanques Worth Visiting?
Honestly, I can’t recommend hiking Calanques of Cassis enough! I truly consider this hike, along with the Sentier du littoral of Cap Ferrat, a must-do in Southern France.