Plizio Visual Lab
Calanques of Cassis
The Calanques of Cassis represent a geological formation of steep-walled inlets composed of limestone and dolomite along the Mediterranean coast in Southern France. Spanning 20 kilometers between Marseille and Cassis, this area was designated as a National Park in 2012 to protect its unique biodiversity and marine ecosystems. The massif was formed over millions of years through tectonic shifts and erosion, creating deep valleys that were subsequently flooded by rising sea levels after the last ice age. The region is home to over 140 protected animal and plant species, including the Bonelli eagle and various endemic Mediterranean flora. Historically, the area provided natural shelters for sailors, and evidence of prehistoric human habitation has been discovered in caves like the Cosquer Cave, which features 27,000-year-old paintings. Today, the park is a critical site for scientific research and controlled tourism, balancing conservation efforts with public access to its rugged terrain.
- Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
- Top sights: Plage La Grande Mer · Petit Train Touristique · Plage du Bestouan
- Nearby: Carnoux-en-Provence (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 14 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 43 | 44 | 46 | 44 | 23 | 10 | 16 | 48 | 79 | 94 | 59 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Calanques National Park was established in 2012
- The highest cliff, Grande Candelle, reaches 465 meters
- Home to over 140 protected animal and plant species
- Cosquer Cave contains paintings from 27,000 BC
- Coastline spans 20 km between Marseille and Cassis
- Water depth in the inlets reaches up to 40 meters
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Calanques of Cassis (10)
Petit Train Touristique
Tourist train running through Cassis and to the calanques.
Four Banal🏛 museum
Museum in a historic communal oven.
Hôtel de Ville
Building in Cassis, France, housing the town hall.
Musée d'Arts et Traditions populaires🏛 museum
Museum of folk art and traditions.
Église Saint-Michel
Church located in Bouches-du-Rhône, in France.
La Savonnerie de Cassis
Soap factory in Cassis, open for visits.
Plage du Corton
Beach near Cassis.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to reach the Calanques?
Are the hiking trails always open in summer?
Can you swim in the Calanques?
Why is the water often colder there?
Which Calanque is the easiest to reach?
Calanques of Cassis: where is it located?
Calanques of Cassis: what is there to see?
Calanques of Cassis: when is the best time to visit?
Calanques of Cassis: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
