Hiking the Calanques de Cassis in Provence, France

Towering above the Mediterranean coast of France are les Calanques de Cassis. These three calanques are the deepest, and arguably the most impressive of the Calanques National Park. And yet access is surprisingly easy, even with kids in tow!

Walking the Cassis Calanques can take as little as a morning, or as long as a full day if you stop to refresh in the azure waters that weave through the limestone cliffs. It’s a fantastic family activity in Provence, France.


Calanques National Park, Cassis France

In case you’re not already familiar, a calanque is a natural inlet surrounded by steep rocky promontories jutting out into the sea. Created by natural events and shaped by the wind, sea and rain over the last 120 million years, the Calanques of Cassis are an incredible work of art.

View from Calanque d'en Vau near Cassis in Provence, France

The famous three; Calanque de Port Miou, Calanque de Port Pin and Calanque d’En-Vau, can be accessed from Cassis, France, and are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Port Miou is the most accessible – you can drive right up to this natural marina.

Port Pin is a short walk away. You need to be steady on your feet to access this calanque with its beautiful cove beach, as the path is jagged and uneven.

Calanque d’En-Vau is the most stunning, but also the hardest to reach. An uphill climb will reward you with breathtaking views over the valley, and a downhill descent will see you arriving at the pebbled beach below.

Total walking time (with kids) = approx 3 hours without the descent to Calanque d’En-Vau. Distance approx 7kms.

Hiking the Calanques de Cassis, Provence, with Kids

Hiking the calanques with kids. Walking trails near Cassis, France.

To do the calanques hike you can either park in Cassis and enjoy the port before heading to the start of the track, or park right near the first calanque at Port Miou. With young children, I’d suggest the latter, as you want to save their energy for the main hike!

The car park is at the end of the Avenue Notre Dame and costs €8 for the day. Do a couple of laps around the neighbouring streets first and you may be able to find yourself a free roadside car park – especially in the less busy months.

RELATED POSTS:
Ultimate Guide to Cassis, France;
Visiting the Calanques National Park – A Complete Guide
Hiking to Calanque d’En Vau

Calanque de Port Miou

From the Avenue Notre Dame you’ll find a small walkway leading down towards the Calanque. It’s not signposted, but fairly easy to spot. This walkway provides a shortcut, but if you have very young children, perhaps consider walking along the road instead, as the path is a little tricky to navigate with short legs.

There are long uneven steps and rocks to climb over en route. Not impossible with a little help from Mum & Dad though! At the end of the walkway, you’ll meet the Avenue des Calanques that comes to an end at Port Miou. This is the start of the three calanques walk.

Calanque de Port Miou. The three calanques walk in Provence, France

Port Miou is lined with hundreds of boats moored to its banks. Tightly wedged in beside one another, the boats have little room to manoeuvre in the tranquil turquoise waters. I’m not sure if it’s because of this developed state, but Port Miou was underwhelming as a calanque.

Beautiful yes, and definitely worth seeing if that’s as far as you can make it, but the real calanque experience lies over the hills with Calanque de Port Pin and Calanque d’En-Vau.

Calanque de Port Pin

The route to Port Pin is clearly marked from Port Miou. Walking alongside the marina, the wide dusty path gradually narrows to a stony trail the further along you get. The first stretch is fairly easy, despite the hill, and offers amazing views over the sun-soaked coast.

It’s not until you get closer to the second calanque that the path becomes rocky, uneven, and in some places quite narrow. Regardless, our son (4yo) took it all in his stride and thought it was a great adventure!

Calanque de Port Pin near Cassis, in Provence, France

Arriving in Port Pin, the sight of the petite cove at the end of the calanque is a welcome one. This is where you really start to experience the magic of the area. Stop to catch your breath and enjoy the atmosphere.

Due to its ease of access, this is one of the more popular Cassis Calanques and the beach was a hive of activity when we visited on a hot day in May. People (and dogs) swimming, friends sunbathing, families picnicking and kayakers resting on the jagged rocks.

Calanque de Port Pin near Cassis, in Provence, France. Hiking the three calanques de cassis with kids.

Calanque d’En-Vau

The most direct route From Port Pin to Calanque d’En-Vau is straight up! Follow the red and white track up through the bush. This is where the going can get tough for kids, but still very doable.

Although our son decided halfway up that he’d rather hitch a ride on his dad’s back, we saw plenty of other children deftly scaling the hill.

Calanque d'En Vau beach in Cassis, France

When you reach the plateau near the top the track splits in two. Take the blue path on the left to reach the panorama point and see the calanque in all of its glory!

The views are just amazing. Allow yourself time to soak it all up, and be sure to wander around a little, as the vista changes with every step.

View of the calanque d'en vau, Cassis, France.

If hiking with young kids, you’ll probably want to stop here for a rest before heading back to Port-Miou. Alternatively, you can follow the red path to descend to the beach. Be warned though, it’s not easy-going and kids will tire easily on the way back up.

If we’d reached the calanque earlier in the day, we probably would have tackled it – knowing that our son would need assistance on the way.

Update: We’ve since completed the entire walk, including the descent to Calanque d’En Vau. You can read more about that here.


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Back to Port Miou via La Fontasse

From Calanque d’En-Vau you have several options. Walk back to Port Pin via the scenic blue route (which you’ll be on already if taking in the view of the calanque). Return to the red & white track and go back down the way you came up. Or the third option – which is the longest but the easiest – is to follow the red & white path through la Fontasse forest.

This track is wide and flat, making it a good option for kids who have had enough climbing by now! The vistas are nice, but not breathtaking on this stretch.

Hiking the Cassis Calanques with kids.

Turn right when you see the sign indicating Cassis and Port Miou. From here you’ll have a fantastic view of les falaises Soubeyranes. The track descends gradually at first, before zigzagging back down to your starting point.

Final Tips for Hiking the Calanques de Calanques with Kids

Take plenty of water and snacks. With no facilities in sight, you’ll need to take everything you need with you on your walk. And all that walking will make for hungry and thirsty kids!

Start the walk early to allow yourself time to enjoy the calanques. You’ll also increase your chances of finding a free car park, and won’t have to battle the crowds (as much).

Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat will keep the sun at bay. Most of the track is unsheltered, and you don’t want sunburn ruining your experience. Kids and adults alike should wear appropriate footwear. Although we did pass a few flip-flop wearing wayfarers, it’s best to avoid accidents caused by an ill choice in footwear.

The tracks are often closed during the hotter months of July & August due to the risk of forest fires. I’d recommend downloading the Mes Calanques app to keep updated on closures etc.

Take a camera to capture the magic of the area. It’s a great spot for a family portrait too!

The trails are fairly easy to follow. The various tracks are marked with painted lines on trees and stones, to indicate you’re on the right path.

Hiking the three calanques trail, near Cassis, France

Alternative ways to visit the three Calanques of Cassis

If you’re keen to see the calanques up close, but can’t due to accessibility issues, time restrictions, or visiting during the summer months – your only option is by sea. Several companies operate cruises to the calanques – I’ve linked up some popular choices below.


Hiking the Calanques of Cassis is an incredible experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Visit in a morning, or take the entire day to explore & swim in the teal waters…

Whichever way you choose to experience the calanques, you’ll be left with incredible memories of this special area of Cassis France.

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19 Comments

  1. We’re planning a trip to the Calanques for late April and was so happy to find your post about hiking with kids there. So helpful! We’ll definitely do this hike and follow all your tips. If you ever come to Switzerland, let me return the favor and share our favorite hikes for kids here. http://www.momstotszurich.com

    1. Hi Nadine!
      This is very helpful to prepare our trip to the Calanques. Would you mind sharing again the links to the boat operators? Hiking sounds fun but I’m not sure we are all cut for this!
      Thanks!
      Caroline

      1. Hi Caroline, there are a number of tours available to book here. But if you’re going to be in Cassis anyway, I’d suggest just walking down to the booking kiosk near the pier on the day and buying your tickets then. Best, Nadine

  2. Hi Nadine,
    the Calanques look amazing. My husband and I will be visiting the first week of May 2019. We are avid hikers — live in Montana and New Mexico and so we are used to rocky terrain. I have a couple of questions: are hiking poles necessary (or would they be an encumbrance if there is some scrambling needing hand holds?) and could I wear my Brooks running shoes or should I bring my light ankle hiking boots (boots take up space so hoping I can do without them.) thanks for your advice. Your photos are beautiful!

    1. Hi Britt! I did see some people with poles on the track, but I don’t think they’re necessary. As you say, if you’re planning on descending to calanque d’en vau, I think they will get in the way more than anything. As for shoes – your running shoes will be fine. Hope that helps 🙂

    1. There aren’t any bathroom facilities on the walk at all. The closest ones are at Cassis. So, the only option is the bushes/in the water if you really need to go.

  3. Hi Nadine,
    we’re thinking of doing this hike at easter with our golden retriever, do you know if dogs have to be kept on a leash?
    Many thanks
    Cathy

    1. Hi Catherine, oh I love goldies! We have two ourselves. No, they don’t have to be kept on a leash. But I imagine it could be busy over the Easter weekend, so there may be plenty of people and other dogs around. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you!

  4. Hi Nadine,

    I will be visiting in August with my 5 month old and really wanted to get to the beach at En Vau. Will that be possible due to the time of year?

  5. Thank you for your post. I read to the end to see that “tracks” are closed in July and August. I will be there Aug 23rd-27th. Does this mean there is not access to the hiking trails then? Do you recommend an affordable way to see the calanques from Cassis? I will be traveling with a 9 year old. Thanks for your help.

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