The Calanques of Southern France
Last September, we traveled to the south of France and more precisely, the seaside town of Cassis near Marseille. The town itself is quite nice with a charming historical center and imposing castle on the hills above, but the real attraction here are the dramatic high coves (Mediterranean fjords, if you will!) called Les Calanques. The Calanques of Cassis are a unique geological formation made up of limestone or granite. They are made up of deep, narrow valleys with sharp edges, partly submerged by the sea. Between the massive height, dramatic plunges and particularly clear sea water, one is bound to be delightfully overwhelmed by these natural beauties.
Our adventure began at 9AM on a gorgeous, sunny day in little port where we met our jovial captain and his large duffy boat which would be our mode of transportation for a morning of exploring. Our captain grew up in the area and was proud and pleased to help us discover this very special corner of paradise. In less than 15 minutes by boat, we felt as if we were hundreds of miles away from civilization – when in reality the 2nd largest city in France, Marseille, is just around the corner!
Once we arrived at the first calanque, I had the sensation of being in the Grand Canyon but instead of being on the ground, you are on the water. It was amazing to see this giant canyon overhanging the clean, crystalline Mediterranean sea water full of fishes who were coming in the surface “asking” you for food and swimming with you peacefully. The Rocks are molded very smoothly by the salt and the wind over the centuries. It is as if mother nature was looking for a refuge to be protected and she created the Calanques.
Every calanque is different from the other, one a bit more high, another with little blue grotto that you can actually swim in, another with a tunnel you can swim through starting in dark shadowed water and ending up in turquoise glistening water, in some you will find a tiny secluded beach that can only be reached by foot or swimming (as boats can only go so far into each calanque). The underwater life swims abound and it is an excellent place to snorkel or scuba dive as well. All and all – spectacular!
We returned from our tour about 3 hours later very happy and satisfied from our experience in this beautiful corner of France. I highly recommend visiting the Calanques to everyone who love nature, sea, boat and just want to have a fun, interesting and relaxing morning or afternoon on the sea. I would avoid the area in July and August when it can be so crowded, boats are turned away from entering the coves. Best times of year are May and September when you have plenty of room to explore and the weather is not sweltering. Put the Calanques on your travel bucket list!
Written by BVT team member, Luigi Guerrera.