The cool gentle sea breeze swept around the rocky basin cooling off everyone in the summer heat. Shimmering crystal clear water for as far as the eye can see framed by colorful limestone cliff faces. The Calanques are harsh, rocky, verdant, and beautiful.

If you’re outdoorsy, like I pretend to be, The Calanques National Park near Marseille, France has just about everything you could ask for. Excellent hiking trails crisscross the national park, each trail with its own challenges. One path in particular features a completely vertical climb that requires the assistance of a chain that’s been attached to the rock. Others are nothing more than a leisurely stroll with gorgeous views.

What the rangers will recommend to you once you get to the entrance of the park is good shoes (of course), a healthy dose of sunscreen, sunglasses, and, at the very least, 1,5 liters of water, preferably more.

If it’s swimming you crave, there truly is no better place. Supposedly, some of the coldest sea water surrounding France, the Mediterranean is just what the doctor ordered on a sweltering July afternoon. The Calanque de Morgiou is where I chose to take my plunge and spend a few hours thinking about absolutely nothing at all. This Calanque is accessible by car, but an hour hike from Aix-Marseille Universite is still preferred by many, and the small port town built around the Calanque even has a bar.

On a Saturday nearing mid afternoon, there weren’t many people and there was plenty of room to spread out. If you do find it overcrowded and you’re feeling brave, find another Calanque, there are plenty to be discovered!

If you’re ever in Marseille, take the day trip! The bus pass was 1.7 Euros each way and the rocky terrain somehow makes the sea much more enjoyable.

The Calanques

Limestone Hills

The Calanque de Morgiou

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