Calanque de Port-Miou: Gateway to the Calanques National Park

Calanque de Port-Miou, the only calanque located within the commune of Cassis, is a striking natural harbor etched into the coastline. This 1400-meter-long inlet, the most eastern of the Calanques between Marseille and Cassis, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and human history. The name 'Port-Miou' is derived from the Occitan 'Pòrt-Melhor,' meaning 'best port,' a testament to its sheltered waters that have served as a safe haven for ships since antiquity. Originally used as a harbor by the Romans, Port-Miou's strategic location made it a valuable shelter for ships throughout the ages. However, its landscape was significantly altered by human activity, particularly the extraction of 'Pierre de Cassis,' a high-quality limestone. From the 18th century until the early 1980s, the calanque was extensively quarried, leaving behind visible marks on its cliffs. Today, remnants of the old Solvay quarry, including cliffs and old hoppers, can still be seen. Now, Port-Miou functions as a marina, housing around 550 boats and offering a picturesque scene of colorful vessels against the backdrop of towering limestone formations. The Calanque is easily accessible and serves as the starting point for numerous hiking trails into the Calanques National Park, including those leading to Port-Pin and En-Vau. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Cap Canaille and its ochre cliffs from the end of the peninsula. The Petit Prince trail, a short, easy walk around the Port-Miou peninsula, features informative signs about the area's history and ecology.