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

Explore the stunning Calanque de Port-Miou in Cassis: a blend of natural beauty, historic quarries, and easy access to hiking adventures.

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Calanque de Port-Miou, the easternmost of the Calanques near Marseille, is a stunning inlet carved into the limestone cliffs of Cassis. Serving as a marina, it provides easy access to the Calanques National Park and boasts scenic views and hiking trails.

A brief summary to Calanque de Port-Miou

  • 50 Av. des Calanques, Cassis, 13260, FR

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure parking at the Presqu'île car park.
  • Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to hike, as the trails can be rocky and uneven.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially if hiking to neighboring calanques, as there are limited facilities.
  • Check fire risk warnings before visiting, as access may be restricted during dry periods.
  • Consider taking a boat tour for a unique perspective of the calanque and the surrounding coastline.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Cassis town center, follow the signs for 'Les Calanques'. The walk to Port-Miou takes approximately 30 minutes via the GR58-51 trail. The path is well-marked and offers scenic views of the coastline. There are no entrance fees for accessing the Calanque de Port-Miou.

  • Public Transport

    From Marseille, take a train or bus to Cassis. From the Cassis train station, the M01 bus connects to the town center, a 30-minute walk from Port-Miou. Alternatively, from the bus stop 'Casino' in Cassis, you can take a direct bus to 'Presqu'île', which is close to Calanque de Port-Miou. Bus tickets cost around €2.

  • Driving

    From Marseille, take the A50 autoroute to Cassis. Follow signs to 'Les Calanques' and the Presqu'île. Parking is available at the Presqu'île car park near the Calanque de Port-Miou. Parking costs €10 per day during the summer months. Arrive early, as the car park fills up quickly during peak season.

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Discover more about Calanque de Port-Miou

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.

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