Sentier du Petit Prince: A Coastal Stroll with Literary Echoes

The Sentier du Petit Prince, or Little Prince Trail, is a delightful and easily accessible walking path located on the Presqu'île de Cassis, a peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea within the Calanques National Park. This 1.7-kilometer loop offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, the Calanque de Port-Miou, and Cap Canaille, Europe's highest sea cliff. The trail is named in honor of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of the beloved novella "The Little Prince". For many years, it was believed that Saint-Exupéry's plane crashed off the coast of Cassis during a reconnaissance mission in 1944. While the exact location of the crash remained a mystery for decades, the connection to the author has imbued the trail with a sense of history and contemplation. The path is well-maintained and mostly flat, with a slight elevation gain of around 40 meters, making it suitable for families with children, casual walkers, and those seeking a gentle introduction to hiking in the Calanques. Along the way, you'll find enamelled plaques providing information about the history and geology of the area. The trail also passes by the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bon Voyage. Beyond the Sentier du Petit Prince, the Presqu'île de Cassis serves as a gateway to further exploration of the Calanques National Park. More challenging hiking trails lead to other stunning calanques, such as Port-Pin and En-Vau, offering even more opportunities to immerse yourself in the park's rugged beauty.