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Calanque d'En-Vau: A Mediterranean Jewel

Discover Calanque d'En-Vau: Hike or boat to a hidden beach paradise framed by dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters in the heart of the Calanques National Park.

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Calanque d'En-Vau is a stunning cove within the Calanques National Park, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. Accessible by challenging hiking trails or by boat, it's a popular destination for swimming, climbing, and experiencing the wild beauty of the French Mediterranean coast.

A brief summary to Calanque d'En-vau

  • FR

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trails to En-Vau are rocky and can be slippery.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no concessions available at the calanque.
  • Consider visiting during the off-season (spring or fall) to avoid the summer crowds.
  • Bring water shoes for comfortable swimming, as the beach is rocky.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The most common way to reach Calanque d'En-Vau is by hiking from Cassis. Start at the parking area near Calanque de Port-Miou. Follow the trail along Port-Miou, then continue to Calanque de Port-Pin. From Port-Pin, a more challenging path leads to En-Vau. The hike from Cassis center typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours each way. Parking at Port-Miou costs approximately €8 per day. Be prepared for a moderately difficult hike with rocky terrain.

  • Public Transport

    From Marseille, take bus M08 towards Cassis and get off at the Carpiagne Gineste stop. From there, it's a 90-minute to 2-hour walk to the calanque. Alternatively, take bus RTM B1 or 521 to the Luminy - PN des Calanques stop, followed by a 3-hour walk. A single bus fare is around €2.

  • Boat

    Another option is to take a boat tour from Cassis or Marseille. These tours typically include a visit to Calanque d'En-Vau, allowing you to admire the scenery from the sea and often include swimming stops. Boat tour prices vary, but a typical 1-hour tour focusing on 3 calanques including En-Vau starts around €20. Check local tour operators for schedules and pricing.

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Discover more about Calanque d'En-vau

Calanque d'En-Vau, often described as one of the most beautiful of the Calanques, is a steep-walled inlet carved into the limestone cliffs of the French Mediterranean coast. The word 'calanque' itself refers to a narrow, steep-sided valley, partially submerged by the sea. En-Vau, meaning "in the valley" in Provençal, certainly lives up to its name. The calanque's towering cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop to the turquoise waters, creating a sense of secluded paradise. The beach, composed of pebbles and rocks, is nestled at the base of these cliffs, offering a place to relax and soak in the stunning scenery. The exceptional protection afforded by the cliffs also affects the amount of sunshine the beach receives, with the calanque gradually falling into shade from early afternoon, even in the summer. En-Vau is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and swimmers. Several trails lead to the calanque, offering varying levels of difficulty and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The area is known for its diverse plant life, with over 900 species thriving in the cracks and crevices of the limestone cliffs. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species and even wild boars known to visit the beach. The calanque has also served as a film location, adding to its allure.

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