Except in the middle of August, when the sun beats down so hard on your head that we can only recommend a siesta, Marseille is undoubtedly one of the few cities where you can go hiking just a few kilometers from the city center and really take a deep breath of fresh air. And what a breath! These hikes not only offer you a pleasant escape, but also breathtaking panoramas that deserve to be photographed over and over again. In addition to its activities, restaurants, neighborhoods and terraces, Marseille offers an environment worthy of your finest travels!
1. Morgiou lookout and Sugiton cove
If you haven’t done it yet, you’ve at least heard of this not-to-be-missed hike in Marseille! Nestled in the heart of the Parc National des Calanques, the calanque of Sugiton is a little corner of paradise between sea and sky. After an hour’s walk from Luminy, between pine trees and breathtaking panoramas, you’ll discover a wild cove with turquoise waters, surrounded by pebbles, sand and rocks. Along the way, a stop at the belvedere offers a breathtaking view of Morgiou and the islands, which you’ll be taking at least a dozen photos of. Opposite you, the famous “Torpilleur” rock rises up like a ship at sea, a panorama you won’t soon forget. For climbing enthusiasts, the Grande Candelle cliffs are a must. Feel like it? Then slip on some sneakers, pack a swimsuit and set off to discover these picture-postcard landscapes.
Practical info
📍 Departure: Luminy parking lot (or bus stop B1 – Luminy PN des Calanques)
⏱️Durée : 2h30 to 4h30 depending on itinerary
🥾 Walking shoes recommended (steep, stony paths)
🌿 Protected site: respect the flora and fauna
📷 Must-see: detour to the belvedere for a magical view
2. Belvedere and En-Vau cove
If there’s one calanque to see in a lifetime, this is it! Nestled in a canyon of dizzying white cliffs, the Calanque d’En Vau is the raw gem of the calanques. From the Col de la Gardiole or the Cassis peninsula, the path leads to a spectacular cove with turquoise waters, a backdrop of sheer cliffs and white pebbles. You’ll find yourself walking between pine trees, rocks sculpted by time and breathtaking sea views. The En-Vau lookout, 170 meters above the beach, offers an unforgettable panorama of the calanques plunging into the sea. This popular spot attracts climbers and hikers in search of grandiose panoramas. If you’re in the mood for the sea, be patient: the path leads to a beach where swimming becomes a simple but magical luxury (we’d better warn you, the water is often cold). Note that even though it’s a beach, keep in mind that the path is steep, so forget your flip-flops and put on your sneakers!
Practical info
📍 Departure point: Parking du col de la Gardiole (or Presqu’île de Cassis)
🕒 Duration: 2h30 to 3h round trip
🥾 Walking shoes recommended (steep, stony paths)
👉 Restricted access in summer
🌿 Calanque classified – adopt an eco-responsible attitude
3. Calanque de Sormiou
This is Marseille’s largest calanque! It offers a dream setting of limestone cliffs, fragrant garrigue and turquoise sea (it’s almost like being in Greece). From the Col de Sormiou, a signposted path leads to a sandy beach lined with typical huts and a small port. Here, swimming and aperitifs are combined in a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. It’s also a renowned spot for climbing and outdoor sports. The view from the heights is breathtaking, especially when you reach the pass, where the panorama reveals the sea as you’ve never seen it before. At Sormiou, hiking is just as enjoyable as relaxing on the beach. A true corner of paradise just a stone’s throw from the town, but with the feel of the end of the world.
Practical info :
📍 Departure from Les Baumettes – limited parking
🕒 Duration: approx. 1h30
🍽️ Restaurant “Le Château” (reservation essential – closed July-August)
⛵ Boat trips available from the Vieux-Port or Pointe Rouge (no disembarkation)
4. The Marseilleveyre summit
Do you like climbing peaks? Then you’ve come to the right place! We invite you to conquer Marseilleveyre, the emblematic summit perched at 432 meters! What’s on the agenda? A complete hike combining heritage, physical effort and breathtaking scenery! Starting from Parc Pastré, simply follow the red markers via Bois de la Selle. The trail climbs through garrigue, pierced rocks, secret caves and karst formations, offering breathtaking views of the sea, the islands and the town below. Arriving at the summit is a real highlight – it’s what you might call “comfort after effort”. You’ll enjoy sitting back to catch your breath as you take in the magnificent view. The gentler descent reaches Saména and then La Madrague, with its long coastal panorama. A demanding but spectacular route, ideal for hikers in search of authenticity and tranquility just a stone’s throw from Marseille.
Practical info :
📍 Departure: Parc Pastré, return by bus from La Madrague or Saména.
🕓 Duration: loop of around 4 to 5 hours
🥾 Walking shoes recommended (steep, stony paths)
👉 Restricted access in summer
🌿 Area rich in fauna, flora and geological formations
5. Callelongue semaphore
Starting from Callelongue, at the end of Marseille, a short but splendid hike takes you to the Callelongue semaphore perched 109 meters above sea level. A recently restored former maritime surveillance post, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the cliffs of the Parc national des Calanques, the Mediterranean and the Frioul islands. Along the way, you’ll come across typical huts, industrial relics and even the shadow of the mysterious Telescope. The panorama from the summit alone is worth the effort. We strongly advise you to get there at sunset! The site, steeped in history, is also a beautiful gateway to the spectacular reliefs of Les Lames, Pas de la Demi-Lune and neighboring ridges. This short hike is a total immersion between sea, raw nature and Marseille’s memory.
Practical info :
📍 Departure point: Calanque de Callelongue (accessible by bus 20, “Callelongue” stop).
🕓 Duration: round trip in approx. 1h
👟 Closed shoes recommended – stony trail
🌅 Ideal at sunset for a magical view
🍽️ Recommended restaurant in Callelongue: La Grotte, local cuisine and fish
👉 Restricted access in summer