Whether you prefer swimming or hiking, Marseille’s calanques are a must-see destination. In summer and winter alike, they captivate visitors with their breathtaking panoramas, authenticity and peaceful surroundings (a little less so in summer). No wonder one of them has been named one of the 5 most beautiful beaches in France. Let’s (re)discover the Calanque de Sormiou, a place you’ll never tire of.
A national vote: Sormiou in the semi-finals
Under the slogan “Je l’aime, je la protège” (I love it, I protect it), the NGO Surfrider Foundation asked a simple question: what is your favorite beach?
Sormiou did brilliantly to reach the semi-finals of this national competition. Representing Marseille against prestigious competitors (from Biarritz to La Réunion), the calanque was widely acclaimed by Internet users. After a remarkable run, it narrowly lost out to the Normandy beach of Sciotot, proving its popularity well beyond the Mediterranean.
An authentic, natural landscape
With its limestone cliffs, fragrant garrigue and crystal-clear waters, Calanque de Sormiou is a setting of striking contrasts. Sormiou is still home to its old-fashioned “cabanons“, small traditional beachside cottages. Once used by humble fishermen to store their boats, they are now popular holiday resorts. However, they have retained one of their original characteristics: their rudimentary nature, due to the absence of electricity.
The beach, which stretches over some 60 metres of sand and pebbles, dazzles with its turquoise blue and cool waters. A real invitation to relax and contemplate.
We remind you of the importance of preserving these unique sites, which are often over-visited in summer, by adopting the right gestures.
A paradise for outdoor sports
The Calanque de Sormiou is also an ideal spot for sports enthusiasts.Climbing enthusiasts can practice their skills on the rock of the surrounding cliffs and enjoy a breathtaking view of the site. Hikers can explore the surrounding countryside. Those who prefer to be in the water can explore the shoreline in kayaks or go scuba diving. In fact, it was here that Commandant Cousteau made the first scuba dives in history!
A well-kept secret, Sormiou: the best source
Did you know that Sormiou has been inhabited since prehistoric times? The calanque’s first (human) inhabitants are thought to be our prehistoric ancestors, as witnessed by the famous Cosquer cave. Later, the Ligurians, Greeks and Romans developed the small port. After serving as a base for fishermen and customs officers, the calanque was sold at auction to the family of the future Countess Marie de Sormiou.
But Sormiou’s real secret was the water! Unlike many calanques, it concealed a precious water table. Two ancestral wells enabled fishermen to make a lasting home for themselves and hikers to cool off until the 20th century. In fact, this is what gave it its name: in Provençal, Sormiou means “the best spring”.
The village that rivals Arizona is only 1h15 from Marseille!