Calanques National Park . This self-guided French walking holiday explores the Calanques National Park in southern Provence where gleaming white limestone forms a stark contrast with the deep blue sky and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea.
Accommodation & Meals
Your accommodation is a delightful guest house in a central location in the coastal resort of Cassis with double or twin rooms (or individual room with supplements depending on availability) with ensuite bathrooms. Your guest house provides an excellent quality of service and warm welcome. Lunches, drinks and evening meals are to be provided at your own expense. You can buy provisions in Cassis which has several shops, bakers and cafes.
When to Travel
Our self-guided centre-based walking holiday in the Calanques is available from March to June inclusive and in September and October. We do not run this holiday in the height of the summer due to the high temperatures and the difficulty in securing our top choice accommodation. Even as early as March the coast is awash with wild flowers. Because much of the vegetation is evergreen the landscape remains relatively colourful the whole year round. Ideal walking temperatures are experienced up to mid June, after which it can become very warm. Average day time temperatures are 18°C for mid April and 23°C for mid-May. By Mid June temperatures have reached 27°C on average in the afternoon whilst September highs average 25°C. March can still be fresh with morning temperatures averaging 6°C and highs of about 16°C. It is also a relatively dry and calm period. October remains warm with temperatures often still reaching 20°C. Mistral winds are more common during the transition periods of April/May and September. The autumn is wetter than the spring in general due to the chance of stormy weather.
Please note that during June and September there is a higher risk that walking will be forbidden in the park by the authorities due to risk of fires. Detailed information and contact numbers will be provided in your walking guide.
Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps
The Calanques trails are virtually all waymarked with a variety of colours. The walking follows a mixture of good paths and tracks for the most part, but some of the walks do contain steep, rocky and difficult terrain. Our walking notes are very detailed (more information here) and include intermediate distances for sections of the trail. They also include information about the sites which can be explored along the route. We supply one walking guide per person on this holiday. As well as the detailed walking notes we supply official walking maps produced by IGN at a scale of 1:25,000 as well as a walking map at 1:15,000 which shows the different waymarked trails. Your trail is highlighted on the maps.
Luggage Transfers
This is a centre-based walking holiday with no luggage transfers.
Travel Info
Arriving at Cassis
Transfers between Marseille train station and your guest house in Cassis included in your holiday price.
By Train
Eurostar and the TGV provide a fast and relaxing journey from London to Marseille changing at Lille or Paris. There is also now one direct train per day. The train journey from Paris to Marseille takes just 3 hours. Transfer provided from the train station Marseille St Charles.
By Plane
Fly to Marseille Marignane. There are regular flights from Bristol, Edinburgh, London Stansted and London Gatwick. Shuttle bus every 20 minutes between 6.30am and 8.50pm for the station SNCF Marseille Saint-Charles. Journey time: about 25 minutes.
Transfer provided from Marseille Saint Charles to Cassis. Supplement of about £25 per journey if you wish a transfer from and to Marseille airport.
Extra Nights
The standard holiday is based on selecting between 4 and 7 nights. It would be possible to choose additional nights but it only makes sense if either you have your own car in which case you can explore additional trails or if you wish to relax in Cassis or on the beaches for additional days.
City Breaks
Marseille: How about combining this walking holiday with a couple of nights in Marseille. Founded by the Greeks, Marseille is France’s oldest city where you can enjoy the vibrant street life around the historic port.
Tailor-Made Trips
Below you’ll discover a selection of our tailor-made holidays in France, which you can use to inspire your next trip. Please get in touch with your request and we’ll create a customised trip for you.
Active Discovery of Southern France’s Beauty
If you’re looking for an active trip to explore the natural beauty of Southern France, then this trip is made for you! Explore Provence’s charming countryside, ride electric bikes through picturesque villages, and savour local culture. Delight in sun-soaked vineyards and cuisine. Next, venture into the wild heart of the Camargue, renowned for its majestic horses. Immerse yourselves in its unique equestrian culture with some horseback riding “ballades”, galloping through the marshes and alongside the tranquil shores. Finally, set your sights on Cassis and the spellbinding Calanques National Park. Spend two days hiking through the rugged terrain, discovering the best trails and hidden beaches.
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