CALANQUE D'EN-VAU

The coast between Cassis and Marseille is dotted with numerous calanques, and En-Vau is one of the most famous. This succession of breathtaking coves can be discovered on foot or by sea from Cassis or Marseille. The Calanque d'En-Vau, with its red rock cliffs and turquoise waters, is often considered the most beautiful of the Calanques National Park, although Port-Miou and Sugiton have little to envy it! It's true, however, that the Calanque d'En-Vau offers truly postcard panoramas, with its pretty pebble beach and trees clinging to the cliffs. It has also inspired a number of film-makers, appearing in André Hunebelle's famous Fantômas . Situated in the south-east of the ^IXth arrondissement, like most of the other calanques, it lies within the city of Marseille - only the calanque de Port-Miou is in Cassis. In summer, locals and tourists alike come here to cool off, and the beach is packed in the afternoons. Leave early in the morning to make the most of it (especially as it moves into the shade afterwards) and have a chance of parking at Port-Miou. Ideally, however, you should take public transport to get there to avoid parking problems. To reach the Calanque d'En-Vau, take one of the hiking trails from either Col de la Gardiole or Cassis. The latter is the most impressive, passing through the calanques of Port-Miou and Port-Pin. These hikes require a good level of fitness. Remember to bring water, sun cream, a hat and something to eat. Always follow the marked trails to avoid any risk of landslides, but also to respect the flora and fauna - which includes species such as rockrose, rosemary, immortelle and lentisque - that are protected along the hiking trails. From Marseille, two buses take you to En-Vau: from the "Carpiagne Gineste" stop, it's a two-hour walk; from the "Luminy" stop, it's 2 hours to the belvedere and 3 hours to the calanque.

The belvedere is a highly recommended stopover before a well-deserved swim in the Big Blue. Perched at an altitude of 170 metres, it offers a breathtaking view of the Calanque d'En-Vau! Just below it, you'll also see another calanque, l'Oule. Its name comes from the Provencal oulo, meaning " pot" or " cauldron ". It refers to the movement and noise of the waves crashing against the cliffs in bad weather. The Calanque de l'Oule is inaccessible by land, and the hiking trail leading to it leads directly into a canyon plunging steeply into the sea. Take the opportunity to admire it from the En Vau lookout, 200 m above sea level. By boat or kayak, on the other hand, you can enjoy the Calanque de l'Oule and its sea cave. To reach the Calanque d'En Vau, it's an hour's walk on average from the lookout. Alternatively, you can rent a kayak or boat from Cassis. The Calanque d'En-Vau is sheltered from the wind, so arriving by sea is a great way to enjoy the surrounding countryside. Please note, however, that anchoring is obviously forbidden close to the shore: the Calanque d'En Vau is a wilderness to be preserved. Boats have been kept away and there are no garbage cans, so take your garbage with you when you go! Tourism is particularly developed here, so it's everyone's responsibility not to damage the natural beauty of this site. The landscape of the Calanque d'En-Vau is idyllic: the pebble beach lies between two sheer cliffs, the water is cool and clear and the seabed, covered with posidonia meadows, is home to numerous species (sars, saupes...). Even if the fish here are a little shy, now's the time to get out your mask and snorkel! The Parc National des Calanques is renowned for the richness and diversity of its fauna. One of the park's emblems is the endangered Bonelli eagle: look up and, with a bit of luck, you might just spot one of these birds of prey in the sky! On land, you're even more likely to come across a wild boar swimming or resting on the beach. Just be careful not to feed it, as it could become invasive!

As far as activities are concerned, the calanque is obviously a paradise for idlers, hikers and snorkellers. For the latter, you should be aware that the Calanque d'En-Vau is very busy in summer, so your visibility will be less good. If you want to admire the seabed in the best possible conditions, it's best to opt for the low season. For climbing enthusiasts, the Calanque d'En-Vau is a renowned climbing spot, and is open all year round. The main routes are before the beach and on the right bank. Remember that camping is forbidden in the Calanques National Park. If you're planning a stay in the heart of this fragile natural environment, you'll need to make reservations at a nearby establishment.

Once you've enjoyed En-Vau, you can continue hiking in the calanques. On the shore opposite the lookout, there's a signposted path that takes you along the coast to Port-Pin.