National Park of the Calanques

The Calanques National Park, established in 2012, is a true natural and cultural gem located along the Mediterranean coast of France, between Marseille, Cassis, and La Ciotat. This unique park, spanning 520 square kilometers, is the only one in Europe to include terrestrial, marine, and island areas in a peri-urban context, thus integrating cities, sea, and countryside in a spectacular harmony. The park is famous for its calanques, rocky coves plunging into crystal-clear waters, creating breathtaking scenery. These enchanted places are not only a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, but also habitats for exceptional biodiversity. They host over 900 plant species, including 38 protected ones, and 140 terrestrial animal species, such as the Bonelli’s eagle and the Riou night gecko. The variety of marine species is equally impressive, with over 60 protected species, including dolphins and whales. The geological history of the Calanques dates back over 100 million years, when marine sediments accumulated to form limestone rocks. These emerged about 60 million years ago following the collision of the African and European tectonic plates, and were then sculpted by erosion and climate changes over millennia. The Quaternary glaciations lowered the sea level, favoring the formation of the narrow and deep valleys that we see today. The park also has a rich human past. The earliest traces of human presence date back over 20,000 years, as evidenced by the paintings in the now submerged Cosquer cave. During the Middle Ages and up to the 19th century, the area was used for agriculture, pastoralism, and fishing, and many of the traditional “bastides” and farms testify to this rural past. The protection of the Calanques has deep roots in the local community. Already in 1923, the Comité de défense des Calanques was created to prevent industrial development. However, it was only in 1999, with the formation of the Groupement d’intérêt public (GIP) des Calanques, that the formal process leading to the creation of the national park in 2012 began, signed by Prime Minister François Fillon. This long journey has been marked by intense consultation and awareness-raising work involving state and local authorities and civil society. Among the most famous and visited calanques are Sormiou, Morgiou, En-Vau, and Sugiton, each with its own peculiarities and beauties. Sormiou is the largest and most accessible, perfect for swimming and snorkeling thanks to its clear waters and rich marine meadows. Morgiou, with its fishing village, offers a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, ideal for underwater explorations. En-Vau, famous for its high cliffs and white pebble beach, is one of the most spectacular, accessible only by hiking or by sea. Sugiton is another popular destination for hikers, with trails offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coast. The park works in collaboration with local communities to promote sustainable development, protect biodiversity, and raise awareness among visitors about the importance of conservation. The park’s specific rules ensure that human activities, such as fishing, hiking, and tourism, are conducted in a way that does not harm the environment.