Hike to Calanque d’En Vau: A Breathtaking Mediterranean Escape
Why Calanque d’En Vau Belongs on Your France Itinerary
Some places haunt you with their beauty long before you ever set foot there. For me (Liz), Calanques National Park near Marseille, France, was one of those places. A couple of years ago, I stumbled across photos of its turquoise and emerald waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, and I knew I had to see it for myself. So when we visited the Luberon region of Provence, we carved out time for a day trip to the coast, with one goal in mind: hiking to Calanque d’En Vau.
Calanques National Park is often listed as a must-see near Marseille, but our experience proves you can – and absolutely should – visit this stunning coastal park even if you’re staying further inland. With excitement and plenty of car snacks, we drove 90 minutes to the seaside town of Cassis and set off on one of the most breathtaking hikes we’ve ever done, complete with beautiful beach stops along the way.
About Calanques National Park & Calanque d’En Vau
Calanques National Park (Parc National des Calanques) is a spectacular stretch of protected land and sea along the Mediterranean coast between Marseille and Cassis. The word calanque refers to the steep-walled inlets carved into the coastline, many of which are only accessible by foot or boat.
The park is best known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and brilliant blue waters – a paradise for hikers, swimmers, kayakers, and nature lovers alike.
Established in 2012, the park is home to a remarkable range of biodiversity. You’ll find beautiful flowers and plants, rugged trails, soaring sea birds, and secluded beaches that feel worlds away from the bustling Riviera resorts.
While the park stretches across a vast area, one of the most iconic spots for hiking and swimming enthusiasts is Calanque d’En Vau, famed for its narrow canyon walls and jewel-toned bay.
Getting there takes a bit of effort, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. It’s a place that feels wild and untamed, in the best possible way.
Why Visiting Calanque d’En Vau is a Great Soft Adventure
If you love travel that gets your heart rate up without needing technical gear or intense training, then Calanque d’En Vau is your kind of adventure.
Reaching this secluded cove requires a moderately challenging hike through rocky terrain, with some steep sections as you ascend (and descend) over the coastal cliffs. It’s active, immersive, and incredibly rewarding – but still totally doable for most reasonably fit travelers.
You don’t need to be an elite hiker, just comfortable walking on uneven paths and ready to embrace a little effort for a big payoff.
This experience hits the sweet spot of soft adventure travel: it blends movement, nature, and stunning scenery, with time to relax and soak it all in once you arrive. Whether you’re swimming in the clear blue water, enjoying a packed lunch on the pebbled shore, or simply sitting in awe of the limestone cliffs around you, this day hike offers a full sensory escape.
When to Visit Calanque d’En Vau & How to Get There
The best time to hike to Calanque d’En Vau is spring through fall, when the weather is generally sunny and dry, and the water is warm enough for a swim. Late spring (May to early June) and early fall (September to October) are especially ideal, offering beautiful conditions without the intense summer heat or high-season crowds.
We hiked in late June and started around 10am, but honestly, we wished we’d hit the trail earlier. By late morning, the sun was already strong, and much of the path is exposed. If you’re visiting in summer, start as early as you can. Also, this area is at risk of fires in the summer, so be sure to check local weather forecasts.
To access the trail, you’ll want to make your way to Cassis, a charming coastal town just east of Marseille. If you’re staying near the coast, you can reach Cassis by train or bus. Since we visited Calanque d’En Vau from Provence, we drove down in our rental car.
From Cassis, head toward Calanque de Port-Miou, where hike begins. We found parking in the nearby residential streets, about a 10-minute walk from the trailhead. Spaces can be limited in high season, so arriving early also helps you snag a spot.
Duration & Difficulty
According to AllTrails, hiking to Calanque d’En Vau is about 4 miles (out-and-back) starting from Calanque de Port-Miou. If you start in town, plan for longer.
In total, the hike took us about 4 hours, including stops for water, rest, and swimming at Calanque d’En Vau. If you take our advice and start your hike early in the day, this can easily be done in a half-day outing.
As for difficulty, we think this is a moderately challenging hike. It’s not too technical, and also not super steep, but there’s enough climbing and rocks to make it a challenge. If you hike during warm weather, the difficulty level will be upped (come prepared with water!).
What to Pack for a Hike to Calanque d’En Vau
A little prep goes a long way in making this hike enjoyable – especially since there are no services along the trail or at the beach. Here’s what we recommend bringing:
- Sturdy Footwear: This hike involves rocky, uneven terrain with some steep and technical sections. While we wore hiking sandals and managed just fine, we’d probably opt for closed-toe shoes next time for more foot protection. We saw people in flip flops, but we definitely don’t recommend that! Save those for the beach.
- Day pack: Use a comfortable backpack to carry your essentials. We love packable backpacks since they take up so little space in our suitcases.
- Water Shoes: If you plan to swim at Calanque d’En Vau, water shoes can be a great addition since the beach is rocky. A lightweight pair with solid traction makes getting in and out of the water a lot more comfortable. We love these water shoes – super grippy and affordable.
- Quick-Dry Towel: Perfect for drying off after a swim and easy to pack. Look for one that’s compact and actually dries fast between dips (we love these).
- Sun Protection: The trail is exposed in many places, especially midday. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and ideally a lightweight UPF layer. This Carve Designs rash guard that doubles as a cover-up—especially handy if you’re prone to sunburn.
- Snacks and Plenty of Water: You’ll want at least 1 liter of water per person, especially in warmer months. Pack snacks or a full picnic if you plan to linger at the beach. There’s no food or drink available along the trail or at Calanque d’En Vau itself.
Hiking to Calanque d’En Vau: Our Experience
Getting to Cassis
We left our apartment in Goult early (by about 8am) with sandwiches packed for breakfast, ready for the 90-minute drive ahead.
Navigating the highways and local roads to Cassis was relatively uneventful, and we arrived around 9:30am, ready to see what the Calanques had to offer.
Once we found street parking near Calanque de Port-Miou, we got our bags packed, applied sunscreen, and headed toward the water, it was about 10am.
If you plan on hiking in the summer months, get there early. The combination of heat and crowds can be overwhelming, so aim to start your hike by 7 or 8am. It makes all the difference in how much you enjoy the scenery (and how much energy you’ll have for the climb).
Calanque de Port-Miou & Calanque de Port Pin
The hike started off easily enough, with stunning views of the Mediterranean coming into view as we rounded smaller calanques – first, Calanque de Port-Miou.
Here we saw many sail boats in the water, as the trail followed right along the coast with the calanque below.
After about 30 minutes of hiking, we reached Calanque de Port Pin. Here, we found a stunning cove beach with relatively few people swimming.
To be honest, it was so beautiful and peaceful here that we were tempted to just stop here and enjoy the water, but we remembered we were really here for Calanque d’En Vau. After a brief pause, we kept walking.
Hiking to Calanque d’En Vau
Leaving Calanque de Port Pin, we had two options for getting to Calanque d’En Vau – a shorter inland path, or a longer path that offered more scenic views. Since we were already enjoying the beautiful scenery and wanted to conserve energy for the hike back, we opted for the shorter inland path.
This section of the hike quickly became steeper and more rocky. Our endurance was tested under the summer heat, especially on the ascent (climbing nearly 400 feet) and. Even going down was a bit challenging, as we had to be careful not to slip on loose rocks.
Still, the views were beautiful, and gave us the perfect reason to take frequent breaks – to catch our breaths, drink water, and to soak up breathtaking landscape around us.
After a wrong turn or two (there are many trails in this area – we recommend following along on AllTrails), we finally reached the coveted Calanque d’En Vau, about 50 minutes after leaving Calanque de Port Pin.
Calanque d’En Vau: One of France’s Most Beautiful Beaches
We had read about how secluded and pristine Calanque d’En Vau is. And while it is certainly pristine, it was not secluded. By the time we arrived in the late morning, the beach was bustling with other hikers and beachgoers.
Still, the beauty of the place was enough to take our breath away. The towering cliffs, the turquoise waters, and the dramatic setting made it clear why this spot is one of the most photographed beaches in the Mediterranean.
We wasted no time getting into the water – after the heat of the hike, the cool, refreshing water was a welcome relief. Though chilly, it was the perfect reward for our efforts (especially knowing we had to do it all again to get back!).
The moment was pure bliss, and we felt incredibly lucky to be here, taking in the stunning scenery.
We stayed on the beach for about 45 minutes, basking in the beauty of the spot, before reluctantly packing up and heading back on the trail.
The Return Trip: A Faster Pace
The return trip back to the car was faster, taking about 75 minutes. Hiking the trail in reverse gave us a whole new set of views as we walked, and we once again found ourselves stopping frequently to take it all in.
At one point, we had a stunning view of Cap Canaille.
We paused once again at Calanque de Port Pin, sitting in the shade and sipping water before continuing back to the car near Calanque de Port-Miou.
Though we were a bit weary, the satisfaction of completing the hike and the stunning views along the way made the journey much more enjoyable.
Exploring Cassis: The Perfect Post-Hike Town
After finishing our hike, we drove into the charming town of Cassis. We wandered the cobblestone streets, explored the shops, and couldn’t resist stopping for a well-earned gelato by the waterfront.
Cassis, with its colorful buildings and laid-back Mediterranean vibe, was the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking. Sometimes we visit towns and think, “We could stay here awhile,” and Cassis was definitely one of those places for us.
After about an hour of exploring in town, we hopped in the car and made the 90-minute drive back to Goult.
By 5pm, we were back in the Luberon, ready to enjoy a peaceful evening in our hilltop village. It had been a long day, but the memories of Calanque d’En Vau made every mile of the road trip worth it.
Final Thoughts: Why Hiking Calanque d’En Vau is a Must-Do
For anyone with a love of stunning landscapes and active travel, a visit to Calanque d’En Vau should be at the top of your list. The hike is challenging, but the views and the beach at the end are worth every step.
The Calanques are among the most breathtaking natural wonders in France, and whether you’re staying nearby in Cassis or Marseille, or making a longer day trip like we did, this hike is an unforgettable adventure that blends movement, nature, and Mediterranean beauty.