Calanques de Marseille Rock Climbing: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Calanques are steep-sided inlets that have generally been formed by fluvial erosion or coastal caves falling and being flooded. The best example of this interesting geological formation may be found at the Calanques de Marseille, just south of France’s second largest city.

The calanques are a popular tourist destination for all sorts of outdoor adventurers, especially rock climbers. The national park in which the Calanques de MArseille are located boasts more than 3,400 routes, from single-pitch sport and multi-pitch trade to scrambling.

The undisputed highlight of visiting the area is heading out to climb on the sea cliffs. These offer plenty of great challenges and even better views. Among the most popular spots to climb in the calanques are the Calanque de Sormiou, Calanque de Morgiou, Calanque de Port-Miou and Calanque de Sugiton

Stunning scenery

Situated in the heart of the French Riviera, the Calanques de Marseille boast incredible views of the Mediteranean Sea and its rugged coastline. Explore the various inlets, caves and shrubby forests of the Calanques during the day, before heading out to the coast in the evening to watch a world-class sunset from the rocks.

Something for everyone

Regardless of whether it is your first time climbing or your thousandth, the Calanques de Marseilles have an incredible route waiting for you. Boasting more than 3,400 routes, there is something for everyone from basic single-pitch ascents to longer multi-pitch challenges directly over the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Conquer Mont Puget

Rising to 563 meters (1,847 feet) in elevation, Mont Puget is the tallest in all of the Calanques de Marseille and makes for quite the rock climbing ascent. The small mountain is composed of high-quality limestone and has several different routes to the top, which boasts panoramic views over the surrounding national park and out toward the sea.

During the climbing season, average daily temperatures range from 15 ºC to 25 ºC (60 ºF to 77 ºF). Rain is uncommon from the end of spring to the beginning of autumn.

Any trip to the Calanques of Marseille begins with a flight into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). From here, it is easy enough to rent a car and make the short drive south to the national park. Many guides will also opt to meet you in Marseille and provide transport to the start of the trip.

French

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April to October, but many guides offer trips year-round