The most beautiful coves around Marseille

When we talk about cruising, we often picture the horizon and distant islands. But for us sailors, especially those on small sailboats, adventure is much closer to home. A cruise departing from Marseille offers the chance to discover a coastline dotted with coves and islands as mysterious as they are wild.

Every spring, it’s the same story. The boat is back in the water and the season’s itinerary begins to take shape. We look at our charts, nautical guides, and other books, searching for ideas for cruises lasting a few days or a few weeks. For those of us who sail in the Mediterranean, or who are lucky enough to be able to transport their boat Wherever they please, there’s Marseille. Far from the city’s media image, a cruise departing from Marseille is one of the most pleasant ways to spend a few days. During this trip, you can admire the Calanques massif, but also discover, up close or from afar, a small archipelago full of surprises.

The calanques, one of Marseille’s prides

A cruise is an excellent way to visit new places, especially those by the sea like the calanques of MarseilleThe mountain range that borders the coasts between Marseille and Cassis is a place of rare beauty. And many boaters will confirm that a visit to the Calanques of Marseille It is truly one of the essential stops on a stay on the shores of the Mediterranean. The rocks, formed over millennia, are hollowed out in places by rivers flowing into the sea.

They stretch for over 20 km between the two towns, offering a breathtakingly beautiful spectacle. The area is a favorite spot for locals and also attracts many tourists during peak season. If you can avoid it, that’s ideal.

The calanques of Marseille are actually a national park which benefits from special maintenance throughout the year. They offer a landscape suitable for hiking for lovers of this activity thanks to the 145 km of footpaths laid out on the site.

You can also spend time with your family and children in the turquoise waters and on the fine sand of the beach. Swimming, kayaking, or simply taking magnificent photos will be on the agenda at this idyllic location.

Lovers of marine exploration will also be well catered for. The beautiful waters off the coast hold a rich and highly diverse marine flora and faunaMany other activities are planned during the visit to this site, which is one of Marseille’s must-see attractions. Furthermore, taking a cruise saves you a lot of hassle, as the Calanques massif is not open year-round and some activities are prohibited depending on the season.

The magnificent Riou archipelago

The Riou archipelago It also belongs to the city of Marseille. It is a place accessible by boat and consists of several islands, all of exceptional beauty. The best known and largest, Riou Island is home to a particularly rich fauna.

Also known as Bird Island, it is home to rare species such as the Cory’s shearwater, the European storm petrel, and the herring gull. To the north of Riou Island are… pebble and fine sand beaches which attract many visitors who come to rest and recharge in the calm, fresh waters of the archipelago.

You can also visit the islands of Plane, Jarre, of Maïre ​​and Jarron. They are all uninhabited and only welcome visitors who come to enjoy the nature and other wonders that the Riou archipelago offers. Several of these islands are off-limits. For various reasons, but you can at least explore it. Spanning 145 km, the Riou archipelago is one of the must-see stops you should make before leaving the region.

The Frioul archipelago is waiting for you.

Unlike the Riou archipelago, the Frioul archipelago is open to visitors.It is composed of 4 islands: Ratonneau, Pomègues, Tiboulen and If which is home to the famous castle of the same name. Today, If and Tiboulen are considered more as satellite islets of the other two islands. Spanning approximately 200 hectares, the archipelago has a rich military history and was only opened to the public in 1975.

The Frioul archipelago has been designated a Natura 2000 site.That is to say, a site where human activities and nature conservation can be perfectly reconciled. It contains a diverse flora, including 13 protected and extremely monitored species.

The area is also home to wildlife roaming freely and completely undisturbed by human presence. Access to the site is prohibited by car and only under certain conditions by bicycle, but you can easily reach it by boat.

The Frioul archipelago, one of the most beautiful archipelagos in FranceIt still contains old buildings whose architecture inspires admiration. They are as much a part of the archipelago’s charm as the rocks and sandy coves. Its seafronts are developed, and the archipelago even has a marina that can accommodate up to 600 boats.

Each year, approximately 400,000 boaters, hikers, swimmers, and even fishermen visit the archipelago to enjoy nature and relax. Several cruise ships also make stops to allow their passengers to visit the area.

Visit the Château d’If

THE Château d’If It is one of the most visited sites in Marseille. It was erected in the early 1500s on the instructions of King Francis I.^er on the islet of If belonging to the Frioul archipelago. The Château d’If is a fortress which has long served as a prison and is therefore protected by high ramparts.

Famous and anonymous prisoners alike were held there for approximately 400 years. The poorest were kept on the ground floor in dark, unventilated cells, while the wealthier ones lived upstairs in more comfortable cells. The site, covering a total area of ​​3 hectares, has been listed as a historical monument since 1926.

Today, The Château d’If is open to visitors and every yearSince its opening, over 100,000 visitors have flocked to the islet to visit the fortress. Special shuttles transport visitors from Marseille for a crossing of approximately 20 minutes. It is open year-round and attracts curious visitors from all over Europe.

The old prisoners’ cells, the castle ramparts, and the walkways and terraces spread over the 3 floors of the castle are all attractions that you can see during cruises from Marseille.

Go see Fort Ratonneau

THE Fort Ratonneau is one of the attractions of Ratonneau IslandIt stands 75 meters tall and was one of the largest defenses of the city of Marseille in the 1940s. It was built around 1597 and initially served only as a refuge for the garrisons. Later, the fort suffered damage during the German occupation.

They made significant modifications, such as the construction of bunkers to house cannons. These modifications are still clearly visible today in the fort, which has become a tourist site.

On foot, you can reach the top of Fort Ratonneau and get a closer look at the cross-shaped cannons. It’s this immense cross that gives sailors the impression the fort houses a cemetery. The site is well-preserved and welcomes visitors and hikers year-round. The Frioul archipelago island and its castle are must-see stops on cruises to Marseille.

Join thousands of other French and European travelers and enjoy a visit to Fort Ratonneau. It’s a route you can also take with friends or family to spend quality time together.

Some tips before setting off on a cruise in the Calanques National Park

Here are some practical tips for amateur boaters who wish to go on a cruise in the Calanques from Marseille:

1. Check the weather forecast: Before leaving, check the local weather forecast, including marine reports. Marseille is known for its wind, especially the mistral.. it can rise very quickly, and abruptly.
2. Respect the regulations regarding moorings: The calanques are protected natural areas, so you must respect the regulations regarding authorized anchorages. Check the authorized anchorage zones and avoid anchoring in sensitive areassuch as Posidonia seagrass meadows.
3. Protect the Calanques National Park: The Calanques National Park is home to a rich and fragile biodiversity. Please respect the flora and fauna by avoiding disturbing them.
4. Prepare your navigation: Before setting off, plan your voyage, taking into account the distance, weather conditions, and permitted anchorages. Always have a backup plan in case of sudden changes in conditions or an emergency.
5. Pay attention to the navigation: Exercise caution when navigating the coves, especially in narrow and shallow areas. Be mindful of other boats, recreational boaters, and swimmers.

By following these simple tips, you can fully enjoy your cruise in the Calanques while respecting the environment and ensuring your safety and that of others. Happy sailing!

The main marinas of Marseille

The port of Carry-le-Rouet

The port of Carry le Rouet is located in a cove, in the Mediterranean, in Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur.

Carry-le-Rouet marina is the first port you encounter coming from the west, nestled in a cove. This stopover evokes the Mediterranean coastline of the Calanques, near Marseille. Be aware of the marine protected area to the east of the port.

Services at the port of Carry-le-Rouet:

Frioul port services

The Old Port of Marseille

The Old Port is the historic port of Marseille

The marina at the Old Port in Marseille is the largest port in the city. The Old Port has always been the heart of Marseille: located in the city centre, it is part of what was once the natural cove of Lacydon, the original site of settlement of Greek sailors who came from Phocaea to establish a trading post 2600 years ago.

The services of the Old Port of Marseille

Port l’Estaque

The port of L’Estaque is the first port in Marseille when arriving from the west.

The Estaque marina is one of Marseille’s major marinas. Located west of the city, it is very well protected. A dry dock is available in the Port La Lave area.

Port l’Estaque services

The Port of La Pointe Rouge

The port of Pointe Rouge is one of the main ports of Marseille.

The La Pointe Rouge marina is located southeast of Marseille. It is one of the three main marinas in the metropolitan area. The marina is appreciated for its technical facilities. It is very close to the Calanques National Park, in a beautiful setting.

Port services at Pointe Rouge

Port Miou

The port of Port Miou is located in the heart of a cove, in the Mediterranean.

Port Miou is one of the most beautiful stops in the Calanques National Park, near Marseille. The port is well protected and the calanque extends inland.