Updated : 2 February 2026 at 10:01
The Calanque d’En-Vau is a jewel nestled in the heart of the Calanques National Park. Located between Cassis and Marseille, this place is a true haven of peace. Its turquoise waters, surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs plunging into the sea, make it one of the most sought-after destinations in the region.
Accessible only on foot or by boat, the Calanque d’En-Vau appeals to lovers of wild nature, tranquillity and breathtaking landscapes.
If you are looking for an unspoilt place where the sea and mountains meet to create a spectacular setting, then the Calanque d’En-Vau is for you ! In our opinion, it is also a must-see if you are on holidays and want to discover Marseille’s top place to visit. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know to explore this magical place in the south of France.
What makes the Calanque d’En-Vau so special
The Calanque d’En-Vau is renowned for its crystal-clear blue-green waters and the Mediterranean vegetation that clings to its steep cliffs. For us, it is its wild character and relatively challenging access that give it all its charm. Here are some of its highlights :
En-Vau is surrounded by majestic cliffs that plunge directly into the sea, creating a striking perspective over the deep blue water. It is a perfect spot for lovers seeking breathtaking panoramas.
The beach at the Calanque d’En-Vau is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the water. It is incredibly clear and refreshingly cool, perfect for a revitalising swim. It is also one of the best places in Marseille for snorkelling and diving.
The hike to the Calanque d’En-Vau is a dream for postcard-perfect scenery lovers. The trail is fairly steep, but the views along the way are well worth the effort. It takes about 1.5 hours of walking to reach the beach from the Calanque of Port-Miou.
– Did you know ? –
The Calanque d’En-Vau has a surprising feature: the sea water is very cool because a freshwater underground river flows between Port-Miou and Port-Pin covers. It is said to be one of the largest underground rivers in Europe. It remains unexplored and is believed to reach depths of up to 250 metres. It is also a major issue for the future: if it were possible to extract this water before it becomes contaminated by salt, it could potentially supply the entire city of Marseille !
Where is the Calanque d’En-Vau located ?
Contrary to popular belief, the Calanque d’En-Vau is located within the municipality of Marseille, not Cassis. However, access is indeed easier via Cassis, starting from the Calanque of Port-Miou.
Where to stay to visit the Calanque d’En-Vau ?
Would you like to spend a night near this paradise-like place? Several options are available. If you are looking for a peaceful setting, choose accommodation near Cassis, a charming and typical Provençal village, where you will find hotels and guesthouses offering splendid sea views.
However, accommodation in Cassis can be more expensive than in Marseille. If you are travelling on a tighter budget, we recommend booking a hotel in the Phocaean city instead.
– Our accommodation picks –
The Hôtel Hermès, for its exceptional view over the Vieux-Port and Notre-Dame de la Garde.
The Hôtel Mercure Marseille Centre Prado Vélodrome, for its proximity to the Gineste road and easier access to the Calanque d’En-Vau.
Best Western Hôtel & Spa, for its location in the heart of Cassis.
How to get to the Calanque d’En-Vau ?
Access to the Calanque d’En-Vau is exclusively on foot (or by sea), which helps preserve this exceptional site. It is therefore essential to prepare properly before setting off (water, hat, sturdy shoes). You can also take a boat trip but there will be no stop : you will only admire the calanque from afar, which is a bit of a shame.
🥾 On foot for the more adventurous. The Calanque d’En-Vau is mainly accessible via two different hiking routes:
- First hike : starting from the Col de la Gardiole (Gineste road). The trail is quite long and monotonous but well marked. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the beach. Although this is the easiest route, we personally prefer the coastal trail described below.
– Practical informationS –
Round-trip hike: 12.2 km – 3 hours – +200 m elevation gain
Park at the Logisson car park on the Gineste road (free), take the Rébuffat track and the green-marked trail, then the red-marked trail. Return via the same path (beware : it’s steep !).
- Second hike : this route offers the most beautiful panoramas in the Calanques National Park. Starting from Port-Miou, you will enjoy exceptional views of the Mediterranean Sea and Cap Canaille all along the way. You will first follow the Calanque de Port-Miou, then reach the famous Calanque de Port-Pin. On the way back, you can admire stunning elevated viewpoints over the Calanque d’En-Vau.
👉 Several hiking routes are possible. After passing Port-Miou, the path splits in two: either along the seafront above the cliffs (warning: very slippery rocks) or inland (which we recommend). In both cases, you will reach Port-Pin in about 30 minutes.
👉 We then advise continuing inland (white and red markings – GR51). Once at the top of the climb, you will descend a steep path. Wear proper hiking shoes (forget the flip-flops we still see far too often !). You will reach the calanque in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on your pace..
👉 On the way back, you have two options : return the same way or take the blue-marked coastal path. This option is far more beautiful, with panoramic views over the Calanque d’En-Vau, the vast Mediterranean Sea, the Calanque de Port-Pin, and Cap Canaille.
– parking at Port-Miou –
- Park along the road (Avenue Notre-Dame, Avenue Bailli de Suffren, Avenue des Calanques, Avenue du Révérend Père Jayne) – parking subject to a fee all year
- Or at the peninsula car par – flat rate €10 per day.
Note : parking is prohibited in the small dirt car park right next to the Calanque def Port-Miou (except with special authorisation). You may only stop briefly to drop someone off.
If you don’t have a car, you can reach Port-Miou by bus L078 from Marseille (get off at “Gendarmerie” and take shuttle M02 to the peninsula) or by train (TER) from Saint-Charles station, then shuttle M02 to the peninsula.
🛥️ By boat for those who prefer to be guided : You can reach the Calanque d’En-Vau by boat from the ports of Cassis or Marseille. Several cruise companies offer excursions that will take you to the main points of interest. However, there is no stop, and you will only see the calanque from beyond the 300-metre limit.
🛶 By paddle or canoe for sea adventurers : Several options are available to reach En-Vau by canoe or paddle :
- Guided excursion with an experienced instructor
- Canoe rental in Cassis and independent departure
- With your own equipment, with several possible starting points:
👉 The calanque of Port-Miou – parking is not allowed, which complicates things. The solution is to drop off one person and the equipment, then drive back up to park.
👉 Bestouan Beach : located just before Port-Miou, easier to access by car. A car park subject to a fee is only 50 metres from the beach (prices vary by season; for example, €4.20 for 2 hours in high season). This adds a few extra paddle strokes to reach En-Vau.
👉 For the most experienced, you can also paddle from Marseille (for example, from the Calanque of Callelongue). We only recommend this option if you are very well trained, as sea currents can be strong in certain areas.
What to do at the calanque d’En-Vau ? Our To-Do List
Visiting the surroundings of the Calanque d’En-Vau
To take your exploration further, you can hike to nearby calanques such as Sugiton, Morgiou or Sormiou. However, these can be long hikes with significant difficulty.
Here are a few must-see ideas :
👉 The unmissable En-Vau belvedere
Once at the top, you will enjoy a breathtaking view over the calanque. The belvedere is located behind the beach, offering a complete panorama of En-Vau. We recommend going between 11am and 1pm (depending on the season) for full sunlight.
– Practical informationS –
Park at the Logisson car park on the Gineste road for easier access.
👉 Its little sister, the Calanque of Port-Pin
You cannot miss Port-Pin, as you will pass through it on your way to En-Vau. Take the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim in its clear water. You can sit on the surrounding rocks to escape the crowds a little.
👉 The Cassis Peninsula
It offers spectacular scenery combining limestone cliffs and turquoise coves. It is the perfect place to admire the Calanque of Port-Miou and its line of leisure boats floating on stunning water. On the other side, you will enjoy views over Cassis and the impressive red cliffs of Cap Canaille.
👉 The charming village of Cassis
One of our favourite places in Provence. A real “dolce vita” atmosphere with traditional boats, colourful façades, small shops and seaside restaurants. Getting an ice cream and walking to the lighthouse is a tradition for us !
👉 The impressive Cap Canaille
Cap Canaille and the Soubeyranes cliffs, among the highest in Europe, offer a unique view over the Bay of Cassis. Take the “Route des Crêtes” and stop at the small car parks along the way to enjoy the fantastic panorama.
Cap Canaille is also one of the best spots to watch the sunset.
Note : the road is closed to cars every Sunday. From May to the end of September, a shuttle runs on sundays between the Gorguettes car park, the Casino (city centre) and Pas de la Colle (start of the Route des Crêtes).
The most beautiful viewpoint
Beyond the En-Vau belvedere, here is our favourite panoramic viewpoint over the Calanque d’En-Vau :
📸 Located on the coastal path (blue markings), offering a breathtaking view down over the turquoise waters.
👉 GPS coordinates : 43.2027125, 5.5015156
🩵 This is truly a spot not to be missed ! Even though we know this place well, we are always surprised by a such beauty !
A few more questions…
When is the best time to visit En-Vau ?
The best time to visit the Calanque d’En-Vau is in spring (May–June) or autumn (September–October), when temperatures are pleasant and crowds are smaller. In summer, tourist numbers can make access more complicated. In any case, we recommend going early in the morning.
As En-Vau lies between two narrow cliffs, the sun only reaches it for a few hours. It is best to be there between 11am and 2pm.
Is the Calanque d’En-Vau dog-friendly ?
Yes, dogs are allowed in the Calanques National Park as long as they are kept on a leash.
Do you need a reservation to access En-Vau ?
Unlike Sugiton, the Calanque d’En-Vau doesn’t require a reservation.
Does the Calanque d’En-Vau have a weakness ?
The main weakness is its access : you must reach it either on foot with significant elevation gain or by sea.
– IMPORTANTE NOTICE –
During periods of high wildfire risk, the Calanques National Park may be closed to the public. Be sure to check access conditions. Restrictions may also apply to certain calanques. These measures are in place to protect these fragile natural areas.
– Key takeaways –
• On foot : approx. 1.5 hours from the Calanque of Port-Miou
• By boat : several cruises depart from Cassis or Marseille
• Activities : snorkelling, hiking, climbing
• Accommodation : in Cassis or Marseille
• Access restrictions : always check wildfire-related closures before going
– Our opinion –
The Calanque d’En-Vau is one of the most beautiful places in the south of France, a magical spot that captivates with its wild beauty and tranquillity. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast, a swimming lover or a nature admirer, this place will leave you with unforgettable memories. If you love breathtaking landscapes and preserved nature, the Calanque d’En-Vau is a destination not to be missed.
It does not dethrone the sublime Calanque de Sormiou in our hearts, but it is our second favourite calanque in Marseille. A true escape every single time we visit.
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You make me want to see this magical cove again! I adore !!
We’re waiting for you 🙂 We’d love to do a paddle session with you in the coves!
This post is very detailed, I love it! We are coming to Marseille this summer and we are not going to miss this cove which seems to be a beauty! Thank you for these explanations.
Thank you, it means a lot to us! We hope you have a good time in our hometown 🙂