Calanques
Situated on 12.5 miles of littoral between the Cap Croisette in Marseille and the Cap Canaille in Cassis, some impressive white limestone cliffs dive into the sea rush into profound faults called Calanques. They were formed more than 12 000 years ago when a slow reheat after the icy periods made the sea level go higher, thus invading the valleys. That’s why we can again find prehistoric caves swallowed up near the calanques. Situated very near the city of Marseille, the Calanques represent a great puff of fresh air for the inhabitants who want to relax, be in contact with nature or practice water sports. They are very preciously attached to this place and they attend to the preservation of that incomparable patrimony that constitutes a unique spectacle. Arid and not very accessible, only good walkers, climbers or amateur sailor dare the adventure. Protected from the wind, they are a paradise for bathers and divers. The most well known are the ones of Sormiou, Morgiou (the only that have inhabitants), Sugiton, En Vau, Port-Miou or Port-Pin. The setting of the Calanques is classified since 1975: it is now forbidden to build.
