Marseille: Calanques National Park Guided Hike With Picnic

Explore the breathtaking Calanques National Park on a guided hike near Marseille. This 5-hour adventure takes you through stunning coastal landscapes, including visits to picturesque creeks like Saint Jean de Dieu and Sugiton. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to swim in the park’s pristine waters and enjoy a delightful picnic with snacks. With friendly local guides and convenient meeting points, this hike is a must-do for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of southern France. But there’s more to discover about this unique experience.

Key Points

• The guided hike in Calanques National Park lasts 5 hours and starts at $39.15 per person, available in multiple languages.
• The hike visits renowned creeks, offers swimming opportunities, and includes a picnic with tasty snacks.
• The meeting point is at the INSEAMM (Baux Arts de Marseille) with public transport and parking options available.
• The hike is not recommended for children under 8, individuals with mobility issues, or pregnant women due to physical requirements.
• Participants should bring adequate water, sun protection, and proper clothing/footwear for the challenging terrain and summer heat.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The hike takes adventurers on an immersive exploration of Calanques National Park, offering a 5-hour guided experience through the stunning landscapes.

Priced from $39.15 per person, the activity is available in Spanish, English, and French. Private groups can be booked, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants will visit renowned creeks, enjoy a refreshing swim, and indulge in a picnic with snacks.

The meeting point is in front of the fine arts school, with public transportation and parking options available.

Hikers must meet minimum physical requirements, and summer visitors should prepare for the increased difficulty due to heat.

Experience Highlights

What makes the guided hike in Calanques National Park an exceptional experience?

Explorers will enjoy the stunning landscapes of this protected natural wonder. They’ll visit renowned creeks like Saint Jean de Dieu, Sugiton, Morgiou, and Sormiou, taking in breathtaking views.

A refreshing swim in the park’s clean waters offers a welcome respite. Along the way, participants can capture countless photographic opportunities to remember their adventure.

The guided hike also includes a picnic with tasty snacks, rounding out a well-rounded day of discovery and relaxation amidst Calanques’ natural splendor.

Meeting and Transportation

Starting the guided hike in Calanques National Park, participants meet in front of the fine arts school INSEAMM (Baux Arts de Marseille) at 8:55 AM.

From there, the group takes the B1 bus from the Castellane Metro station to the Luminy campus. Parking is available at the architecture and fine arts school on the Luminy campus.

The trip requires a public transport ticket, which can be purchased beforehand or on the day of the tour.

Participants should plan their transportation accordingly, allowing enough time to arrive at the meeting point and join the guided hike through the stunning natural landscapes of Calanques National Park.

Participant Restrictions

Although the guided hike in Calanques National Park offers a breathtaking nature experience, it may not be suitable for all participants.

The activity isn’t recommended for children under 8, people with mobility impairments, visually impaired individuals, or pregnant women. A minimum physical condition is required, as the hike involves a 200m elevation change over 1 hour.

Hikers should be prepared for the summer heat, which can increase the difficulty. Participants are advised to bring adequate water, sun protection, and proper outdoor clothing and footwear.

Those with concerns about their abilities should consult the tour operator prior to booking to ensure the hike matches their fitness level.

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Physical Requirements

The guided hike in Calanques National Park requires a minimum level of physical fitness. Participants should be prepared for a 1-hour walk with a height difference of 200m, the equivalent of ascending 50 floors.

The hike can be challenging, especially during the summer heat. Hikers should be aware of the following:

• Participants must be able to walk for extended periods on uneven terrain.
• The hike involves climbing hills and navigating rocky paths.
• Adequate hydration is crucial, with a recommendation of at least 1.5 liters of water per person.
• The difficulty level increases significantly during the warmer summer months.

Summer Precautions

During the summer months, hikers should take extra precautions when embarking on the Calanques National Park guided hike. The Mediterranean climate can be intense, so it’s crucial to pack at least 1.5 liters of water per person.

The hiking difficulty also increases due to the summer heat, so participants must be prepared for the physical challenge. Wearing proper outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes is essential to navigate the rugged terrain comfortably.

Plus, sunscreen is a must to protect against the strong sun exposure. By taking these summer precautions, hikers can fully enjoy the stunning scenery and refreshing swim breaks during this guided adventure.

What to Bring

For participants’ comfort and safety during the guided hike in Calanques National Park, bringing the right gear is essential.

The tour organizers recommend the following:

• Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes to navigate the uneven terrain
• Lightweight, breathable outdoor clothing that can protect against sun exposure
• Ample water, at least 1.5 liters per person, to stay hydrated
• Sunscreen and a hat to shield from the Mediterranean sun

Packing these key items will ensure an enjoyable and comfortable experience as you explore the stunning landscapes of Calanques National Park.

Customer Feedback

Guided hikers in Calanques National Park have overwhelmingly praised their experiences, awarding the tour an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 228 reviews.

Participants highlighted the tour’s great value for money (4.6/5) and efficient transportation (4.6/5). The guides received high marks for their friendliness, knowledge, and attentiveness, ensuring an enjoyable and informative journey through the stunning natural scenery.

Reviewers also enthusiastically praised the picnic experience, with the combination of beautiful landscapes and refreshing breaks cementing the tour as a must-do activity for visitors to Marseille.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Guided Hike?

The duration of the guided hike is 5 hours. The activity overview states that the tour lasts 5 hours, providing participants with ample time to explore the stunning landscapes of the Calanques National Park.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There is no minimum group size requirement. The activity offers private group options, allowing flexibility for travelers. Interested participants can reserve the guided hike and picnic experience for their desired group size.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks for the hike. However, a picnic is already included in the tour, so bringing additional items may not be necessary. Check with the tour provider for any specific policies regarding outside food and beverages.

Is There a Maximum Group Size Limit?

According to the activity overview, private group options are available. However, no maximum group size limit is specified. Participants are advised to check with the tour provider about group size restrictions when booking.

Are Professional Photography Services Available?

No, professional photography services are not included. However, the hike provides numerous photo opportunities to capture the stunning scenery on your own. Bring a camera to make the most of the beautiful landscapes.

Sum Up

Explore the breathtaking Calanques National Park on a guided 5-hour hike. Enjoy swimming in pristine creeks, a delightful picnic, and stunning photo opportunities. With friendly guides and convenient meeting points, this adventure is a must-do for visitors to Marseille. At just $39.15 per person, it’s an affordable way to experience the park’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: