Les Calanques aka: Le Massif des Calanques, Calanques de Marseille

The Calanques are limestone fjord-like formations which were formed by the sea and not by glaciers. They stretch between Marseille and Cassis, and can be visited by boat from either town.

The limestone cliffs are spectacular. The water was not as turquoise blue as in the photo below because I went on the late afternoon cruise so sometimes the massive cliffs blocked the sunlight which would have lit the water up. But it did mean that the light on the cliff faces was lovely and warm. So still plenty of photo opportunities :)

A friend said that seeing the Calanques were one of the highlights of his sailing trip around the Med. And seeing the pictures of those sheer limestone cliffs and the turquoise water – I can believe him!

I only took a boat trip around them because they’re outside Marseille and I couldn’t really be bothered figuring out where to stay and how to get to them, on top of hiking down to them. But next time, I’m visiting them properly. Look at that water!