Hiking in Provence - Calanques fjords

From the picturesque harbor Vieux Port you take the ferry to the island Château d'If, which is famous from the novel The Count of Monte Cristo. A boat trip of another quarter hour takes you further to the Frioul Islands, which are located in a protected nature reserve. In the harbor you'll find cozy restaurants, but on the islands it's mostly about the wild nature, with unusual plants scattered along the sun-bleached hiking trails. At selected spots along the trails there are viewpoints with beautiful views over Marseille. Take a dip in the sea before taking the ferry back to Marseille in the evening!

Accommodation in Marseille

A transfer takes you to the Col de la Gardiole pass, which lies high above the white limestone cliffs around the village of Cassis (except June & September, when you cannot take a car but must walk on foot).
On herb-scented hiking trails you make your way down towards the sea, and on the way you reach several of the white limestone cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean and are called "calanques". You pass a sandy beach where you can take the opportunity to rest and eat your picnic lunch. You continue hiking until you reach Cassis, which lies next to the Mediterranean and consists of a handful of narrow alleys, a beach and cozy restaurants in the harbor.

Accommodation in Cassis

Today you begin your hike in Cassis, on a small country road surrounded by vineyards. You then continue towards Cap Canaille, which is France's highest sea cliff – nearly 400 meters high. From here the view is fantastic in all directions – from the vast, wide Mediterranean to Cassis bay. You continue the hike above the dizzying cliff, along the impressive coastline. The hike takes you to the neighboring town La Ciotat, with its small shipyard and fine sandy beaches, where you can take the opportunity to have a swim.

Accommodation in Cassis

Today you have a day on your own in Aix-en-Provence. It's a lively university town with a labyrinth of winding streets in the center. The famous avenue Cours Mirabeau is lined with numerous springs and fountains and here you'll find good shopping – everything from fashion to antique and food markets. Local specialties include jam, cookies and oil, and Aix-en-Provence's world-famous rosé wine is called Coteaux d'Aix.

Accommodation in Aix-en-Provence

A transfer takes you to the place where today's hike begins, at the foot of Mount Sainte Victoire. This mountain and the surrounding landscape was one of the impressionist artist Paul Cézanne's favorite motifs. The summit at 1000 meters above sea level is your goal, if the weather is clear you'll be able to see the snow-clad peaks of the Alps in the north and the Mediterranean in the south. From the summit you hike south down to the village of Vauvenargues, where Pablo Picasso is buried. You can then get back to Aix-en-Provence by local bus.

Accommodation in Aix-en-Provence

The trip ends after breakfast.

If you have time you can of course spend a few more hours in Aix-en-Provence – the city of a thousand fountains. You can for example visit Paul Cézanne's studio or the impressive cathedral Saint-Sauveur from the 12th century. Or go to the market square for a coffee and a croissant at one of the cozy cafés.