• La corniche - The Corniche Kennedy, officially known as the Corniche du Président-John-Fitzgerald-Kennedy, is a renowned boulevard in Marseille that extends for about 3.7 km along the Mediterranean Sea. This scenic route, linking the Plage des Catalans to the Plages du Prado, is a favorite among tourists and locals for walking and sightseeing.

History and Development
Construction of the Corniche began in 1848 and was completed in 1863, transforming a simple customs path into an urban promenade. The road was named in honor of John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963. The Corniche is famous for its long concrete bench, considered the longest in the world, stretching nearly 3 km.

• La Calanque de Figuerolles - The Calanque de Figuerolles, near La Ciotat, is a captivating natural site known for its stunning landscapes and turquoise waters. Nestled between puddingstone cliffs, it features a small pebble beach perfect for swimming and diving. Its name, derived from the Provençal term meaning “fig tree garden,” recalls the vegetation that once surrounded it.

Accessible by a path of 87 steps, the cove is very popular in the summer, drawing many visitors eager to enjoy its idyllic setting. Activities like scuba diving are particularly popular, especially to explore the rich biodiversity of the seabed. The Calanque de Figuerolles has also inspired many artists, including painter Georges Braque, due to its vibrant colors and unique atmosphere. In addition to its natural attractions, the cove is home to a restaurant, Chez Tania, offering a breathtaking view of the landscape.

• Port de Cassis - Cassis is a charming fishing port nestled between the majestic Cap Canaille and the famous Calanques on the French Riviera. This picturesque village, known for its colorful houses and cobbled streets, provides an idyllic setting for visitors. The port of Cassis is particularly popular for its café and restaurant terraces, where you can savor local specialties while admiring the Mediterranean Sea. The region offers a variety of activities, from swimming in turquoise waters and hiking in the Calanques National Park to boat trips exploring the surrounding coves. The port, historically a fishing center, retains its authentic atmosphere, attracting both tourists and nature lovers. Provencal markets and cultural events, such as summer evening craft markets, add to Cassis’s charm, making it a true gem of the Mediterranean.

• Marseille - Founded by Greek sailors in 600 BC, Marseille is the oldest city in France. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it is known for its historic port and rich cultural heritage, shaped by successive waves of migration, notably Italians, Armenians, and Maghrebis. This diversity has created a unique Mediterranean identity, blending Greek, Roman, and North African influences. The city is also famous for its 111 districts, each with its own character and traditions. The Vieux-Port, the Panier district, and the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica are iconic landmarks. Marseille is also the sunniest major city in France, offering a Mediterranean climate conducive to outdoor living and vibrant cultural activities.

• Route des Cretes - The Route des Crêtes, connecting Cassis to La Ciotat over 15 kilometers, is a renowned panoramic route on the Côte d’Azur. It offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the Calanques massif, including Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliff in France at 394 meters. Popular with motorists, cyclists, and motorcyclists, it features viewpoints to admire nature. In high season, heavy traffic can make access difficult, raising environmental concerns. To avoid crowds, it is advisable to visit early in the morning or during the week.

• Parc national des Calanques - The Calanques of Cassis, located between the charming port of Cassis and the Calanques massif, are spectacular geological formations characterized by narrow coves and white cliffs plunging into turquoise waters. This national park, stretching for about 20 km, is a haven for nature lovers and hikers, offering many marked trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints. The most famous calanques, such as Port Miou, Port Pin, and En Vau, are accessible on foot or by boat, allowing visitors to explore the region’s wild beauty. The diverse flora and fauna, both terrestrial and underwater, make the calanques a unique ecosystem to be preserved. In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy refreshing swims and water activities, making this destination a must-see for those exploring Provence.

• MPCT - Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal - The cruise port of Marseille, located in the heart of the Mediterranean, has become a major player in the sector, positioning itself as the leading cruise port in France and the fourth in the Mediterranean. In 2023, it welcomed more than 4 million passengers, demonstrating its continued growth.

Marseille benefits from a proactive policy to attract cruise passengers, with modern infrastructure and services tailored to the needs of companies and passengers. The port is a preferred departure point for cruises to various destinations, including Spain, Italy, and the Greek islands. However, despite its growing popularity, Marseille is often seen as a gateway to Provence rather than a tourist destination in its own right. The excursions offered highlight the region’s attractions, but the city struggles to stand out as a major destination like Barcelona or Venice.

• Parc National des Calanques - The Calanques National Park, located between Marseille and Cassis, covers approximately 20 km and was established on April 18, 2012. It is the first peri-urban national park in Europe, encompassing 8,500 hectares of land and 43,500 hectares of sea, with rich biodiversity including about 1,000 plant species and 200 protected species.

The calanques, typical geological formations, are characterized by limestone cliffs and coves with turquoise waters. They are home to a variety of marine flora and fauna, essential for the ecosystem. However, the park attracts between 2 and 3 million visitors each year, posing challenges for managing attendance and preserving this fragile environment. Measures are in place to limit the impact of tourism and protect the biodiversity of this listed site, one of the most visited in France.

• Plages du Prado - The Prado beaches in Marseille, located in the 8th arrondissement, stretch along approximately 3.5 kilometers of coastline, providing a popular seaside area for locals and tourists alike. This beach complex was developed from the 1970s onwards, using landfill from metro construction to reclaim the sea. Today, it covers an area of 45 hectares, incorporating sand and gravel beaches, as well as green spaces suitable for leisure. The Prado beaches are well served by public transport, including the metro and several bus lines. Visitors can also access them by car, although parking is often limited, especially in high season.

• Le Vieux Port - The Old Port of Marseille, formerly known as Lacydon, is the historical and cultural heart of the city, having played a central role since its founding by the Greeks over 2,600 years ago. Once an important trading center, the port is now a recreational area, surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and shops, attracting both locals and tourists.

The Old Port has become an iconic symbol of Marseille, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere, particularly thanks to its morning fish market and cultural events. The quays, recently redeveloped to encourage pedestrianization, offer a pleasant setting for strolling and admiring traditional fishing boats and luxury yachts. Today, the Old Port is also the starting point for many excursions to tourist sites such as the Château d’If and the Calanques, among others.

• Vallon des Auffes - Coming from the Catalans beach, we make a stop near the Auffes valley. The Auffes Valley is a small fishing port located in Marseille, between the Catalans beach and the bay of Malmousque. This emblematic place, often described as a haven of peace, retains an authentic charm with its colorful huts and typical fishing boats called “pointus.”

Its name comes from the Provençal word “auffo,” which refers to the alfa plant historically used to make ropes. In the 19th century, the valley was a center of rope production, which contributed to its name. Accessible by narrow stairs from the Corniche Kennedy, the Auffes Valley is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It offers renowned restaurants, especially known for their bouillabaisse, and is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sea, although there are no traditional beaches.

• Cape Canaille - Coming from Marseille, we will make a photo stop at the incredible Cap Canaille cliff with breathtaking views. In summer, the ridge road may be closed due to strong winds and significant heat, or on some Sundays. In such cases, this stop may not be possible. Cap Canaille is a majestic massif located between Cassis and La Ciotat, reaching 394 meters, making it one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. This natural site offers spectacular panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coves, attracting many hikers and climbers with its limestone, sandstone, and puddingstone cliffs.

Historically, Cap Canaille has been a place of passage and inspiration for many artists, including painters who have captured its wild beauty. Its name comes from the Provençal “Cap Naio,” which evolved into “Canaille” over time.

• Cassis - Cassis is a charming town on the Mediterranean coast, close to Marseille. Known for its spectacular scenery, the town is surrounded by white cliffs and turquoise-water coves, providing an idyllic setting for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. The picturesque little port of Cassis, lined with restaurants and shops, is the vibrant heart of the town, where you can stroll through narrow streets adorned with colorful houses. The town is also famous for its wine, especially the Cassis white wine, produced in the surrounding vineyards. Visitors can explore the calanques, which are unique geological formations, ideal for hiking, swimming, and diving. Cassis attracts many tourists each year, especially in the summer, and its friendly and authentic atmosphere makes it a popular destination. Cassis is a true jewel of Provence, combining natural beauty and culture for an unforgettable experience.

• La Ciotat - La Ciotat is a commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône department in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, located approximately 31 km east of Marseille. It is renowned for its cultural and natural heritage, particularly as the gateway to the Calanques National Park, famous for its landscapes and coves.

The town is the birthplace of cinema, having hosted the first public screening of the Lumière brothers’ films in 1895 in the Eden cinema, the oldest cinema still in operation. La Ciotat is surrounded by cliffs, including Cap Canaille, one of the highest in Europe at 394 meters. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking in the calanques and exploring the historic center, full of craft shops and restaurants. Its beaches and Mediterranean atmosphere make it a popular destination for nature and culture lovers.

• Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde - In case the road to Notre-Dame de la Garde is closed, passage is possible on request. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, often called “the Good Mother,” is an iconic symbol of Marseille, overlooking the city from a hill at an altitude of 149 meters. Its history dates back to 1214, when a priest named Pierre built the first chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This chapel was enlarged in the 15th century, but in the 19th century, it was replaced by the current building, designed by architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu and consecrated in 1864. The basilica’s architecture is Romano-Byzantine, adorned with dazzling mosaics and an austere crypt. At the top, an imposing statue of the Virgin and Child, 11.2 meters high and weighing nearly 10 tons, watches over the city. This monument attracts millions of visitors each year, not only for its religious significance but also for the exceptional panoramic view it offers over Marseille and the Mediterranean.

• Cathedrale de la Major - Passage near the Cathedral of La Major. The Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, commonly called “La Major,” is an iconic monument of Marseille, located between the Old Port and the Joliette district. Its construction began in 1852 under the direction of architect Léon Vaudoyer and was completed in 1893, after 41 years of work. This neo-Byzantine style building is remarkable for its impressive dimensions: 142 meters long, 60 meters high for the towers, and a dome reaching 70 meters. La Major is unique in France as the only cathedral built in the 19th century. It was constructed to symbolize the prosperity of Marseille, then the leading port in France, and can accommodate up to 3,000 people. Its architecture, combining Roman and oriental elements, reflects the city’s maritime history and openness to the world. The cathedral has been classified as a historical monument since 1906 and remains a must-see site.

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