Calanques de la Côte Bleue: A complete guide to the most beautiful wild coves
Between Marseille and Martigues lies a little-known Mediterranean treasure: the calanques of the Côte Bleue. Far from the crowds that flock to the famous calanques of Cassis, this stretch of Provencal coastline offers wild landscapes of striking beauty. Turquoise waters, limestone cliffs sculpted by the sea winds and secret coves make up an unspoilt natural tableau, perfect for lovers of authenticity and tranquillity.
The Côte Bleue stretches for some fifteen kilometers and reveals a succession of wild calanques accessible to adventurous hikers. These natural gems offer an authentic alternative to crowded tourist sites, while retaining the Mediterranean magic for which the region is famous.
What is the Côte Bleue? Introduction to this little-known coastline
The Côte Bleue takes its name from the exceptional azure reflections of the Mediterranean Sea that lick its rocky shores. This stretch of Bouches-du-Rhône coastline stretches from l’Estaque, northwest of Marseille, to Martigues, via the towns of Carry-le-Rouet, Sausset-les-Pins and Le Rove.
Unlike the calanques of Marseille, carved out of white limestone, the calanques of the Côte Bleue are distinguished by their varied geology, combining limestone, sandstone and shale. This geological diversity creates contrasting landscapes, with pebble beaches, sandy coves and breathtaking cliffs plunging into deep blue waters.
The region benefits from a particularly mild Mediterranean microclimate, protected from winter frost by its proximity to the sea. This privileged geographical location explains the richness of its flora, with typical Provencal vegetation including Aleppo pines, kermes oaks and fragrant garrigues.
Historically, the Côte Bleue was a land of fishermen and shepherds. Today, it attracts a clientele in search of authenticity, weary of mass tourism. The calanques of the Côte Bleue offer a more intimate, unspoilt experience of Mediterranean beauty.
The most beautiful calanques on the Côte Bleue
Calanque de l’Erevine
Wild and confidential, the calanque de l’Erevine captivates with its authentic character and tranquility. This little cove, which looks like the end of the world, has to be earned: it’s an hour’s walk from the nearest parking lot to set foot on its white pebbles.
The seclusion of the calanque guarantees an intimacy rare on the Mediterranean coast. The crystal-clear waters invite contemplation, while the surrounding cliffs offer exceptional vantage points for photographers. Calanque de l’Erevine represents the very essence of the Côte Bleue: wild, unspoilt and of striking raw beauty.
Calanque de Sainte-Croix
Located between Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins, the calanque de Sainte-Croix features a fine sandy beach, a rarity on this predominantly rocky coastline. This makes it a popular destination for families, especially as access is relatively easy.
The shallow, transparent waters of Sainte-Croix create a natural lagoon ideal for swimming. The calanque also boasts a rich plant life, with umbrella pines providing welcome shade during the hottest hours.
Cap Couronne cove
In the heart of the Cap Couronne massif, this spectacular cove impresses with its size and unique geological configuration. The reddish cliffs contrast with the intense blue of the Mediterranean, creating a natural tableau of remarkable intensity.
The Cap Couronne cove is particularly attractive to experienced divers, as its seabed is home to exceptional biodiversity. Groupers, sea breams and schools of sars swim in crystal-clear waters, offering some of the finest diving conditions in the region.
How to get to the Côte Bleue calanques: transport and parking
Access by car
Access to the Côte Bleue calanques is mainly by road, via the D5, which runs along the coast between Marseille and Martigues. The various calanques can be reached from a number of departure points:
For calanque de l’Erevine: Parking at calanque de Niolon or port de Méjean. Please note that spaces are limited in high season, and we recommend arriving early in the morning.
For Cap Couronne: Access from Cap Couronne lighthouse, parking close to the beach.
For Sainte-Croix: Direct access by road from Carry-le-Rouet, parking close to the beach.
Summer restrictions
During the summer period (June 15 to September 15), traffic restrictions apply to preserve natural areas. Access may be prohibited in certain areas. It is advisable to consult prefectoral decrees before setting off.
Public transport
The Marseille-Miramas train line via the Côte Bleue serves several stations close to the calanques: Carry-le-Rouet, Sausset-les-Pins and Niolon. From these stations, it’s a 20- to 45-minute walk, depending on the calanque in question. This environmentally-friendly option means you can avoid parking problems while enjoying magnificent scenery during the train journey.
Hikes and trails: explore the Côte Bleue on foot
The customs trail
The Côte Bleue customs path is the region’s most emblematic hiking route. This 15-kilometer coastal path runs from l’Estaque to Carry-le-Rouet along the shoreline. Allow 6 to 8 hours to cover the entire route, with the option of dividing it into several stages.
The trail offers exceptional panoramic views of the Mediterranean and access to most of the Côte Bleue’s wild calanques. White and red markings ensure easy navigation, even for occasional hikers.
Hike to the Méjean cove
Duration: 1h30 round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Vertical rise: 150 metres
The trail starts at the port of Carry-le-Rouet and winds through the garrigue of Provence. The first 20 minutes offer a gradual ascent with plunging views over the village. The path then becomes more technical, with some rocky passages requiring good hiking boots.
Three creeks circuit
For experienced walkers, this 8-kilometer circuit allows you to discover the Méjean, Vesse and Sainte-Croix creeks in a single day. Allow 5 hours actual walking time, plus swimming and picnic breaks.
Recommended equipment: Hiking boots, hat, sun cream, plenty of water (minimum 2 liters per person), energy snacks.
Water sports: diving, snorkeling and swimming
Scuba diving
The seabed of the Côte Bleue calanques is one of the richest in the PACA region. The geological diversity of the coasts extends underwater, with drop-offs, caves and rocky screes creating varied habitats for marine fauna.
Remarkable dive sites :
- Les Moyades (beginner level): 5 to 15-metre depths with sars, girelles and scorpion fish.
- Le sec du Cap Couronne (advanced level): spectacular drop to 40 metres, frequented by groupers and barracudas.
- La Vesse cave: underground exploration in a preserved environment
Several diving clubs based in Carry-le-Rouet offer introductory and advanced courses. Visibility regularly reaches 20 to 30 meters, offering exceptional conditions for underwater observation.
Snorkeling and trekking
To discover the richness of the sea without heavy equipment, snorkeling in the calanques of the Côte Bleue reveals unsuspected wonders. The shallow waters of Sainte-Croix are perfect for beginners, while the more rugged bottoms of Méjean will delight experienced snorkelers.
The Posidonia meadow, the lungs of the Mediterranean, is home to exceptional biodiversity: sea urchins, starfish, octopus and a host of colorful fish live in this protected ecosystem.
Swimming and lounging
Each calanque offers its own particular bathing conditions. The sheltered waters of Sainte-Croix are ideal for families, while the more adventurous will appreciate the wild creeks of Erevine for a natural swim.
Water temperature varies from 15°C in winter to 24°C in summer, with optimal conditions from June to October. Water quality is excellent, thanks to the protection of natural areas.
Boat trips: a different Côte Bleue
For a unique and unforgettable perspective, embark on a boat trip along the Côte Bleue. This maritime approach reveals all the majesty of the limestone cliffs and offers privileged access to the most secret calanques, sometimes inaccessible on foot.
Possible excursions :
Discovery tour (2h): Panoramic tour of the main calanques with swimming stops
Sunset excursion (3h): Sail at the end of the day to admire the golden reflections on the cliffs.
Full-day tour: From Estaque to Cap Couronne with lunch on board and snorkeling time
Transparent-bottomed boats allow you to observe the richness of the seabed as you sail, while stops in secluded coves offer bathing moments in total privacy. A perfect complement to land-based excursions!
Practical tips for visiting the calanques on the Côte Bleue
Essential equipment
Hiking: Hiking shoes mandatory (rocky trails), hat, sunglasses, sun cream index 50+, water (2 liters minimum per person), first-aid kit.
Swimming: Mask and snorkel for exploring the sea bed, water shoes for pebble beaches, parasol or beach tent for shade.
Respect for the environment
The Côte Bleue calanques are protected natural areas. A few essential rules:
- Do not pick vegetation, which is particularly fragile in Mediterranean environments
- Collect and return all waste
- No smoking or fires (major fire hazard)
- Respect wildlife: do not disturb nesting seabirds
- Use marked trails to avoid erosion
Photographing the calanques
The calanques of the Côte Bleue offer exceptional photographic opportunities. The best light is at the beginning and end of the day. The golden hour, an hour before sunset, sublimates the ochre cliffs and marine reflections.
For macro-photography enthusiasts, the Mediterranean flora reveals its secrets all year round: wild orchids in spring, golden immortelles in summer, colorful arbutus fruits in autumn.
The authentic Côte Bleue experience
The calanques of the Côte Bleue await you for an authentic Mediterranean experience, far from mass tourism. Between turquoise waters, secret coves and wild paths, this unspoilt paradise between Marseille and Martigues offers the ideal setting for an unforgettable vacation in harmony with nature.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, scuba diver or simply looking for some peace and quiet in the midst of exceptional scenery, the Côte Bleue will meet all your expectations. Its confidential calanques, such as Erevine, its family beaches, such as Sainte-Croix, and its spectacular diving sites at Cap Couronne constitute a natural playground unique in the Mediterranean.
Your next dream vacation in the calanques of the Côte Bleue is waiting for you. All you have to do is take the first step…
