Calanques National Park, Protected coastal area in Bouches-du-Rhône, France.
Calanques National Park is a protected coastal area between Marseille and Cassis featuring narrow coves carved into steep limestone cliffs along the Mediterranean. The landscape combines rocky ridges with marine ecosystems and supports a variety of adapted plant and animal species.
The area came under protection in 1923 when locals formed the Comité de défense des Calanques to stop industrial development from spreading. Official national park status arrived much later in 2012, marking the culmination of decades of conservation work.
The area has long drawn fishermen and artists who found inspiration in the dramatic cliffs and clear waters. This bond between sea and people remains visible in how locals and visitors move through these spaces today.
You can reach the area through four main gateways: Cassis town, Les Goudes village, Luminy University grounds in Marseille, and Sormiou cove. Trails range from gentle walks to steep climbs, so bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water for any route you choose.
The Cosquer Cave, reachable from the sea, holds over 200 prehistoric paintings including depictions of penguins and other animals no longer seen in the region. These artworks reveal how different the climate and wildlife were thousands of years ago in this area.
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