Hiking in the famous Calanques of Cassis in Provence - all year round

A 20-min private taxi transfer takes you to the Col de la Gardiole pass, high above the Calanques of Cassis. You're among a garrigue vegetation of shrubs and aromatic herbs, their perfume concentrated by the penetrating Mediterranean sun. Soon you find a shaded and deeply encased valley that descends in tight zigzags towards the sea and here you reach the Calanque of En Vau. This is followed a short but steep climb through the jagged limestone to reach the Calanque of Port Pin, a narrow finger-of-an-inlet complete with a sandy beach, the perfect stop for your secluded picnic. The third Calanque is Port Miou, over a kilometre long but ultra-thin, lined on both sides by picturesque sailboats sheltered in this quiet cove.  You complete the loop walk back to the centre of Cassis.

Walk : Gardiole pass > Calanque En Vau - Calanque Port Pin > Cassis  | 4h |  12 km - 8 miles | Elevation: +200m/-460m
. Please note : There is no more car access to the Gardiole pass.  You will  walk an extra 2km along the road to reach the Col de la Gardiole.
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Cassis

You begin your walk in Cassis, on a small country lane surrounded by vines. Then you climb towards Cap Canaille on a wide track.  At just under 400m Cap Canaille is the highest sea cliff in France and one of the highest in Europe. Facing the vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea the 360° view is incomparable, taking in the bay of Cassis below. From here, the walking path remains above the vertiginous cliff (without getting too close!) as you make your way along the impressive coastline. Your walk leads into the adjacent town of La Ciotat with its stunning port, naval construction site and sandy beaches (and you've earned a swim!). Transfer from La Ciotat back to Cassis 

Walk : Cassis > La Ciotat  | 4h |  12 km - 8 miles | Elevation: +500m/-500m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Cassis

Today is a free day to explore Marseille. Transfer to Cassis station to take the train to Marseille  (not included). Founded by the Greeks 2600 years ago, Marseille is the oldest city in France. A cosmopolitan pot-pourri of neighbourhoods, culture, and architecture, Marseille itself would suffice as a week-long walking holiday.  
Today you have the choice : 
. Enjoy time strolling through the streets of the city, exploring the charming colorful quarters of Le Panier, Vallon des Auffes. And don't miss the fish market every morning on the old port : a great ambiance!
. You can opt for a walk on the Frioul islands
From the picturesque Vieux Port, your ferry takes you to "Chateau d'If" island, made famous by the novel of "Monte Cristo" (ferry ticket not included - 30min crossing). Another 15 mn ferry crossing takes you to the Frioul Islands. Other than the restaurants that you find in the port area, the islands are a protected oasis of wilderness. Rare plants are dotted about the sun-bleached walking paths that offer great viewpoints of the city and there are swimming opportunities along the way. Return by ferry to the Old Port of Marseille.
. Train back to Cassis + transfer Cassis station/Cassis centre  (not included)

Walk : Marseille > The Frioul islands > Marseille   | 1h30 |  10 km - 7 miles | Elevation: +10m/-10m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Cassis

End of your tour in Cassis after breakfast. Enjoy the beach and the town.
We highly recommend extending your stay !

Many great options : 
. Cassis : Enjoy a day kayaking with a guide. 
. Cassis : Enjoy a morning or afternoon Electric bike ride with a guide: you cycle among wine estates, or discover one of the hidden calanques by bike
. Cassis : Enjoy a boat excursion to observe the Calanques from the sea : a must ! 
. Marseille blue coast : explore the small & authentic hidden "blue coast" on the western side of Marseille, with some easy walks inland and coastal
. Aix en Provence : take a train to Aix and explore the city!  
  - The regal stone fountains in Aix en Provence line the Cours Mirabeau, behind which 17th and 18th century mansions now house chic shops and banks. A labyrinth of winding streets in the centre of town unveil a wealth of historic buildings, squares, and shops of all kinds. 
  - Market every morning on the "town hall" square, and big market on Saturday morning in Aix en Provence
- Add an extra hike to the Sainte Victoire mountain, made famous by the impressionist painter Cézanne who tirelessly painted landscapes immortalizing the mountain. See details below. 

You can add an extra day of walking and explore the famous Sainte Victoire 
Walk : Bimont dam > Vauvenargues > Aix en Provence  | 4h30 |  10 km - 7 miles | Elevation: +65m/-620m
A short morning transfer takes you to the start of the walk at the imposing foot of the Sainte Victoire mountain.  A jagged spine soars to the 1000m summit and that is your day's goal. And though it may look imposing the climb is steep but there is no scrambling involved. On a clear day from the summit the snow-peaked Alps are visible to the north and the Mediterranean to the south. Once at the the top you can choose to continue walking along the spine, or descend due south to the village of Vauvenargues, where Pablo Picasso found his eternal rest. 
A local bus will take you back to Aix en Provence. (ticket not included)