The Calanque de Somiou is the largest and has indubitably one of the most beautiful beaches. There is a sand beach, with typical cabins, and a small launching ramp for the residents. At the end there is a large parking and a high restaurant.
On the right, the path is going to the cap Sormiou, above two small creeks, until the cap Redon (not far from Capelan cave).
The path on the left is passing through a large road with cabins, until the little port of Sormiou. Then it goes above two small shingle beaches, and goes up to Morgiou crest.
At the very left out of the calanque, there is the prehistoric Cosquer Cave.
A good thing to know: During the summer, Sormiou is the only calanque with a lifeguarded beach area. Plus a CRS team present on the beach.
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A piece of paradise
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Sand Beach
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Overview of the Calanque
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Path between the beach and the port
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Port of Sormiou entrance
How to get there
- Duration: 0min (by car), 50min (walking from the Baumettes parking), 1h (from la Cayolle parking)
- Starting point: La Cayolle or Les Baumettes (suggested)
- Route and degree of difficulty: You can go there by car until the big parking behind the beach (see when to go to the calanques)
or by walking from the Baumettes area (Sormiou via the Baumettes - recommended route)
or from La Cavolle area (Sormiou via La Cayolle).
These paths -especially the one from the Cayolle- don’t have any major difficulty, but they can be really painful in the summer’s heat. It’s not recommended for young children. - Parking Fees: There is a toll down the calanque 4,5€ for each car.
- Behind the postcard: During the fine weather, walking an hour to Sormiou is not necessarily a guarantee of peace and quiet. Indeed, although access to the road leading to the calanque is closed during the day by a guarded barrier as part of fire prevention measures, it is not uncommon to see a stream of cars heading down to Sormiou in the middle of the day. In addition to cabin owners with a permit, restaurant patrons and residents of the nearby Cayolle neighborhood are allowed to use this road.
- My suggestions: Sormiou is truly one of the most outstanding calanques of Marseille. If you go there by car of motorcycle, see times to visit. If you prefer to walk, you should prefer to depart from the parking of the Baumettes, way nicer.
- You can also get to the Calanque de Sormiou by boat. More info here
