Calanque of Sormiou
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.
The Beach seen from cap Sormiou
Overview of the Calanque
Path between the beach and the port
Port of Sormiou entrance
Launching ramp
Cabins behind the port
A cabins path
Cape path
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: There is often a bad surprise for the tourists or the regular visitors. In the summer, the entry road is closed for the day because of the risks of fire. Only the cabins owners and the restaurants customers have a pass. Therefore, many families leave their car and walk down the calanque, forgetting about the difficult way back. When they finally get to the heavenly calanque, they enjoy and think they are going to be quiet and peaceful all day. But in the afternoon, a lot of cars arrive and the calanque gets crowded. How? Because they come from La Cayolle, an area nearby. This area is sensitive and there is a lot of delinquency. No matter fires and safety, the law is not the same for every one…
- My suggestions: The warning above shouldn’t prevent you from visiting Sormiou. It is truly one of the most outstanding calanques of Marseille. If you go there by car of motorcycle, wake up early to enter before the gate closes. See times to visit. On the way back, the guards will open. 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
