The Grotte de la porte de Rome
The grotte de la Porte de Rome is a lovely half sunken cave located at the east exit of the calanque de Sormiou, in the cliff of the Cancéou, spreading from the claque du Cancéou to the pointe du figuier. It doesn’t appear on the IGN maps, and it is 2 km away from Sormiou beach. Therefore it is not easy to reach, except by boat or canoe. It has a big chimney but its only entrance is actually under water. Its size is between the size of the Blue Cave and Capelan Cave. Even though it doesn’t have the same colors, the light through the large under water entrance makes it a wonderful pool, and you don’t expect it from outside.
East side of Sormiou
Cancéou Cliff
Cancéou and the Porte de Rome
We feel very small
Riou and the bec de Sormiou
We can see the entrance
Inclined slab
Grotte de la porte de Rome
The cave lit
Well of light
Under the chimney
How to get there
- Location: At the east exit of the calanque de Sormiou, right after the calanque du Cancéou, there is the Cliff of Cancéou. The entrance is under water, one meter deep.
- Route: The cave is 2km away from Somiou beach and 1km away from the last creek at the east. You cannot swim there. You can boat or canoe.
- Recommendations: The under water entrance is not deep. If it is sunny and if you’re not scared of swimming, you can swim there with a mask and a snorkel. Be careful not to bang your head in the wall when you enter, and of the backwash that makes the rocks slippery.
The exit
Ready
Diving
Underwater exit
Drop
Shoal of fish
Going back outside
Riou in the distance
