Calanques National Park is a French national park located in Bouches-du-Rhône, in Southern France. It was established in 2012 and extends over 520 km2(201 sq mi), of which 85 km2(33 sq mi) is land, while the remaining is marine area. It includes parts of the Massif des Calanques stretching between Marseille, CassisandLa Ciotat. Several of the park's best known features include the Calanque de Sormiou, Calanque de Morgiou, Calanque de Port-Miou, Calanque de Sugiton, as well as the Cosquer Cave.
In 1923 the Comité de défense des Calanques was established with the aim of preventing industry development at En-Vau. In 1999, the groupement d'intérêt public (GIP) des Calanques was founded to prepare the creation of a national park. Eleven years later, the GIP presented its first draft for a national park; the third draft was approved in 2011. On 18 April 2012, Prime Minister François Fillon signed the decree establishing Calanques National Park.
Getting there
The best way to get to the national park is to fly to Marseille. The drive from Marseille is basically only 30 minutes depending on where you want to enter the national park. There are several entry points to the park. One of the popular ones from Marseille is Mont Rose.
When to visit
The Calanques National Park is accessible all year round. However, during certain times access to creeks may be prohibited. The same goes for fires. You may additionally experience certain access roads to the Calanques are closed to motorized traffic.
Map of Calanques National Park
Image gallery of Calanques National Park
Sights in Calanques National Park
Some national parks contain more than just natural wonders. This list shows you some of the sights that are located in the national park. This includes museums, cathedrals, bridges, dams and much more.
Visitor/Information centres in Calanques National Park
Most national parks have an associated visitor centre to help visitors. They are usually open most of the year but some close in the off-season. You will often be able to find information on all the activities in the national park. A visit to the visitor centre is often recommended before venturing into the park.
Wildlife in Calanques National Park
These sections shows you some of the characteristic wildlife to the national park.
Mushroom hunting in Calanques National Park
There are usually no mushrooms in the national park and it is not a national park known for foraging opportunities. You can do plenty of other activities in the national park.
Camping rules in Calanques National Park
Wild camping is not allowed in Calanques National Park. Be sure to stay at one of the available camping sites when travelling with a tent.
Bears in Calanques National Park
No bears in the park
This national park has no bears and you do not need to take precautions.
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