Kayak Calanques and Islands of Marseille

Departure from the port of the small cove of Callelongue, the furthest point reachable by car when following the coast of Marseille. After reaching and following the Jarre Island, we will cross to the Riou Island, the largest, most spectacular and wildest on the coast. Our first stop will be on the beach of the small cove of Fontange, then we will start the tour of the island, along the spectacular cliffs of the South coast, whose limestone columns evoke the architecture of Gaudi.

After going around the tip of Caramassaigne, we will reach the small fine sand beach of the Calanque de Monastério for another break. The return route will take us past the rocky and deserted Calseraigne Island, then we will reach the coast at the Calanque de Marseilleveyre, one of the most typical of the “inhabited” coves of the coast. Although it has no access road, it has cabins and a very picturesque bar-restaurant. All we have to do is reach our starting point along the coast.

The Marseille Islands that we visit during this hike are the point in France where there is the least rain, and they are subject to very harsh wind and sunshine conditions. This does not prevent us from being able to observe very interesting vegetation that survives in these difficult conditions. These Islands are also a refuge for seabirds that come to nest there, sheltered from predators, such as the Cory’s Shearwater or the Crested Shag. As well as the inevitable Gabian (Yellow-legged Gull) for which it is one of the main breeding sites. These islands are therefore very protected. The complete hike requires good weather conditions: low wind and swell. The route can be adapted according to the conditions.