Between immaculate limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and picture-perfect coves, the Calanques massif never really needed an official ranking to make headlines. But this time, it's a study conducted by the British site Sportshoes, specializing in running, fitness, and outdoor activities, that has officially crowned this Marseille gem as the world's best hiking site!
A dream setting between Marseille and Cassis
Over more than 20 kilometers between Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques massif unveils some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Mediterranean basin. The famous GR 98 trail allows you to explore this territory by alternating accessible walks and more challenging hikes for experienced hikers. Since the creation of the Calanques National Park in 2012, 8,500 hectares of land and43,500 hectares of marine spaces are protected. An essential recognition to preserve this exceptional natural heritage.
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Among the must-sees, it's hard to miss the Sormiou and Morgiou calanques, accessible from southern Marseille. On the Cassis side, Port-Pin and En-Vau attract thousands of visitors each year, captivated by their spectacular coves and breathtaking views.
A top spot that confirms the
Worldwide Heartbeat
If the calanques take first place in the ranking, it's no accident. To conduct their study, Sportshoes analyzed 64 emblematic sites around the world using an eye-tracking method carried out with 200 participants. The concept? Measuring the length of time the eye focuses on a landscape to evaluate its power of attraction. Result: with a score of 94/100, the calanques of Marseille beat out the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland, and even the trail leading to Machu Picchu in Peru.
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An international recognition that comes with its downside, though. Already facing an estimated 3 to 4 million visitors per year, according to France 3, the Calanques National Park has multiplied its measures to protect its ecosystems. Sugiton cove is the perfect example: between mid-June and mid-September, a reservation is now mandatory and the number of visitors is capped at 400 people per day in order to allow vegetation to regenerate.