Calanque d'En-Vau, Parc national des Calanques · 프랑스 프로방스 카시스(칼랑크)
Location
Overview
Calanque d'En-Vau is a cliff-walled inlet inside the Calanques National Park between Marseille and Cassis, framed by brilliant white limestone walls and pine. The cliffs shelter it from the open-sea swell, so the water is usually calm and its turquoise clarity regularly reaches 15-25 m visibility, making it a natural aquarium for watching Mediterranean rocky-reef fish with just a mask and snorkel. From the pebble beach the bottom drops to 4-6 m within a few metres, then gives way to posidonia seagrass meadows at 4-8 m. As of 2026 entry is still free, but on high fire-risk summer days the land trail can be closed, so check access before you go.
A white-limestone fjord-like cove with turquoise water and 15-25 m visibility — one of the signature snorkel spots of the Calanques
Enter anywhere off the pebble beach; the seabed drops quickly to 4-6 m, then opens into posidonia seagrass meadows
Mediterranean reef fish: two-banded and saddled seabream, sargo, grey mullet and schools of salema, plus juveniles hugging the cliff base
Posidonia seagrass beds with anemones and starfish on the bottom
Sheltered by the cliffs, it stays relatively calm even when the open sea is rough — friendly for beginners
Reached by a scenic ~2-hour hike from Port-Miou or by boat/kayak from Cassis
Good to know
SafetyThe bottom drops to 4-6 m within a few metres of shore. Beginners and weaker swimmers should not go alone; tow a float or buoy and stay with a buddy.
SafetyThe cove mouth sees moored boats, passing kayaks and people jumping from the cliffs. Stay inside the swim-boundary buoy line and keep well clear of boats and mooring lines.
SafetySea urchins are common on the rocks and seabed and their spines hurt. Wear water shoes rather than entering barefoot, and don't step on or grab the rocks.
SeasonAs the water warms in summer, the mauve stinger (Pelagia noctiluca) appears often. Wear a rash guard and check local jellyfish reports. Note: for the Mediterranean pelagia, vinegar makes the sting worse, so don't use it if stung.
SeasonBest season is June-September with summer water around 21-24 C. A strong mistral wind can chop up even the inner cove and cut visibility. There is no shade, drinking water or shop, so carry plenty of water and food.
RulesThis is a marine protected area within the Calanques National Park: no collecting or feeding marine life, use reef-safe sunscreen, boats are limited to 5 knots within 300 m of shore, and amplified sound is banned. On 'red' fire-risk days in June-September the land approach is closed, so check the 'Mes Calanques' app or the préfecture notices.
MannersDon't stand on the posidonia meadows or the rocks, and don't touch anemones or urchins. The fish are wild and keep their distance, so don't chase or feed them — and since there are no facilities, pack out all your trash.
Practical info
Access is from Cassis. By land, hike about 2 hours from the free Gorguettes car park via Port-Miou (the final stretch is steep and rough); alternatively reach the cove by boat tour or kayak from Cassis harbour. June-September is peak season and entry is free, but with no facilities you must bring your own water and food, and the land trail closes on high fire-risk summer days. Confirm shuttle/tour fares, operating hours and same-day access with up-to-date sources just before you go.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
