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Calanques d’En-Vau

By Amélie Blondiaux

Marseille, FranceCountry Flag

Reporter photographer Amélie is also the founder of the independent media HELLOLAROUX on which she shares her outdoor adventures. After getting the hiking bug, she decided to encourage women to take action by inspiring them with accessible adventures near their homes in France and around the world.

Route:

Easily accessible, we are incredibly lucky to have the Calanques National Park at the gates of Marseille. Among the most spectacular, the Calanque d'En-Vau is one of my favorite hikes. This is a loop accessible by car from the Route de la Gineste. The markings take you to a first crossing. I personally prefer to follow the La Fracasse trail which takes me to the left side of the calanque. Then I follow the ridge to the markings indicating the Belvédère d'En Vau'. The view is absolutely breathtaking on the cove, the Calanque de l'oule (on the right) and in front of you the cliffs of Cassis.

Follow The Route On ALLTRAILS >

Around 4 hours

Accessible hike, but avoid the hot hours and high summer months

Don't forget water and sunscreen

Hiking Key

The Look

I like its maneuverability and stability which allows me to hike on any terrain

Siren 4

It is an honor to proudly wear the colors of the Hiking Club in addition the material is extremely soft.

MHC Sweater

Field Notes:

Shades of blue and green, umbrella pines, crystal clear waters, the creeks of Marseille are our little Caribbean. If in summer it is a famous spot for swimming, the creeks of Marseille are also an incredible playground for hikes of different levels. This is one of my favourite hikes in France because of the views.

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Good To Know

Leave early to hike while it is cool. Once the sun turns in the afternoon the calanque is no longer lit for photos.

"I see myself in MHC; to be part of a beautiful gang of inspiring women who go beyond their limits and who dare. That's actually the secret: the only obstacle is the one we impose on ourselves."

When To Visit

Avoid the summer months if possible, as the stones can get very hot and experience unpleasant. But if you are visiting in the summer, go early in the morning and you'll have the best light!

Q&A:

Why do you love hiking?

Hiking allows me to reconnect with nature, to ease myself when everything is going too fast. This is the moment when I clear my head, I take time for myself, to take stock. I look at what I have accomplished, what I should have done. I imagine the future and I dream of adventure but even more: I live in the present moment. It is important to have both feet anchored in the present and to be grateful for life. More than sport for me, hiking is really therapeutic. Beyond a pleasure it has become vital to grant me these suspended moments. And then hiking is above all an opportunity to discover a territory in depth, to meet locals or other walking enthusiasts. It is sleeping in shelters or tents and becoming aware of the superfluous.

Why did you start to share your adventures on social media?

Walking made me gain self-confidence at a time in my life when I did not know the where to get it from. Until the day when: I tried by saying to myself "at least I will have done it". Since then, I have never stopped. With my media HELLOLAROUX I want to give courage and inspiration to women, to know that they are capable of anything. This is also why I see myself in MHC; to be part of a beautiful gang of inspiring women who go beyond their limits and who dare. That's actually the secret: the only obstacle is the one we impose on ourselves.

Next dream adventure:

I dream of going around Manaslu in Nepal. I look forward to my next challenge.

Safety tips:

For day hikes I always take water, snacks, rain gear, sunscreen and a cap. And I never forget to have a GPX tracker with me. For camping or longer trips I always have a first aid kit, a headlamp, an Opinel, a lighter and a rain poncho.

Favourite hike in France:

I was able to hike several great hiking trails such as the Tour du Mont Blanc, the GR 22, the GR 120, the GR 107, the Grande Traversée du Jura .. difficult to choose only one , we have such a crazy variety of landscapes that each hike is pure wonder.

Hiking Tips:

  • Be safe and plan your route ahead
  • Be weather wise, check the forecast
  • Take the correct clothing and provisions
  • Check if dogs/ camping/ BBQs etc are allowed
  • Take your litter with you
  • Leave gates as you find them
  • Have fun!