The Calanques National Park

In this new article, I'll take you in the Calanques National Park, indispensably a place to be and unique place in the world. But our British friends not possibly know what the Calanques (or Creeks).

A Calanques is a particular geological formation in the form of a deep valley with steep sides, partially submerged by the sea. They are found in that form around the Mediterranean, and under this name in South East of France.

Dug in a resistant limestone or granite rock, creeks consist of many landscapes of the Mediterranean coasts. In the creeks of Provence, the sea has exploited geological faults in the limestone, giving the coast a very jagged profile.

The sea water is often fresher because many streams flow into the sea, under the surface, with an underground network that collects runoff from the mountains and plateaus. Thus, a large underground river flow ends in the creek of Port-Miou, almost at sea level; it seems to come from the Massif de la Sainte-Baume. The multiplicity of creeks on the coast of massive Marseilleveyre in southern Marseille, gave this mountain called "Calanques".

Hence the name "Creeks" often refers to the mass in question, not just the creeks themselves.The Calanques stretches over 20 km long and 4 km wide between Les Goudes, south-west of Marseille and Cassis. Its highlights are the top Marseilleveyre (432 m) and Mont Puget (565 m).

The nature lovers and walking or the bathers will love to relax in turquoise water thus find their paradise. This place is worldwide recognized and is a few hours away by walk. If I could give you an advise, you should go to my favorites calanques which are Sormiou, Sugiton and Morgiou, you'll be not disapointed. It is also possible to make a tour by boat from the Vieux Port in Marseille or from Cassis.