From 1 May to 31 August, access to the natural creeks (or 'calanques' as they are known locally) by motor boat is strictly prohibited at weekends and long weekends and
on public holidays between 9 am and 6 pm.
Access is permitted on weekdays.
The creeks by boat
Taking a boat out is the best way to explore all the creeks or 'calanques' along the Côte Bleue.
On a large sailing boat, individually on a hire boat or in a small group with a skipper, there are lots of ways to discover our Mediterranean coast. A slice of paradise on earth...
Leaving from Carry-le-Rouet, the Albatros sailing boat offers three different routes to discover the creeks along the Côte Bleue, Marseille and its islands and the creeks of Marseille-Cassis. The Albatros has a capacity for 100 people.
Route A: Set sail on board the Albatros for 75 minutes to explore the creeks along the Côte Bleue. Visit the beautiful creeks in Cap Rousset, Les Bouchons, Cap de Nantes, Les Eaux Salées, Parc Marin de la Côte Bleue, Les Hirondelles, Madrague de Gignac, La Redonne, Figuières, Méjean, Moulon, Beaume Rousse and Île Elevine.
Route B: Three hours to explore Marseille harbour and its islands. From the beautiful old port of Marseille to the island of If and its castle, made famous by Alexandre Dumas' classic novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo', and the Frioul archipelago.
Route C: A full day's sailing to the rhythm of the Mediterranean to take in the renowned natural creeks of Marseille-Cassis. The trip includes a stop at Frioul Island before you get to discover the stunning creeks along the Côte Bleue on your return.
Individual boat hire (licence compulsory) from DG Services: http://www.dg-services.fr/
Trips in small groups or individually with a skipper offered by Balade en mer Marseille-Côte Bleue: http://www.balade-en-mer-marseille.fr/
The creeks by foot
The GR 51 hiking trail, accessible from Le Rouet beach or Niolon, offers around 16 km of footpath, an ideal way to explore the magnificent creeks along the Côte Bleue. Ranging from medium to difficult, this trail will lead you to the heart of the picture postcard setting of the Mediterranean coast.
The Lézard path (no particular difficulty) takes walkers on a 4-kilometre trail of discovery of Mediterranean flora and fauna with information panels along the way. Accessible from Quai Maleville (Carry-le-Rouet port), this path hugs the shoreline and leads to the border between Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins.
The creeks by train
The 'Blue Coast' line (no. 7) from Marseille to Miramas follows the coastline and affords breathtaking views of the natural creeks from the rugged hillsides. The subject of many TV reports, this train route will enchant and delight lovers of the big blue sea!
The creeks by kayak or paddleboard
Hiring a stand up paddleboard or kayak is a really special way to discover the natural wonders of the Mediterranean coastline.
In the town centre or at Le Rouet beach, several centres look forward to welcoming you and showing you how to explore our beautiful creeks.
Association de Voile de Carry-le-Rouet : http://www.avcr.fr/
Base Nature Nautique : http://www.loisirsprovence.fr/
Blue Kayak : http://www.bluekayak.eu
Carry Kayak : http://carry-kayak.fr/
