Calanque de Callelongue

At the southernmost tip of Marseille, where the road ends and the wilderness begins, one of the most beautiful coastal hiking trails on the French Mediterranean coast begins. From the picturesque fishing port of Callelongue, the legendary GR 98 winds its way right along the cliffs, with the turquoise-blue sea always at your feet. After just a few steps, the city is left behind, and instead, the scent of garrigue, the cries of seagulls, and the sound of the waves accompany every step. We walk past a pebble beach and crystal-clear water, with a view of the Riou Archipelago. The trail is well-marked, though rocky and slippery in places; sturdy footwear is a must. If you continue hiking, you’ll delve deeper into the national park, passing the secluded coves of Mounine, Queyrons, and Podestat. “Ici s’achève le monde connu”—“Here the known world ends,” say the locals. And that’s exactly how it feels.