Natural Crafts Bouches-Du-Rhône

True jewels of Marseille! The Calanques is a desert-like mineral universe with relief shaped and carved by the elements, resulting in small coves and sandy beaches. The sunlight is wonderfully pleasant and the sea is always magnificent. Protected site, The National Park of the Calanques shelters a very rich fauna and flora where rare and wonderful species live. To take part in their balance, pay attention to the marked footpaths to preserve the sites and do not throw rubbish here! Beware, the access to the Calanques massif is managed by level of danger and it can be sometimes banned, throughout the year and especially in summer. The choice is up to you: plage de la calanque de Sormiou, plage de Sugiton, calanque de Morgiou, calanque d'En-Vau, plage de Saména... . To enjoy and explore them as it should be, you need several days. Find out more information on the access of the Calanque on 08 11 20 13 13 or www.bouches-du-rhone/pref.gouv.fr.

Nestled between two cliffs, it is the largest and most famous beach of Carry. It is nevertheless quite far from the town centre. Mixed beach of sand and pebbles (where there is a beautiful ''mise à l'eau''), it is bordered by snacks, restaurants, a car park, accessible to the disabled, with supervised swimming. The beach is exceptional for its panorama and very popular with families. It is worth mentioning the practicality of its large paying car park, as free parking spaces are rare in the vicinity. Very busy in high season, it goes without saying.

This hike will take you to the caves of Calès, an exceptional site made of a troglodyte group of 116 caves, including 58 inside a natural amphitheatre. In the middle Ages, this set of caves had about 200 inhabitants. The circus was then fortified and developed in buildings and houses. A medieval castle was even built there. Abandoned at the end of xvith century, the site is still very well preserved.

If the Rolland cave as such cannot be visited because of its dangerousness, the hiking trail leading to it remains one of the most beautiful walks at the entrance to the Parc des Calanques. Between the scrubland, hills, breathtaking views of Marseille and the Marseilleveyre massif, you will enjoy a unique setting for a journey that lasts about an hour (do not forget the time of return before starting the climb). The cave takes its name from a legend that a highwayman named after him made his home there in the 18th century. It is even said that there was an invaluable treasure hidden there. In the meantime, it will allow you an unforgettable walk. Choose the off-season.

The Massif massif is close to everything. Or far from everything, as you prefer! Less than 50 km from Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Marseille and Arles, it comprises the villages of Aleins, Aura, La Enjoyable, Pélissanne and Vernègues. Hills with garrigues scents, small fountains, cobbled streets, centenaires trees and local markets: you can only be seduced by this small corner of Provence typical and well preserved.

Bastide MARIN is a 17th-century manor house located in La Ciotat, Bouches-du-Rhône. This bastide, typical of the Aix-en-Provence and Marseille region, has been listed as a historic monument since 2013. It owes its name to one of La Ciotat's most famous families. Successive owners of the bastide, such as the MARIN, ABEILLE, PORTALIS and FABRE families, were ocean-going captains and shipowners who made their fortunes trading with the countries of the Levant. Since 2004, the "La Ciotat, il était une fois" association has been managing the restoration of the bastide and has created a Mediterranean Heritage Interpretation Center. Twice a week, the public is invited to take guided or self-guided tours. In addition, the association offers an annual cultural program including lectures, historical shows and natural heritage events. In 2021, Bastide Marin has been selected for the Heritage Lottery.