France · NATIONAL PARKS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 national park trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Cruise Corsica’s wild west coast from Ajaccio or Porticcio to Scandola, Girolata, Piana, and Capo Rosso on a guided full-day boat tour.
Explore Scandola by quiet hybrid boat, stop at sea-only Girolata, and add Piana’s pink granite cliffs on this Corsica tour.
“Lorsqu’on est assis du mauvais côté et à l’intérieur des fenêtres ont voit rien et les guide laisse à peine le temps au passager de se lever pour prendre des photos. On nous a changer d’horaire et fait changer de bateau entre deux trajet, le trajet vers la réserve naturelle était mieux car nous avons pu nous assoir au deuxième étage..”
Hike Marseille’s Calanques with a local guide, picnic, sea swim, dramatic coves, and practical tips for heat, transport, and trail difficulty.
“It was very chilling and really connected to nature, the weather was a little windy but overall it sunny and not so cold!Giving the summer vibe! Sebastian was very helpful!”
Hike Marseille’s Calanques with a local guide, picnic, swim, and optional 700-meter Blue Grotto excursion for $41.
“Fantastic hike.. spectacular scenery.. awesome guide (Ben) Would give 10 stars if I could”
Sail Marseille’s 1949 wooden schooner to the Calanques for swimming, snorkeling, a vegetarian lunch, rosé, and beautiful coastal views.
“Amazing experience. Very friendly staff and the food was very tasty. Little Eva says thanks to everyone. We had a lovely time!!!!”
Hike Marseille’s Calanques to Sugiton and Morgiou with a guide, shared snacks, sea views, and time for a refreshing swim.
“A great experience on a perfect day. A hike through this gorgeous park down to the Mediterranean. Spectacular views and a chance to swim and picnic.”
Cruise Marseille’s Calanques by quiet hybrid boat, with swimming, snorkeling, rosé, vegetarian lunch, and small-group guiding.
“Beautiful day on the boat, cruising the Calamques. Informative and relaxing day with a couple of swims and lunch. Would recommend this tour.”
Kayak La Ciotat’s Calanques, sea caves, Green Island, and clear water on a guided three-hour trip with equipment and photos included.
“This was a fun family adventure! We enjoyed learning a bit of the history of La Ciotat, the water was clear and warm, and the cave at Green Island was a great destination to explore. Thank you to our guide who helped us feel safe so we could focus on the fun. The time flew by in a flash.”
Ride an electric mountain bike from Marseille into Calanques National Park for steep trails, sea views, local stories, and a possible beach stop.
“This e-mountain bike tour is an excellent way to see the Calanques National Park and nearby villages. The bikes were in good order, and the route was great including a mix of beachside streets, walking paths and rocky, hilly hiking paths. I am a regular cyclist with familiarity with riding over rocks and sand but someone with little experience might find the handling a little daunting. You don't have to be in super shape -- the e-bikes work great getting you up the grades. Meeting location was easy to find, and easily accessible by Metro and bus from downtown Marseille. I felt like it was a good value. And we…”
Explore Scandola, Piana, Capo Rosso, and Girolata by boat from Porto, with cave access, a local guide, and a 30-minute stop.
“Wonderful trip and our guide and company went out of his way to make sure we got to see everything that we wanted to see, even though his boat had broken down. Very accommodating.”
Hike Marseille’s Calanques with a local guide, swim in clear water, and enjoy a picnic of regional foods for $47.
“Bruno was amazing! The hike was easily the best part of our visit to Marseille. I took six college students on the hike as part of a four week course on African American writers in France. We visited Marseille after reading Claude McKay's novel, Romance in Marseille. The hike was incredible! Bruno contacted me the night before to make sure we knew where to meet him. We had varying degrees of athletic ability in my group, and we all enjoyed it. In addition to my students, our group had a mix of English and French speakers. Bruno navigated this seamlessly. Ages in the group likely ranged from 13 to a…”
Cruise Marseille’s Calanques on a quiet electric boat, with swimming, snorkeling, small groups, and views of Château d’If and Riou.
“The guide was a great and very friendly Captain… and the tour was wonderful. I felt safe though there were quite big waves on the way to the calanques.”
Cruise Corsica’s Scandola Reserve, swim in clear coves, visit sea-only Girolata, and enjoy a small-group boat day from Ajaccio.
“Thomas was SUPER!!!!! Great music all day that set the mood each stop as well. Wonderful information and incredible beach stops xoxoxoox”
Ride an electric mountain bike through Cassis and the Calanques, with virtual navigation, rocky tracks, Cap Canaille views, and flexible rental times.
“Very nice biketrack. Perfect to combine with a small walk/hike to the two Calanques”
Paddle Ramatuelle’s crystal-clear coast between Pampelonne and Cap Camarat, with snorkeling, swimming, and an optional 3-meter rock jump.
“We had a wonderful morning exploring the coastline of Cap Taillat by Sea Kayak. It was our first time sea kayaking but we were very well looked after by Marco and Jo who guided us to a fabulous snorkelling spot and then round the Cap to a quiet beach where we could relax in the crystal clear water before heading back to the boat house.”
Pick a ticket, a vineyard or a stretch of coast.
