My mom is spending 4 days in the Marseille area prior to join us on the ferry to Corsica. Looking for area and lodging recommendations. She booked a Hotel near the port but I'm thinking she may not want to stay in Marseille proper. She's very active (kayaking, hiking, etc) and wants to see the area including the nature reserve (reserve naturelle de l'archipel de riou) if she can find a way to access them. We are not finding a lot info online. Thanks!
Roger
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
I've had a look at some French language sites and it appears that the Archipel de Riou is not usually open to the public at all, with very limited tours available a few days a year. I would suggest making a direct enquiry to the Marseille city or Bouches du Rhone departmental tourist office. The standard tourist boat tours of the "Calanques" from Marseille often pass them, but landing is usually forbidden.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3049 posts
Kayaking the caleuqnes seems like a natural fit for her. http://www.marseille-provence.info/places/sights-and-attractions/340-the-calanques-of-cassis.html and
http://www.destination-calanques.fr/ will have more info. I like Marsielle and think there's enough to see/do in the city itself for at least a full day, if not two. I also really like Casis, although it is busy in the summer.