Calanques
by Wendy VanHatten
Nestled along the enchanting coastline of southern France, the Calanques from the town of Cassis offer a stunning natural spectacle that captivates visitors with their dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and hidden coves. This series of narrow inlets, stretching between Cassis and Marseille, provides a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and tranquility enthusiasts alike. As one embarks on a journey from the charming port town of Cassis, the Calanques reveal a breathtaking landscape where the rugged beauty of the cliffs meets the serene allure of the Mediterranean, creating an idyllic setting for hiking, boating, and simply basking in the awe-inspiring surroundings.
Visiting the Calanques from the town of Cassis, Franc we learned some interesting facts.
A calanque is a cove or an inlet especially on the Mediterranean Sea along the coast of France, between Marseille and Cassis.
Due to the underground springs that drain below the surface and currents, the water is cold.
There are a total of 26 calanques, which are 37 meters deep. In 1991 cave paintings were found at this depth, proving the presence of cavemen in these fjords.
White limestone is what the calanques are formed from. This is a type of limestone which is hard, compacted, shell-like, and rich in fossils.
