Marseille Hiking, Provence the South of France
combine a city hike with the
trains that will take you all over
town and make the climb to
the church overlooking the
harbor.
Follow the big i to the tourist info
and parking at the Old Port of
Marseilles.
Marseille, The Chapel at
Notre Dame de la Garde
Cathedral
The hiking trail from Marseilles, the GR 98  (Grande Randonnee)  which goes east above
the rocky coast of the Mediterranean along the Calanques.  These inlets are sheltered harbors.  From
Marseilles to Cassis is about 25 Km and could be a 14 hour hike or more,  (15 miles) depending on your
Calanque visits.
There exists along the coast between Marseilles and Cassis,  Calanques  (inlets) large and small.
Eight large Calanques in order if you are hiking from Cassis to Marseilles are: Port Miou, Port Pin, En
Vau, L'Oule, Devensen Creek, L'Oeil de vere, Sugiton, and Morgiou.  Sormiou is in the vicinity of the end of
the GR 98, about 8 km south of Marseilles.

Many trails cross the Marseilleveyre cliffs or massifs that loom high above the sea. Some trails will
close due to fire hazard in July,  August,  and September.  The GR 98 will be open year round.  The
GR 98 (51) follows the coastline  between Marseilles and Cassis and is the most heavily traveled and
safest. (You are not likely to get lost) It can be a two day trip. You will need adequate water.  Port Morgiou
can be a handy way station for overnight stops.  A road reaches the port village.
The GR 98 Trail is designed for walking, not technical climbing.  A good map is handy to have.  Many trails
are in the area.   Callenonque can be a starting point from Marseille or La Madrague  reached by bus
from Marseilles
For beginning hikers, the trail from Cassis to Port Miou is a good short hike. (crowded on weekends)  
Vehicles reach this port and many boaters use the inlet.  A little further on,  Port Pin makes a good short hike.
The tourist office at the end of the Old Port or Vieux Port provides info on parking and shuttles by both
land and water along with hiking information  The big I is a good place to start a hiking trip in
Marseilles.
One planned hike
takes you for the view
from the Notre Dame
de-la-Garde Cathedral
where you can get a
good oversight to the
city of Marseille.
Marseille Tourist Offices
The tourist offices in the city offer  maps and info. Follow the big i. At the
end of the Old Port or Vieux Port You can find parking and shuttles by both
land and water.
Marseille Tourist Offices list over 31 hikes within the city and
outlying areas of Marseilles.  The hike from Marseilles to Cassis
on the GR 98  the most notable strenuous hike.
Marseille Hiking in Provence the South of France can be on
the GR 98 which goes east above the rocky coast of the
Mediterranean along the Calanques.  These inlets are
sheltered harbors near Cassis, about 25 Km or a 14 hour or
more hike
Custom Search
When To Go To Provence:  March, April, May, and June or September and October  are
good times to go to Provence for hiking, biking and the culinary vacation.  The weather
near Marseilles is Ideal from March to May  (60-75 F) and the trails will not be too
crowded.  July and August are high season and crowded. Accommodations will be scarce.  
Hiking trails could close due to fire danger in July,  August, and September.
Marseilles has a dry Mediterranean climate with 300 days of sun but showers could come
in Sept. Oct. and the winds in Fall and Winter can be a problem.  The Mistral's cold, high
winds (Hurricane Force) can close the trails. Parts of the GR 98 can be slick during wet
weather, the rocks are worn smooth.
Do You need an International Driving Permit to Drive in Europe.
In France and Italy you can rent a car and do not need to show an International Permit, only your drivers
license    Italian law, however,  requires that.....  See Article
Auto Europe  selection, price, and ease of booking on the
web. Shop online well ahead of your trip and choose diesel
(more economical) or gas, luggage space,(important)  
standard or automatic,(important)  two door, four door and
other options.  Renting for more than 17 days; see their
options      see  renting a vehicle in Provence
Custom Search
Marseilles Hotels, Vacation Rentals
Marseilles Train Travel
Marseilles Rental Car
Marseilles Sightseeing Vacation
Marseilles Hiking
Marseilles Provence Area Sightseeing

Save On Air Travel
When traveling by air  you can save on your air fare by Parking your Car for Two Weeks Free after one    
night Lodging in Airport Hotels near your home city .   (60 US cities and hundreds of others worldwide)

The early shuttle from the hotel to the airline terminal will allow you to book an early flight and save money     
on the airfare. Two weeks of free parking offsets the cost of the hotel room and you do not need to arrange    
for a limo from your home to the airport.  Free, 24 hour shuttles to the airport.
Hotels offer two weeks free parking with one night stay, some three weeks or a reasonable day rate for   
extra days.  Cruise passengers included.   See more info at link below, details, photos of hotels, reviews.
Convenient Two Week Free Airport Parking with a one night hotel stay could save you money and   
enhance your experience.