Jewels of the Mediterranean Sea

Introduction
Provence France
During this self guided hiking tour in Southern France, you’ll be based in Cassis, a charming seaside fishermen village set on the Mediterranean with just a handful of narrow streets, sunny café & restaurant terraces huddled tightly around its port. You will discover the majestic landscapes along the jagged coastline paths in the "Calanques" that stretch from Marseille to Cassis along the Mediterranean Sea. They were created 12 000 years ago when a gradual warming after the ice ages made the sea rise to flood the valleys. The coast reflects the deep blues of the Sea, creating a symphony of turquoise inlets. The natural conditions - sunshine, wind and dryness - have given birth to a plant life which is rich in its diversity. After your hikes savour delicious local specialities such as the “Pastis” as an aperitif, the “Bouillabaisse” (a meal on its own), the “pistou soup”, the “Aïoli” (poached cod fish with vegetables and a garlic mayonnaise) and “navettes” biscuits!

HIGHLIGHTS
- Spectacular and dramatic coastal walks in the Calanques
- The vineyards of Cassis

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a stationary trip, so all nights are spent in the same accommodation. 

Description
You stay in a 2-star hotel (standard option) ideally located on the harbour front, 50m away from the beach. All rooms feature private bathroom, reversible air conditioning, flat screen TV, and free Wi-Fi access. Some rooms have a mini-fridge. They are spread over the first and second floors.

It is also possible to upgrade for a 3-star hotel upon request (please inquire for more information).


Meals
All breakfasts are included in your package.

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations.

Riding

Trip Difficulty: Moderate
You enjoy regular exercise (whether walking, cycling, aerobics, etc.). You’re in good shape, used to regular and sustained exercise. You are keen to set off on all-day walks, and can handle walking uphill (slowly) for up to 2 hours at a time.
Walks are generally under 5 hours, on various types of terrain -- though nothing technically difficult -- with up to 600m/2000ft of hiking uphill per day
Some ups and downs on the island paths and the coast.

Warning
From Cassis to La Ciotat, there is always at least a meter between you and the cliff-edge, but please be very careful along the path. Wind gusts here can be very strong.
On the Sainte Victoire mountain walk: from the starting point, the walk looks daunting, going straight up along the spine of the mountain, with no respite until the top. But it is not as difficult as it looks. You’ll be climbing for over two hours, maybe three, but it’s all relatively steady. There are no cliff-edges, and only a very short section of scrambling to reach the cross at the pseudo-summit. You may choose to avoid that section if the weather isn’t cooperating, or if the winds are too strong.

Walking Poles
We recommend using walking poles for this holiday. Poles are helpful to increase power going uphill, but especially to relieve your knees going downhill. Walking poles take some time to get used to so we recommend that you walk with them before coming to Provence.

Itinerary

Sample itinerary - subject to changes

Note: this itinerary is not recommended for people afraid of heights.

Day 1: Arrival
Make your own way to Cassis. You can catch a bus (line M01) from the train station in Cassis (3km outside of the center) to your hotel if you arrive by train. We can also arrange a private transfer from Marseille or Aix en Provence on request. Please let us know if you want us to arrange transfers and we’ll quote you a supplement.
Cassis, sheltered by the Cape Canaille, the highest sea cliff in France, was inhabited since Roman times. The pretty little old port of Cassis is lined with colourful houses reflecting in the Mediterranean Sea.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Cassis

Day 2: Col de la Gardiole to Cassis
A 30-min private taxi transfer takes you to the Col de la Gardiole pass, high above the Calanques of Cassis. Please note that from June 1st to September 30th, there is no car access to the Gardiole pass. You will need to walk an extra 2km (about 30 min) along the road to reach the Col de la Gardiole.
You're among a garrigue vegetation of shrubs and aromatic herbs, their perfume concentrated by the penetrating Mediterranean sun. Soon you find a shaded and deeply encased valley that descends in tight zigzags towards the sea, and here you reach the Calanque of En Vau. This is followed by a short but steep climb through the jagged limestone to reach the Calanque of Port Pin, a narrow finger-of-an-inlet complete with a sandy beach. This is the perfect stop for your picnic lunch.
The third Calanque is Port Miou, over a kilometre long but ultra-thin, lined on both sides by picturesque sailboats. At the end of the day, you walk straight into the centre of Cassis, a small village set on the Mediterranean.
Hiking about 12 km (4h) + 200m / - 460m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Cassis

Day 3: Relax or Hike Frioul Islands
Today you have a free day with many options! Stay in Cassis and relax by the beach, do some sightseeing or take the train to Marseille for a beautiful hike.
If you choose to do the hike, from the picturesque Vieux Port of Marseille, a ferry takes you to "Chateau d'If" island (30min crossing - ticket not included). Or take another 15 min ferry and do an easy walk on the Frioul Islands. After walking around the island, return by ferry to the Old Port, then take the train back to Cassis (at your charge). We supply you the route notes in your roadbook for the 9km loop walk on the Frioul islands 
Hiking about 9 km (3h) + 10m / - 10m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Cassis

Day 4: Walk to La Ciotat
You begin your walk in Cassis, on a small country lane surrounded by vines. Then, via a wide track, you climb towards Cap Canaille. At just under 400m Cap Canaille is the highest sea cliff in France, and one of the highest in Europe. Facing the vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea the 360° view is incomparable.
From here, the walking path remains above the vertiginous cliff as you make your way along the impressive coastline. Your walk leads into the adjacent town of La Ciotat, with its stunning port, naval construction site, and its sandy beaches (you've earned a swim!).
At the end of the walk, take a taxi in La Ciotat for a transfer back to Cassis (transfer is not included - cost around 25/30 €: make sure to have cash with you).
Hiking about 12 km (4h) + 500m / - 500m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Cassis

Day 5: Departure 
End of your trip in Cassis after breakfast.

Access to paths in the summer
Trail closures possible from June through to September. If hot, dry weather & strong wind, there is a risk that the paths may be forbidden as of noon on any given day or in exceptional circumstances the paths may be forbidden altogether. Information is available at 6:00pm for the following day from the local prefecture, either by telephone (automated message) or by internet.
You are responsible for getting this information.
Tel: +33 (0) 488 178 000: you can ask the reception to call for you, if you want to make sure you understand the instructions correctly Any extra cost for extra transfers due to those restrictions (or to any personal reason) will be at your own charge.

Rates and Dates for Jewels of the Mediterranean Sea

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Cassis
Airport: Marseille
Transfer:

Climate:
                                 Aix-en-Provence area