Calanque de Sormiou

Calanque de Sormiou Sormiou is one of the only "Calanques" coastal fjords accessible by car. However, traffic is restricted in summer due to fire risks. You can reach the fjord by crossing the Baumettes quarter of Marseille, then Col de Sormiou mountain pass, and taking the marvellous little winding road heading through the arid garrigue. Braver walkers can reach the site on foot via the signposted footpaths, and sailors can moor in the creek sheltered from the wind. The views over the Mediterranean Sea from Col de Sormiou are simply breathtaking, and you can clearly make out the islands of Jaïre, Plane and Riou. Down below, the turquoise waters of the fjord are dotted with swimmers and sunbathers. Sormiou is also one of the only inhabited "calanques". Around a hundred little cottages huddle around the little, sheltered harbour and sandy beach, where the people of Marseille love to come to revel in the fjord's quiet atmosphere and beautiful setting.