Calanques are steep-sided inlets that have generally been formed by fluvial erosion or coastal caves falling and being flooded. The best example of this interesting geological formation may be found at the Calanques de Marseille, just south of France’s second largest city.

The calanques are a popular tourist destination for all sorts of outdoor adventurers, especially rock climbers. The national park in which the Calanques de MArseille are located boasts more than 3,400 routes, from single-pitch sport and multi-pitch trade to scrambling.

The undisputed highlight of visiting the area is heading out to climb on the sea cliffs. These offer plenty of great challenges and even better views. Among the most popular spots to climb in the calanques are the Calanque de Sormiou, Calanque de Morgiou, Calanque de Port-Miou and Calanque de Sugiton