Discover the Best Hiking Trails in Calanques National Park, Marseille: A Personal Journey
I discovered that many travelers to southern France often overlook Marseille, but it is truly a breathtakingly beautiful city. I even prefer it over Nice. When planning my trip, I was inspired by the movie “Taxi” from my childhood, which sparked my curiosity about this charming city. The sea in Marseille turned out to be an unexpected and delightful surprise. This hiking route might indeed be quite off the beaten path, as I didn’t encounter any other Chinese tourists along the way.
The hiking trail, detailed in P2, is the quickest one, taking about 3 hours round trip if you don’t stop for breaks. It demands a good level of physical fitness, as you traverse rugged, undeveloped mountain paths that sometimes require using both hands and feet. We went on a Saturday, and the trail was bustling with students from the nearby university, many of whom were girls in bikinis, moving with remarkable agility.
The locals were incredibly friendly, offering warm smiles and cheerful greetings as they passed by. On a sunny day, the glare of the sun in Marseille can be intense, so sunglasses are a must. The sea, framed by the cliffs and set against the blue sky, sparkles and glows with a mesmerizing blue. The moment you crest the hill and see the sea, it feels like your soul is being purified.
Descending the cliff leads to the seaside, where many people lie on the rocks to soak up the sun. It’s worth noting that most sunbathers, including women, go topless, so be mindful if you are sensitive to this. The rocks by the sea are quite sharp, and the water is cold, so exercise caution when entering.
I was amazed to see locals nimbly navigating the sharp rocks, which have been smoothed by the relentless sea. Since I didn’t bring a swimsuit and felt uncomfortable going bare, I just stood in the water for a while, which was refreshingly comfortable. If you visit, definitely pack a swimsuit and beach socks!
On our way back, we encountered an elderly lady with an adorable dog. We tried complimenting her dog in English, but she only understood Italian. Later, we found that many older residents in southern France, despite not knowing basic English, can speak some Italian, likely due to the region’s proximity to Italy.
For a taste of local cuisine, head to the old town of Marseille and try the traditional fish soup, which I thoroughly enjoyed. In summary, Marseille was the most memorable and surprising highlight of my French journey, and I wholeheartedly recommend visiting if you get the chance!
