Calanque d'En-vau Beach

Set on the 10 mile stretch of coastline between Marseille and Cassis in southeast France are various stunning beaches, inlets and hidden coves. The calanques are fjord-like inlets carved into the white limestone by ancient rivers that have long since disappeared underground. Of all these deep inlets none is more beautiful than Calanque d’En-vau.

Set at the end of a deep canyon is a small stretch of pristine white pebbles and sand lapped by the gentle turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Lush pine trees cling to the towering cliffs which have been twisted into jagged pinnacles by the elements and millenia. Access to the beach involves a trek of around an hour over quiet hard terrain followed by a steep path down the limestone cliffs. Once there though you can relax and take in the stunning scenery, or for those of a more energetic persuasion there is great rock climbing and snorkelling to be had. Alternatively, you could take a boat from nearby Cassis; whether this is by charter boat or a kayak is your choice.