Cap Canaille cliffs, Cassis, La Ciotat

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penchinat

2415 pts.

Off the path Explo

52 %

Off the path Explo rate

Score

2.6 / 5

Comments

Cap Canaille is regionally well known. Anyway, that's a good off the path trip!
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- Description
  
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  Very good description and tips Penchinat!
- Plans & useful information
  
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  Yes, any plan to help us?
- Pictures
  
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- Precise localization on map
  
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- 1 specific article for 1 specific spot
  
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  Yes!
Explo Popularity

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Walking on the cliff... A nice and easy walk tour, overlooking Cassis and the Mediterranean sea...

My experience, Explo description:

"Canaille" results from Latin "Canalis mons", which means "mountain of waters, aqueducts", or "naïo Cape" (which means in Provencal language) : "mountain which swims, moves on the sea"...

The cliffs of this mountain are the highest maritime cliffs of France and the 4th highest in Europe. Their summit is called "La Grande Tête" (the big head). It is 399m high...

For those who like nature, the massif of Cap Canailles is classified.

A tourist road ("route des crêtes") goes close to the edge of the cliffs. It is 15km long. Following that road, you can drive from Cassis to La Ciotat. It offers spectacular points of view on the sea, Calanques creeks, and the archipelago of Riou islands. There are many car parks where you can stop. Beware, the road is closed in case of big windy day !

A hiking trail (12 km to go) allows to go through the massif. Beware, the access is regulated in summer period.

At the east side of the cliffs stands a semaphore, with an orientation table.

My personal recommendations:

From Cassis, if you prefer, there is a trail that goes along the shore, down the cliffs. From there, looking up to the top of the cliffs is amazing ! Beware, this trail does not go to La Ciotat : you need to go back on the same trail.

How getting there:

By car (follow the "route des crêtes" signs) from Cassis or La Ciotat.
Else, you can walk to there from Cassis (west side of Cassis, going through the "pas de la colle" pass). But, you will have to climb 400m !...

A tip to eat:

There is no place to eat on the top of the cliffs. Take a picnic.

A tip to sleep:

There are hotels in Cassis or La Ciotat.

Useful information:

Open hours:

All day long.

Visit duration:

A whole day for the walk tour.

Entry fees:

Free.

Access security:

Beware of access restrictions :

> In summer time, access to mountains and forest is forbidden in Provence, due to fire risks. Look at the information signs, or go on Cassis Web site : http://www.ot-cassis.com/decouvrir/...
> The "route des crêtes" tourist road is closed on windy days.

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