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Hiking in the Calanques National Park

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Lionel Michelini / OT Cassis

Sormiou, Morgiou and Callelongue tighter regulation to protect the Calanques

Published on 14 April 2026
Updated on 9 June 2026
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The City of Marseille has just published new municipal by-laws governing access to the Sormiou, Morgiou and Callelongue creeks for the spring of 2026.

The aim is to limit motorised vehicle traffic, reduce tourist pressure and prevent the risk of fire in these particularly sensitive natural areas.

In practical terms, certain roads will be closed to motorised traffic during targeted periods, notably weekends and public holidays.

Published on 14 April 2026 Updated on 9 June 2026

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Regulated periods

  • Advance booking required ONLY for access to the Sugiton cove in Marseille (the last two weekends in June, every day in July and August, and the first two weekends in September)
  • Sormiou, Morgiou and Callelongue: Roads closed to motor traffic from the Easter holidays, initially at weekends, long weekends and public holidays, then every day from June to September
  • Access to the Calanques National Park is restricted from 1 June to 30 September due to the risk of fire

Why these restrictions?

Preserving a fragile natural site

The Calanques of Sormiou, Morgiou and Callelongue are part of the Calanques National Park, an area subject to heavy visitor numbers.

Limiting the number of vehicles allows us to :

  • reduce the environmental impact
  • limit erosion and damage
  • preserve biodiversity

Fire safety

With the return of fine weather, the risk of fire is increasing rapidly in the Mediterranean mountain ranges.

Fewer cars =

  • fewer potential sources of sparks
  • better circulation for emergency services
  • smoother management of visitor flows

Improving the visitor experience

These measures will also help to calm visitor numbers and offer a more qualitative experience:

  • less noise
  • less congestion
  • more nature

How can I access these rocky coves during restricted periods?

Even when the access roads to Sormiou, Morgiou and Callelongue are closed, access is still possible:

On foot
The hiking trails remain open (subject to weather conditions and access regulations).

By bike
An ideal way to reach the sites whilst respecting the environment.

By public transport (depending on the area)
Some routes serve the entry points to the mountain range.

Practical advice

  • Prefer early morning departures
  • Take water and sun protection with you
  • Check the conditions of access to the massifs (fire risk)
  • Park upstream of restricted areas
  • Check information in real time before setting off

Why it's important for visitors to Cassis

Although these measures apply to Marseille, they directly affect visitors staying in Cassis:

  • Visits to the Calanques are often combined into a single trip
  • Visitor numbers may shift towards Cassis
  • It is becoming essential to find out more in advance. See here 

This is also an opportunity to consider alternatives: boats, footpaths, vineyards

Or to plan a visit to the Calanques

  • outside the weekend
  • during off-peak hours

Fewer cars, more nature.
Less pressure, more experience.

Practical information