FRANCE
The ones worth booking.
The 15 most popular national parks tours. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what it costs.
A full-day guided boat tour from Ajaccio or Porticcio through UNESCO Scandola, Girolata swim break, and Calanche de Piana cliffs.
Eco-friendly boat from Porto to UNESCO Scandola Reserve, plus a sea-only stop in Girolata and an optional Calanche de Piana upgrade.
“Eine Stunde vor Abfahrt rief der Veranstalter an und wollte absagen wegen zu hohem Wellengang. Wir waren aber schon unterwegs und auf halber Strecke. Dann hat er die Abfahrtszeit um eine halbe Stunde nach vorne verlegt, was wir kaum hätten schaffen können und uns gesagt, dass die Tour heute 1h kürzer und ohne Aufenthalt in…”
A 5-hour guided hike through Marseille’s Calanques with a scenic picnic and a refreshing swim, led by local guides.
“We throughly enjoyed our hike this morning! Definitely wear tennis shoes! It was a moderate hike but definitely doable by all.”
Guided hike in Calanques National Park from Marseille with a seaside swim, picnic lunch, and optional 700m Blue Cave grotto.
“This hike was absolutely incredible. Alex was very knowledgeable of the area and accommodating to everyone’s hiking needs. Highly recommend booking this tour if you’re in Marseille!”
Small-group Calanques hike from Marseille with transport, panoramic viewpoints, a picnic snack stop, and sea-time for swimming.
“I was expecting to hike above the calanques so I could photograph them from above. Instead our 4-hour hike ( not 5 ) allowed for a couple of photos of one calanque from above for a couple of minutes on the way back. Maybe I had the wrong expectations but mine were not met. Our…”
Marseille Calanques National Park boat trip with a silent hybrid electric ride plus snorkel gear and swims in Frioul and Riou bays.
“Had such a fun time, Patrick was a great captain. He had to make a day-of decision based on the weather to go to Frioul instead of Calanques like originally what was booked but he communicated very clearly and professionally (and in English on top of it all). I personally didn’t have an issue with…”
Sail from Ota through UNESCO creeks of Piana and Scandola Reserve, spot wildlife, and swim in Girolata on a small-group boat.
“Il faudrait plus de motivation et d’anecdotes du guide, plus de musique corse et d’infos par exemple sur Porto et Piana.”
Kayak Calanques National Park from La Ciotat in 3 hours with real sea kayaks, an expert guide, and island views.
“Great guide, great equipment. Kayak-tour itself takes you a very long time through the harbor of Ciotat, so time and experience at the national park is very short. I would consider a full day tour next time.”
4-hour exclusive e-MTB ride from Marseille through Calanques National Park, Château Pastré and Roy d’Espagne. Off-road views for $84.
“Absolutely recommend this tour. The guide was very nice and we saw so many beautiful places. The e-bikes were almost new and by a good brand (Cube). But consider: You bike off road uphills and (fast) down and therefore you may not be afraid of this fact. Thank you very much.”
Speedboat tour from Portu Corsu to Scandola Nature Reserve, with caves, Piana coves, Capo Rosso, and a Girolata stop.
“Great trip and views of the Piana coastline, Capo Rosso and the Scandola Nature Reserve before having an ice cream break in Girolata!”
4-hour early calanques hike from Luminy with a pro guide, local-food picnic, and a refreshing swim in crystal water for $47.
“My partner and I decided to take this hike and let me tell you: It was sooo worth it :) Bruno was an awesome guide and cared a lot about everyone in the group! He made sure to offer a helping hand whenever there was a more difficult part of the track coming up and…”
Ride an electric mountain bike through Calanques National Park from Cassis, using a virtual guide for car-free gravel viewpoints and creek stops.
“Very nice biketrack. Perfect to combine with a small walk/hike to the two Calanques”
Speedboat day from Ajaccio to UNESCO Scandola, sea-only Girolata, Gargalo Island, and multiple swim stops with aperitif included.
“Thomas was SUPER!!!!! Great music all day that set the mood each stop as well. Wonderful information and incredible beach stops xoxoxoox”
Sea kayak and coast hike in Ramatuelle’s Nature Reserve near Saint-Tropez: crystal water, snorkel stops, and an optional 3m rock jump.
“The experience was really nice, Nico ( the guide) was very friendly and charming, he took us to an amazing beach with turquoise water and to cliff with great views. We really enjoyed the activity!”
Kayak from La Ciotat through Calanques National Park for up to 7 hours, with English guidance and stops by beaches and Ile Verte.
“Although we were an hour late, Justine was very kind and understanding of our tardiness. She was very lovely and gave us a good demo on how to paddle properly, and equipped us in the appropriate kit. Although we encountered some choppy waters whilst on our way to the calanques, where we got to swim…”
