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.
“la réserve de scandola et les calanques de Piana . Visite de girolata ,c'est moyen”
A 5-hour guided hike through Marseille’s Calanques with a scenic picnic and a refreshing swim, led by local guides.
“A brilliant tour and we had an equally brilliant group! We all became friends quickly and enjoyed the hike. The views from the Calanques are beautiful and definitely worth the visit. Our tour guide Gregory was really friendly and always checked if we were okay. Highly recommend as it’s a great way to meet new…”
Guided hike in Calanques National Park from Marseille with a seaside swim, picnic lunch, and optional 700m Blue Cave grotto.
“The guided hike was spectacular. We all absolutely enjoyed it. The scenery was beautiful. It was somewhat intensive, and you need good shoes. There were many inclines. Our guide was very polite and helpful as well as knowledgeable. We had all age ranges on the hike from 20yrs old to 60+.”
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.
“A wonderful afternoon! Just eight of us on the boat with Eric our guide. A lovely chance to see Les Calanques and have a swim in the bay. It was still warm in late September - very pleasant!”
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.
“We had a very fun and relaxing afternoon paddling out and around the shore and island, and our guides were very friendly. The ocean waters were beautiful and we stopped and swam for a while which was very refreshing.”
4-hour exclusive e-MTB ride from Marseille through Calanques National Park, Château Pastré and Roy d’Espagne. Off-road views for $84.
“This was a brilliant way to explore aspects of Marseille and the surrounding area out with the city centre. Cyril was very friendly, fun and knowledgeable and brought the group together nicely. The traffic coming back in towards the bike hub was a bit chaotic if unfamiliar with french road rules but overall experience was…”
Speedboat tour from Portu Corsu to Scandola Nature Reserve, with caves, Piana coves, Capo Rosso, and a Girolata stop.
“Wonderful trip and our guide and company went out of his way to make sure we got to see everything that we wanted to see, even though his boat had broken down. Very accommodating.”
4-hour early calanques hike from Luminy with a pro guide, local-food picnic, and a refreshing swim in crystal water for $47.
“Great hike to a beautiful calanque! Amazing picnic provided! Highly recommended”
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.
“Super moment passé avec Quentin! Beaux paysages, eau turquoise, île de Girolata, les Calanches de Piana, la réserve naturelle tout est magnifique, ambiance de folie. Activité au top. À faire +++”
Sea kayak and coast hike in Ramatuelle’s Nature Reserve near Saint-Tropez: crystal water, snorkel stops, and an optional 3m rock jump.
“Ce fut une superbe expérience par la beauté des lieux et la gentillesse et le professionnalisme de Marco notre super guide”
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…”
