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.
“Wonderful! The tour as well as the guide. Jade showed us the insanely beautiful bays of Calanque, provided all Information in a very sympathetic way. Blue sky and blue water, combined with a nice physical challenge, but doable. What else would you wish for? This is a MUST SEE for any Marseille visitor. Clear recommendation.”
Guided hike in Calanques National Park from Marseille with a seaside swim, picnic lunch, and optional 700m Blue Cave grotto.
“My guide Reagan was the absolute best! The hike was so beautiful and our guide made us all feel super welcome. I was solo tripping and this hike made my weekend! Totally recommend and make sure to ask for Reagan I couldn’t recommend her enough!!!”
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.
“I can just recommend this activity when being in Marseille. The boat ride is amazing and they take you to see Le Calenques which is Cristal clear water.”
Sail from Ota through UNESCO creeks of Piana and Scandola Reserve, spot wildlife, and swim in Girolata on a small-group boat.
“Très bel endroit, très bonnes explications du capitaine. Excursion un peu longue”
Kayak Calanques National Park from La Ciotat in 3 hours with real sea kayaks, an expert guide, and island views.
“Our tour guide, Elle, was amazing and informative. She shared all kinds of cool information about the history of the area, we held an urchin and the paddling was super fun. Could not believe the color of the water, but it's very salty. I'm also in a wheelchair and wasn't sure how it was going…”
4-hour exclusive e-MTB ride from Marseille through Calanques National Park, Château Pastré and Roy d’Espagne. Off-road views for $84.
“Amazing tour! Was initially intimidated by the mention of steep climbs but the e-bikes handled them pretty well. We had 2 guides for our group and they made us feel comfortable and helped with any adjustments. The views were incredible and you get to spend an hour at a beautiful, secluded beach.”
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.
“Bruno was amazing! The hike was easily the best part of our visit to Marseille. I took six college students on the hike as part of a four week course on African American writers in France. We visited Marseille after reading Claude McKay's novel, Romance in Marseille. The hike was incredible! Bruno contacted me the…”
Ride an electric mountain bike through Calanques National Park from Cassis, using a virtual guide for car-free gravel viewpoints and creek stops.
“Een eerste keer met elektrische mountainbike was wennen. Parcours niet volledig afgewerkt maar wat we deden gaf voldoening.”
Sea kayak and coast hike in Ramatuelle’s Nature Reserve near Saint-Tropez: crystal water, snorkel stops, and an optional 3m rock jump.
“Nous avons été très bien accueillis par l’ensemble de l’équipe et avons apprécié le site d’une beauté rare ! Merci particulier à Marco qui a rendu ce moment particulièrement intéressant !”
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 +++”
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…”
