NATIONAL PARKS · FRANCE NATIONAL PARK TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend flying in: 8 france national park tours worth the money, each with its price, its length and the one thing to know before you commit.
You’ll cruise from Ajaccio or Porticcio with a French-speaking guide to Scandola, Girolata, the Gulf of Porto, Calanche de Piana, and Capo Rosso. Expect red granite cliffs, sea caves, swimming time, and two quiet hours in Girolata. Bring lunch, beachwear, a hat, and a change of clothes.
From Porto, you cruise Corsica’s protected Scandola coast on a hybrid boat with live French commentary, then spend 30 minutes in sea-only Girolata. Expect caves, seabirds, silent electric sailing inside the reserve, and an optional 1.5-hour extension to the pink granite Calanche de Piana.
“la réserve de scandola et les calanques de Piana . Visite de girolata ,c'est moyen”
Meet your English or French-speaking guide at Luminy for a five-hour Calanques hike. Routes vary with weather and season, reaching Saint Jean de Dieu, Sugiton, Morgiou, or Sormiou. Guides such as Adrien, Jade, Geoffroy, and Sebastian add local stories, plant knowledge, snacks, and a picnic before free time for swimming.
“Stunning. Our guide, Jade, was amazing. Very kind and patient, provided a more than expected lunch - very informative and experienced. Highly recommend, and thank you Jade!!”
Leave Marseille by bus for a guided hike through pine woods, rosemary, and limestone cliffs in Calanques National Park. You’ll walk about 7.51 km, stop for a picnic and swim, and may swim 700 meters round trip to the Blue Grotto. Guides including Geoffroy, Alex, Yana, Freddy, and Sébastien lead in English or French.
“Fabulous-Sébastien was an amazing guide. And his recommendations to visit Malmousque was fantastic. We had a great day”
Spend 10 AM to 5 PM aboard Goélette Alliance, a traditional wooden schooner built in 1949. Cruise from Marseille’s Old Port past Château d’If, Frioul, Les Goudes, and Riou, with swimming, snorkeling, rosé, and a fresh vegetarian buffet. The crew speaks French, English, and Italian, and raises the sails when wind allows.
“Stunning day out in the Calanques, the two guides were great and the food spread was perfect for a summers day on the water (think summer salads etc). Would highly recommend, a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Marseille.”
Join Planetazur for a roughly five-hour hike from Luminy through Marseille’s Calanques National Park, with views toward Morgiou and Sugiton, a sea swim, shared snacks, and guides such as Adrien, David, Yana, and Freddie. Expect steep paths, loose rock, and a chain-assisted section.
“Reagan was an outstanding guide, very knowledgeable, patient, and super enthusiastic. Such a pleasant surprise, this place is just an absolute must see if you are in the area.”
Spend five hours aboard a small hybrid electric boat from Marseille’s Old Port, with room for up to 12 people. Captain Jacques, Patrick, Thibault, and other crew members have led these trips. Expect coastal views, Château d’If, Frioul, Les Goudes, two possible swim stops, and masks and snorkels on board.
“An amazing time! We had a fantastic and charming captain, and the group size was perfect. Stunning views all around, excellent for those wishing to explore the natural side of the Marseille Calanques.”
Spend seven hours aboard a hybrid-electric boat from Marseille’s Old Port, visiting Château d’If, Frioul, Les Goudes, Riou, and the Calanques. With up to 12 passengers, you get swimming, snorkeling gear, a fresh vegetarian lunch, rosé, and live English or French commentary. Guides such as Tibo, Patrick, and François have received especially warm praise.
“An absolute must do experience! Our guide Tibo was fantastic and he told us stories about the history, geography and culture of the Calanques in both French and English. The company is fantastic and offers a delicious vegetarian lunch and plenty of Rosé. I did the full-day tour and highly recommend it.”
By the vehicle, the animal or the landform.
