The Calanques during Jhané’s immersion stay in Provence

virginieinprovence
2 days ago
4 min read

View of Morgiou cove in the Calanques National Park near Marseille — Morgiou cove, one of the most iconic calanques in southern France

Hello, my name is Jhané, and at the end of spring I went on a French immersion stay with a French teacher and her family in order to improve my French.

I chose Virginie, near Aix-en-Provence, and I really had a great time.

Discovering the Calanques during a French immersion stay

When I arrived at Virginie’s place, she suggested several excursions.These guided excursions are part of the immersion stay. As I really wanted to go kayaking, she booked a trip for me in the Calanques, an exceptional natural site located between Marseille and Cassis.

What is a calanque?

Panoramic view of En-Vau cove and its limestone cliffs — En-Vau cove seen from afar, surrounded by impressive cliffs

A calanque is a narrow cove surrounded by rocky cliffs.

The Calanques stretch over more than 20 kilometres and are protected as part of the Calanques National Park.There are more than twenty of them, most of which are located in the municipality of Marseille.

It is one of the most remarkable natural sites in France.

How can you visit the Calanques?

Cassis harbor with boats and colorful buildings — Cassis harbor, the gateway to the Calanques

There are several ways to discover the Calanques:

by boat
by kayak
on foot, by hiking

I chose kayaking.To be honest, it’s not the least tiring option!The trip lasts about three hours.

French vocabulary: kayaking in the Calanques

Here is some useful vocabulary to talk about kayaking in French:

faire du kayak – kayaking
un kayak – kayak
une pagaie – paddle
accoster – to dock
un gilet de flottaison – safety flotation vest
la proue – bow
la quille – keel
le sillage – wake / trail in the water
virer – to turn
côté bâbord – port side (left)
côté tribord – starboard side (right)

My kayaking experience in the Calanques

Two women kayaking in the Calanques during a French immersion stay in Provence — Jhané and Virginie kayaking in the Calanques during the immersion stay

If you are looking for a nature adventure, kayaking in the Calanques is perfect.

When we arrive at the parking area, I immediately realise that we are truly in the middle of nature. There are no toilets or chairs to sit on, but that’s not a problem.

There are seven of us, including the guide.Our guide is very friendly and pleasant. He jokes throughout the entire trip and makes everyone feel at ease.

Before setting off, he shows us how to paddle. It is a bit more difficult than I had imagined.Paddling for the entire trip requires determination and endurance.

From Port-Miou to En-Vau

Port-Miou cove in Cassis with boats moored along the cliffs — Port-Miou cove, the starting point of our kayaking trip

We leave from the Calanque of Port-Miou, the only calanque located in the municipality of Cassis.

During the trip, we take breaks to listen to the guide.He tells us stories and anecdotes about the history of the Calanques, and we take the opportunity to rest.

If you are a beginner, don’t worry.I was a novice myself—and I survived!And if you have any difficulties, the guide is always there to help.

During the trip, we see ruins and large stones.The guide explains that some monuments, such as Marseille’s Saint-Charles train station, were built using these stones.

In the distance, we can also see mountains.The view is magnificent.

We pass by the Calanque of Port-Pin and then stop at En-Vau beach.

View of the Calanques between Marseille and Cassis, a protected natural area — Calanques landscape, where turquoise water meets white cliffs

What surprises me is the sand—or rather, the lack of it. En-Vau beach is a pebble beach. I had never seen a beach without sand before.

There are also mountains in the distance. The view is magnificent!

Jhané sitting in En-Vau cove during a Provence excursion — Jhané in En-Vau cove, in the heart of the Calanques National Park

The turquoise water of the Calanques

Clear turquoise water in the Calanques in southern France — The Calanques’ turquoise water, incredibly clear

The water is very clear. You can see small fish as well as starfish on the seabed.

But be careful if you want to swim: the water is a bit cold! The guide explains why.

On the way back, we see people jumping from the rocks. It looks fun, and I would like to try it one day.

My tips for visiting the Calanques

Jhané and Virginie kayaking in the Calanques during a French immersion stay — Kayaking together in the Calanques, an unforgettable experience

There are many visitors during the high season, so I recommend visiting the Calanques in spring or autumn.

I went at the end of June, and it was perfect. There were only seven of us, including Virginie and me.

Here are a few practical tips:

don’t forget your sunscreen and swimsuit
wear a hat and sunglasses
bring a change of clothes so you don’t soak your car on the way back
take sandwiches or snacks, as kayaking requires a lot of energy
bring flip-flops to protect your feet on the beach

Conclusion

To conclude, it was a unique experience. I had a lot of fun and I highly recommend this excursion.If I come back to Provence, I would do it again—maybe by boat next time, so I can just relax 🙂.

If you come for a French immersion stay in Provence, I sincerely invite you to contact Virginie in Provence. She will be delighted to help you discover the landscapes, scents, culture and gastronomy of the region, while helping you improve your French naturally, through everyday life.