Calanques Climbing – Climbing Holiday

Blick über eine Bucht und die Felsklippen der Calanques bei Cassis

The Calanques area between Marseille and Cassis is a treat for climbing enthusiasts. The special appeal of climbing in Les Calanques lies in the spectacular landscape. The rugged rock faces rise majestically above the turquoise sea, while below them stretch picturesque bays and beaches. The view alone is already a reward for the effort of climbing! Come along for a first-class climbing week in this little natural paradise!

  • 15/09/2026 – 31/10/2026
  • 7 days
  • Marseille, France
  • 4 - 8 participants

Book now

CHF 1'890.00

Davide Guzzardi
Questions? Davide is happy to help
Description

Impressions

Requirements

Technique

Climbing experience

Min. 5a seconding

Multi-pitch technique

Experience is an advantage, but not necessary.

Fitness

Endurance

Fitness for short approaches to the sectors of up to 1 hour.

Programme

Travel from Switzerland by public transport or carpooling. Arrival and check-in at our accommodation. A relaxed tour through the old town and, if the temperatures allow it, a refreshing jump into the sea. Discussing wishes, goals and the climbing content of the week with the mountain guide.

Reisende am Bahnsteig vor einem SBB-Doppelstockzug

A full programme awaits us! Long climbing days, fine local food and technique coaching are on the agenda. Of course there will be no shortage of time to relax, fine ice cream by the sea included 😉

Wanderin mit Rucksack auf einem herbstlichen Waldweg bei Arco

The morning is still at our disposal to pick up the last souvenirs, climb the last route or dare one final jump into the cool water. In the afternoon we head back towards Switzerland. It was great to have you with us!

Kletterer in einer hohen Kalkwand bei Arco

More info

Info

  • IFMGA mountain guide or climbing instructor
  • Accommodation in a mid-range guest house, hotel or Airbnb
  • Photo reportage and videos
  • Group equipment

  • Travel to and from the destination country (carpooling costs are shared)
  • Meals (we are happy to cook at the accommodation, or alternatively go out to good local restaurants)
  • Private insurance including repatriation cover
  • Cancellation insurance
  • Everything that is not mentioned under «included»

  • Harness: CHF 20.–
  • Helmet: CHF 15.–
  • Climbing set: CHF 70.–

Accommodation

Mid-range guest house, hotel or Airbnb.

Clothing / Equipment

  • Hard shell jacket
  • Soft shell or fleece jacket
  • Climbing trousers, T-shirt and jumper
  • Beanie, gloves
  • Spare underwear
  • Flip-flops and swimming trunks

  • Helmet
  • Climbing shoes
  • Harness
  • Climbing set (3 HMS carabiners, belay/abseil device, quickdraws, sling, belay sling, prusik cord, chalk bag)
  • Belay device (recommended: Grigri, Edelrid Megajul)
  • Additional gear, if available

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun cream and lip balm, sun hat
  • Water bottle
  • Camera, if you like
  • Sturdy shoes for the approach
  • Backpack (20–40 l)

  • This adventure can be rounded off with a half day of SUP, yoga or paragliding

  • Climbing harness, CHF 50.00
  • Helmet, CHF 50.00
  • Abseil device, CHF 40.00
  • Complete climbing set, CHF 90.00
  • Climbing shoes, CHF 60.00

FAQ

The Calanques are a national park on the Mediterranean coast between Marseille and Cassis – a spectacular coastal landscape with steep rock faces, rugged cliffs and picturesque bays: a true paradise for climbers of all levels. The word «calanque» comes from Provençal and means «steeply falling». The area counts around 60 developed crags with single-pitch routes from 4 to 8c as well as multi-pitch routes – the white, rough limestone directly above the turquoise sea makes climbing here an experience of its own. Because of access restrictions in high season, the area is not overrun despite its beauty.

Crags located directly above the sea alternate with multi-pitch routes. Depending on the climbing area, a short approach through wild and intact natural scenery leads to the dream rock. There is a choice of different bays such as Morgiou, Sormiou, Sugiton, Les Goudes and En-Vau. Every day we decide together which sector best suits the weather, the group and the avalanche situation – just kidding, the wind exposure 😉

We stay in a charming maisonette in the heart of Cassis, with double rooms, a lovely garden and a terrace. The harbour and the cultural life of the little town are only a few minutes’ walk away. In the evening we eat at a restaurant by the harbour or barbecue together in the garden – depending on the mood.

It is most beautiful in spring or autumn – because of the more pleasant temperatures and because the bays are not overcrowded then. This climbing holiday is the perfect opportunity to soak up some sun once more before winter and to extend summer a little. In autumn the sea in Cassis is still warm enough for a swim after the last pitch – which after a long climbing day is the finest ritual of the week.

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