Would you like to discover Provence in a different way? Here are 7 ideas for sea kayaking trips in Provence.
Did you know that the origins of the kayak go back much further than its recent success? In fact, it’s a multi-millennia-old boat that comes straight from the Inuit people. Kayaking is traditionally done seated with a double paddle. It has enjoyed great success since the 1990s, as has sea kayaking in Provence. It’s practised all over the world, and will allow you to enjoy a slightly different kind of tour from what you’re used to.
A cross between hiking and a maritime activity, sea kayaking also provides physical exercise. That’s why it’s your best ally for summer vacations. With it, you’ll discover the shores of Provence in a whole new way, and keep fit at the same time. Discover our 8 ideas for sea kayaking in Provence.
1. Calanque de l’Oule
Photo credit: Flickr – Koen
Duration: half or full day
Difficulty: easy
Why not take advantage of your vacation in Provence to discover the joys of kayaking? Renting a sea kayak in Provence is the perfect way to combine two of its most popular activities. You can hike and enjoy a refreshing water activity at the same time. No need to choose which activity to do.
Here, you’ll walk along the seafront through the magnificent Parc National des Calanques. Here, you can admire the exceptional beauty of the coastline. A must-see is the Calanque de l’Oule, where you can also discover the grotto of the same name. Awe-inspiring!
If the heat gets to be too much, all you have to do is slip into the water. Life jackets are included in sea kayak rentals.
2. Port Pin cove
Photo credit: Shutterstock – ventdusud
Duration: half or full day
Difficulty: beginner
Here, it’s up to you to choose which option you prefer. Whether for a few hours, half a day or the whole day, discover the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. Indeed, the Parc National des Calanques is a unique site in the world. And the Calanque Port-Pin has a lot to do with it. The vegetation and relatively flat shoreline have made it a favorite spot to lay your towel.
The craggy coastline between Marseille and Cassis offers a splendid space of coves, caves, sea cliffs, islands and archipelagos, specific flora and fauna and breathtaking geology. The crystal-clear waters along the rugged coastline will make you want to stay in your mini-boat, except to enjoy the pleasures of swimming.
Have you already decided to go kayaking in Provence? If so, the next part will convince you!
3. En Vau cove
Photo credit: Shutterstock – olrat
Duration: half-day or full day
Difficulty: accessible to all
Renting a sea kayak in Provence also means taking the time to eat mussels marinière on the beach terrace. Each beach can be your starting point for discovering the coast by sea. Here, you can rent a kayak in Carry-le-Rouet and head for the Côte Bleue and the Calanque d’En-Vau, one of the most beautiful spots in the area.
If you’re with family or friends, you’ll have a great time. Discover the calanques of Cassis and Martigues. It’s also possible to see this jewel by renting other water sports activities, such as paddleboats or towed buoys.
4. The Mugel creeks
Photo credit: Shutterstock – voyageur8
Duration: half-day, full day or several days
Difficulty: accessible to all
Discover the Côte Bleue by sea kayak from Carry-le-Rouet, the islands of Marseille from the Vieux-Port and the Parc National des Calanques from Cassis. You can rent by the day, half-day or even several days. Kayak raids can also be organized.
Thanks to these sea kayak tours in Provence, you’ll be able to discover unforgettable nature at your own pace, with breaks for a swim or a picnic. All sea kayak tours are supervised by a state-certified guide. Last but not least, you’ll discover some of the wild coast’s hidden treasures, such as the less popular but equally spectacular Calanques du Mugel.
5. The bay of La Ciotat
Photo credit: Wikipedia – davric
Duration: All day
Difficulty: accessible to all
The Calanques National Park between Marseille, Cassis and La Ciotat is a Unesco national heritage site. Visiting this Mediterranean treasure is the most environmentally-friendly way to discover its sublime calanques.
Taking to the open sea with your boat will enable you to sail in paradisiacal places inaccessible by any other means. It’s the ideal location to enjoy the hidden corners of the Calanques massif in complete tranquillity. You can also discover hidden caves and observe the splendid scenery of the Bay of La Ciotat.
Whether you’re an amateur or a complete beginner, we’ve got everything you need to rent a sea kayak in Provence and have a great time. You’ll be accompanied by a state-approved instructor, who’ll be on hand to ensure your safety and to give you any explanations you may need.
6. Port-Miou cove
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lamax
Duration: 3 hours, half-day
Difficulty: accessible to all
Several itineraries are proposed here. You can either kayak from Marseille to the Pointe Rouge, or head for the Port-Miou cove. Depending on the itinerary you choose, you’ll be able to visit different areas. The Mediterranean coast offers you its jewels, between deep seas and translucent shores.
7. Devenson creeks
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Dolorette BERNARD
Duration: Half or full day
Difficulty: Accessible to all
It’s one of the most popular spots on the Mediterranean. The calanques of Cassis are the stuff of dreams, with their heavenly coves where you’d think you were at the end of the world. Here, you can rent a sea kayak and set off to discover a piece of all these wonders, such as the calanques de Devenson. The calanques owe their name to the pass and surrounding cliffs, which contribute greatly to the beauty of the area.
It’s a great way to get away from the often crowded beaches in summer. Finally, don’t forget to rent a mask and snorkel before exploring the seabed. You’ll be amazed at the transparency of the water, and enjoy a moment of pure pleasure.
As you can see, the Côte Bleue is full of sublime places to discover. Whether by sea with a sea kayak or by renting a boat, the Mediterranean is yours to discover. So don’t hesitate, and set off to discover it!