Bay D'en Vau - Calanque D'en Vau  

General Data

Features

Dock Services

Description

The Calanque (Bay) d'en Vau is located south of the city of Marseille and is certainly one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline from Cassis leading to the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes-Provence-French Riviera.

The bay is part of the territory of the Parc National des Calanques, an organization dedicated to the protection of the ecosystem of this area rich in natural beauty. The creek is about 700 meters long and shares the same sea access with another cove, located to its right: the Calanque de Port Pin.

The Kreek (Cala) d'en Vau is surrounded by high cliffs adorned with Mediterranean scrub and is well protected by the north-east and south winds. The effect of the wind of the maestral - when it is very strong - can prove to be problematic because it can easily transform the Kreek into a "canal" of wind.

The creek, as part of a protected area, is subject to rigid regulation, which moderates access and allowed activities within its waters. Within the bay of en Vau it is forbidden to drop the anchor, except in the northeast section of the bay, up to a maximum limit of 200 meters from the beach. The area is bordered by a row of yellow buoys.

In any case, the entry of boats larger than 20 meters is prohibited because of the reduced space. Lower-capacity boats may, however, pass through the bay, but for motor vehicles, it is forbidden to approach more than 50 meters from the shore with the powered engines.

The only small beach is located at the bottom of the slope, with a clear gravel bottom. It is surrounded by imposing pine trees and the lush Mediterranean Macchia, which create an incredible contrast to crystal-clear water with turquoise reflexes. It is advisable to attend it, in the first part of the day, because the direct light disappears quickly due to the height of the crags around the bay.

The land access is not particularly easy. There are two parking lots for cars, one in the north of the bay, the other to the north-east, from here you can follow two footpaths, but you have to calculate at least 45 minutes walking. The beach does not offer services or commercial activities and to find a refreshment point you have to go to the Calanque de Port Miou.

The bay is also greatly appreciated by diving divers for the richness of its backdrops.

The paths immersed in nature, above the cliffs, will make the hikers happy.

The Calanque d'en Vau is definitely an indispensable step for those who want to sail between the hills of Marseille.

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