Calanque

A calanque is a special kind of narrow, steep-walled inlet found along the Mediterranean coast. These inlets form in limestone, dolomite, or other types of rock made from carbonates.

Calanques develop where the land has been shaped by water and sometimes by the collapse of cave roofs. They form when valleys in rocky areas get covered by the sea as the water level rises. This creates unique landscapes that many people visit. Calanques are important for nature lovers and scientists who study how the Earth changes over time.

Characteristics

The most famous calanques are in the Massif des Calanques in Southern France. They stretch 20 km along the coast between Marseille and Cassis. These narrow, steep valleys are made from limestone and other rocks. Similar places can be seen on the French Riviera and the island of Corsica.

Calanques are valleys with steep sides that were covered by water when the sea level rose long ago. They were formed by rivers or by cave roofs falling in. Today, they hold water and are made of limestone or granite. They have a special ecosystem because there is very little soil. But plants grow in the cracks of the cliffs. Over 900 plant types live there, including some only found in this area. Animals like rabbits, foxes, crows, Bonelli's eagles, reptiles, and wild boars also live there.

Tourism

The calanques between Marseille and Cassis are popular with tourists and locals. You can see beautiful views from places like the Corniche des Crêtes and Cap Canaille. There are many paths for hikers, and the cliffs are liked by rock climbers. However, too many visitors can hurt the natural area.

Many calanques close in summer because of fire danger. The best time to visit is from March to May when it is not too hot and rain is rare. Since there is no fresh water, visitors should bring lots of water, especially in summer. Boat tours leave from Marseille, Cassis, and La Ciotat to see amazing sights.

In April 2012, most of the calanques became a national park because of their special beauty.

Cosquer Cave

Main article: Cosquer Cave

The Cosquer Cave is an underwater grotto in the Calanque de Morgiou. It is 37 metres deep and was once home to people long ago when the sea level was much lower. The walls of the cave have beautiful paintings and drawings that are very old, from between 27,000 and 19,000 BC. These pictures show animals like bison, ibex, horses, seals, and auks.