A discreet haven along the Côte Bleue, opening onto the Bay of Marseille.

Between Marseille and the Camargue, the Côte Bleue unfolds a string of inlets at the foot of the limestone hills of La Nerthe. Among them, the Calanque of Niolon stands out for its picturesque charm. Its small port, lapped by turquoise waters, opens onto the Bay of Marseille and the Frioul Islands. This protected haven captivates hikers and divers, drawn to the unspoiled beauty of the site.

An Old Fishing Village

Once a small fishing hamlet, Niolon has retained its authenticity with its colorful shuttered houses and natural harbor. Its inhabitants once lived from fishing and maritime trade with Marseille, taking advantage of the bountiful waters that border its shores.

A Strategic Site

Overlooking the calanque, the Fort of Niolon was built at the end of the 19th century to monitor access to the Bay of Marseille. Occupied by the Germans in 1942, it is now abandoned but still offers an exceptional vantage point over the sea and surrounding hills.

A Paradise for Hikers and Divers

The coastal path winds between rugged cliffs and fragrant garrigue, where Aleppo pines, myrtle, rosemary, and kermes oak mingle. Following this former customs route, walkers are rewarded with striking panoramas over the Bay of Marseille and the Frioul Islands. The trail passes beneath the stone-arched viaducts of the Côte Bleue railway, built in the early 20th century, adding to the charm of the landscape. A marked trail also leads to the Fort of Niolon, perched atop the massif and offering unique views over the bay and the Marseilleveyre hills.

The waters of Niolon are home to a fascinating underwater world, where groupers, octopuses, and sea fans thrive among wrecks and rocky formations. The local diving center attracts many enthusiasts eager to explore these rich and preserved seabeds.

How to Get There?

Located in the municipality of Le Rove, about fifteen kilometers from Marseille, the Calanque of Niolon is accessible by car, although parking is limited and regulated on weekends and public holidays. It is also possible to get there by boat from the Old Port, or directly by train thanks to the Niolon stop on the Côte Bleue railway line.

Find a guesthouse near the Côte Bleue

Less known than those of Cassis or Marseille, the Calanque of Niolon offers a quiet escape between azure seas and limestone hills, inviting you to immerse yourself in an unspoiled natural setting at the gateway to the Phocean city.