alize-hotel.com : Infos on Marseilles

Just outside the city, the gulf and the mountainous zone of calanques are a vast space for relaxation, sports, adventures for all ages and tastes. The sea and the islands are a good excuse for cruises and boat trips to Isles of Frioul, Chateau d'If famous with the comte of Monte Cristo's adventures imagined by Alexandre Dumas. Boat trips to the Calanques (Sea Creeks) as far as the little port of Cassis, sea diving to explore sunk boats and sea beds.

Good walkers can follow mountain lanes or climb to the summit of Marseille-Veyre (Fantastic panoramic view), various ascents in limestone slopes, wet with salted waters. On the westside farther, after the commercial harbour, the port of l'Estaque is a good destination to taste traditional meals (Sea food).

All towns and small harbours are easily reached by car. Along the sea coast, the fishing port of Cassis with its sandy beaches, street cafes, boat trips to the Calanques, good wines and its folk Museum.

La Ciotat offers visitors its fishing port, the Calanques of Figuerolles and Mugel, l'Ile Verte, the sea natural park, sandy beaches, the museum of fishing trade and a scenic hill top road from Cassis to La Ciotat.
The bowl game (La pétanque) was invented in La Ciotat.The Lumiere brothers, cinema pîoneers, made their first film there.
Marseille, Cassis, La Ciotat are the gateway to the vast mineral natural park of the calanque area.
Inland, Aubagne (The town of Marcel Pagnol famous French writer) local trail to discover his novels. It's the town of clay manufactures (since the Romans).
Hand made pottery, Santons are locally made in various manufactures (possible visits) Aubagne is the seat of Legion Etrangère (Museum open to visitors).
Farmers' markets are held regularly.
Walks on Marcel Pagnol's trail on the top of the Garlaban mountains and near Allauch. Gemenos near la Sainte Beaume. Cistercian roman abbey of Saint Pons, forest demesne, Espigoulier pass, Bertagne summit, Marie Madeleine grotto, attractive forest; Cuges les Pins offers an amusement park "Ok Corral" with different themes for children.
In Allauch , provencal Christmas and live crib, procession, midnight mass.
In Chateau Gombert : folk museum in summer, international folk dancing festival.