La Calanque de Figuerolles sur La Ciotat

A little gem in the town of La Ciotat

Access is not far from the paid parking lot. The descent is quite steep, and there are stairs at the end. Not suitable for people with disabilities or those using strollers.

After 25 years away, I rediscovered this magnificent place and this restaurant of the same quality as I knew it.

Located not far from the port of La Ciotat, and less popular than Mugel, the Calanque de Figuerolles is nonetheless just as beautiful. Facing due south, the spot is very photogenic and a haven for many sports enthusiasts looking for climbing, diving, or kayaking. It's accessed via a flight of steps (87 of them!) with small restaurants halfway up (reservations required). As a side note: the Chez Tania hotel-restaurant has overlooked the calanque since 1956. You even have to walk through it to get from the parking lot to the beach. Since then, the Independent Republic of Figuerolles has existed. This is a playful name coined by the restaurant's founders, who found the place so unique and different that it couldn't possibly belong to France. Legend has it that there's even a one-hour time difference there. Formerly planted with fig trees, the Calanque de Figuerolles (from which it takes its name) is characterized by the erosion of the puddingstone and by the Rocher du Capucin (Capuchin Rock). In the heart of the Calanques National Park, the rock, seen from another angle, is also called Tête de Chien (Dog's Head) due to its resemblance. The Îlot du Lion (Lion Islet) showcases the calanque's extravagant formations with its accessible caves. A beautiful place to preserve for young and old alike 🥰

Beautiful views but it's hard to sunbathe because the beach is very rocky 🫡

We visited in February, so it wasn't crowded, which made it a very pleasant experience. It's a beautiful natural place.

This site is wonderful but... fragile. So let's take care of it.

My favorite cove for walking or swimming. A 20-minute uphill walk from La Ciotat port.

A superb, very accessible cove!

A small, secluded cove with wonderful colors and its emblematic "Capucin Rock" overlooking the place ...