This is France as you have never seen it before

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Top 3 Paddleboarding Locations in Southern France: Azure Fjords & Hidden Coves

 

A landscape so surreal, it feels like stepping into a dream. If you're looking for a place where stand-up paddleboarding, nature, and serenity collide, this is it.

 

Welcome to the Calanques de Cassis — one of the best-kept secrets along the Southern French coast. Here, you paddle "off the beaten path" between towering white cliffs, secluded beaches, and fjord-like coves filled with dazzling blue water.

 

What is a Calanque? The word calanque comes from Provençal and refers to a narrow, steep-walled inlet formed by erosion. Unique to Southern France, most calanques lie between Marseille and Cassis and are only accessible by foot or sea.

 

Read the full Top 2 list of the best SUP spots in southern France here.

 

 

The 5 Most Beautiful Calanques to Explore by SUP:

  1. Calanque de Sormiou – The widest calanque, accessible by car
  2. Calanque de Port Miou – Perfect starting point for your SUP tour
  3. Calanque de Port Pin – Intimate, postcard-perfect, 30+ min hike access
  4. Calanque d’En-Vau – A spectacular fjord landscape, reachable by 60+ min hike or SUP
  5. Calanque de Sugiton – Less crowded, more rugged terrain

 

Most paddleboard tours begin at Port Miou, the longest and most sheltered calanque. You can launch directly from the quay or a small pebble beach. The nearby parking lot at Presquîle is walkable but has limited spots — arrive early. You’ll first paddle through the narrow, calm bay of Port Miou — perfect for finding your balance.

From there, follow the rocky coastline to Port Pin (approx. 15–20 minutes of paddling). The route is serene and stunning, though narrow in parts.

 

 

 

Calanque d’En-Vau: A Hidden SUP Paradise

This is the crown jewel of the Calanques. You'll reach En-Vau after 30–50 minutes of paddling (one way). Only attempt this section in calm, windless weather and if you’re an experienced paddler.

Massive cliffs rise on either side as you glide through emerald-green water, mirror-still between the stone walls. The beach is popular, but early risers are often rewarded with tranquility.

 

 

When to Go: Beat the Crowds, Embrace the Light

Avoid weekends and paddle out early in the morning. It's safer, quieter, and more beautiful: the sun casts long shadows across the water and the white limestone glows like marble.

 

Safety First

Always check wind, current, and sea conditions — especially between Port Pin and En-Vau, where weather can shift quickly. This route is only suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers.

Pack at least 1.5L of water per person in summer — temperatures can soar. And remember, you’re in a protected area: Parc National des Calanques. Swim respectfully, leave no trace.

 

 

Good to Know

  • Starting point: Calanque de Port Miou (Park at Presqu’île — arrive early!)
  • Route Overview:
    • Port Pin: ~20 minutes paddle from Port Miou
    • En-Vau: ~30–50 minutes paddle from Port Miou
    • Sormiou: Not reachable by SUP from Port Miou (too far/rough)
  • Accessibility:
    • Only Port Miou and Sormiou are car-accessible.
    • For other calanques, hike in with your board or reach by sea.
    • Not safe during mistral winds or strong current — check conditions before heading out.

 

What SUP Gear Should You Bring?

  • We recommend:

    • Stardupp Edition Elite SUP (wide & stable)
    • Stardupp Exellent Elite SUP (hybrid touring board)
    • 12V Electric SUP Pump for quick inflation
  • What to bring also:

 

You cannot skip this:

  • Take a dip in the turquoise waters of Plage Bleue, Port Pin, or En-Vau after a rewarding paddle. Bring your snorkel!

  • Lunch with a view at La Perle Méditerranéenne (Plage du Bestouan) or La Plage Bleue. For fine dining, head to La Presqu’île.

  • Hike to the viewpoint at Plage des Pierres Blanches for panoramic views of the entire coastline.

  • Explore the underwater Cosquer Cave — only accessible by boat tour. Inside: prehistoric cave paintings dating back 27,000 years, hidden beneath the sea.