Climbing around Marseille without a car: areas accessible by public transport

Living in Marseille without a car is possible. Climbing without a car is too.

Between coves, hills, and hidden spots, the region abounds with legendary climbing areas. And even if some require a bit of planning, many of them are accessible by bus, train or on foot, directly from the city.

Whether for ecological reasons, practical reasons or because you simply don't have a car: here is a selection of areas where you can put down your slippers without having to drive for two hours to park.

Some tips for getting around Marseille by public transport:

• Download the Le Pilote (RTM) app : it includes all the bus, metro, and tram timetables for the metropolitan area.
• Allow plenty of time : some buses do not run often, especially on weekends.
• Consider a folding bike or scooter to shorten the approaches.
• Leave the heavy ropes at home If you are traveling light: several areas are perfect for bouldering or well-equipped sport climbing.

Areas accessible from Marseille by transport

1. Les Goudes / Callelongue (Calanques)

The end of the world in Marseille. We take the metro to Prado, then bus 19 to Madrague de Montredon, then the 20 until CallelongueFrom there:

• Sector of the Stairs or Rumpe Cuou : 15 to 30 min walk.
• Marseilleveyre Cove : 45 min walk from Callelongue.
• Rooftops Wall, Sormiou Needle : requires a little more walking or bivouacking.

⚠️ Access is restricted in summer (fire risk). Check bouches-du-rhone.gouv.fr before you leave.

2. Luminy (Sugiton, Morgiou, Val Vierge)

• Sugiton Cove : 45 min to 1 hour walk from the terminus.
• Virgin Valley / Candle : 1 hour to 1.5 hours of walking. Mythical great routes.
• South face of the Candle with classics like The Future Old Folks.

3. Baou de Sormiou / Crêt Saint-Michel

A very practical area with a superb view of the southern districts of Marseille:

• Well-equipped rinds.
• South-west orientation, perfect in winter.
• Quick access from the bus.

4. La Ciotat – Cliffs of Cap Canaille / Semaphore

• Semaphore Sector : 30 minutes walk from the city centre.
• Cap Canaille Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the approach. Exceptional view.

What if we changed the way we go climbing?

Going to the crag by bus or train isn't just a backup solution. It's a different way of experiencing climbing. Less noise. Less stress. More observation, more nature, more time for yourself.

And then, let's be honest: telling yourself that you've completed a route in the Calanques without a car is always a little something extra.