National Parks · FRANCE NATIONAL PARK TOURS
The 15 best france national park tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Spend a full day on a French-guided boat tour from Ajaccio or Porticcio. See Scandola’s volcanic cliffs, pause for two hours in remote Girolata, then cruise past Piana’s red granite caves, arches, and Capo Rosso Tower. Bring lunch, swimwear, a hat, and sun protection.
Join a small group of up to 12 for a fast, scenic boat ride through Marseille’s Calanques. Your skipper, such as Marie, Julia, Stefan, or Clémentine, guides you past Sormiou, Morgiou, Riou Island, and the Blue Cave, with swim stops, snorkeling gear, drinks, and wetsuits when needed.
“Such a beautiful morning. Our captain, Clementine was super fun, informative and knowledgeable. She took us to the most amazing spots to swim with no rushing. great company and great Rose. would recommend to anyone. Great memories”
You’ll cruise from Porto into Scandola Nature Reserve on a hybrid boat, with French commentary, quiet electric running inside the reserve, and a 30-minute stop in sea-only Girolata. Add 1.5 hours for the pink granite Calanche de Piana, but bring sunscreen, water, and a towel.
“Eine Stunde vor Abfahrt rief der Veranstalter an und wollte absagen wegen zu hohem Wellengang. Wir waren aber schon unterwegs und auf halber Strecke. Dann hat er die Abfahrtszeit um eine halbe Stunde nach vorne verlegt, was wir kaum hätten schaffen können und uns gesagt, dass die Tour heute 1h kürzer und ohne Aufenthalt in Girolata sein würde. Die Tour fand dann auf einem normalen Dieselboot statt, Guide nur auf Französisch, Infos konnten in einer Online-Broschüre nachgelesen werden. Anfahrt also Stress pur, Bootsfahrt zwar mit schöner Landschaft, aber lautem und stinkenden Boot nur 2 statt 3 Stunden ohne Preisnachlass. Das war Abzocke!”
Set out from Sud Kayak in Marseille with guides such as Loup, Jordan, or Audrey for a three-hour paddle along the Côte Bleue. Expect a safety briefing, rocky coves, Establon and Aragnols creeks, a beach swim, and English or French guidance. Bring water and prepare for an active outing.
“Lou was a great guide, we thoroughly enjoyed the kayaking trip. Great views of marseille.”
From Port du Béal, you’ll ride a fast semi-rigid boat along the Esterel coast, stopping at clear-water coves for swimming and snorkeling. Local captains such as Stephan, Damien, and Julian share stories about Cap Roux, the Bubble Palace, and Cannes. Expect jockey seats, sun, spray, and a small group of up to 12.
“Excellent trip. It was fun for all family members.”
Spend about seven hours on the water from Sagone or Cargèse, with stops at Scandola, Girolata, Capo Rosso, and the Piana cliffs. Expect lively explanations, scenic boat turns for better views, a swim, and a two-hour break in Girolata. English is offered, though commentary may be mainly in French.
“La beauté du site. Les mystères de la nature. Le choix du skipper rodolphe qui m'a fait découvrir ces lieux magiques. Les faits historiques narrés par rodolphe sont très intéressants. Cette belle baignade parmi ses beaux poissons. Je reviens ravie, pleins de paillettes ds les yeux... Merci à toi. Je te recommande.”
Leave Marseille’s Old Port with a French-speaking skipper such as Thomas, Laurent, or Cédric, then cruise the quieter Côte Bleue Marine Park. Expect several swim stops, snorkel gear, sea caves, a 30-minute port break, local Navettes biscuits, and a small semi-rigid boat limited to 11 people.
“It was a great tour, we had terrible weather but our tour guides gave it their all to give us a tour and the history of the city. The only thing was I booked a 4 hour tour, because of weather our trip was only 2 hours and I never was able to get a refund for the 2 hours that were lost”
From Port Fréjus, you’ll cruise the red cliffs of the Estérel to Cap Dramont, the Golden Island, and the Corniche d’Or. The French and English-speaking crew points out caves and coastal history before a swim stop, with drinks included and music on the return.
“Had a great time - the staff was very friendly and took us to see caves. Wish the swimming stop would’ve been closer to the caves so we could explore as the water was gorgeous there. However, we had a great time regardless and would definitely recommend!”
Join Planetazur for a five-hour guided hike through Marseille’s Calanques National Park. Guides such as Adrien, Jade, Geoffroy, and Sebastian lead mixed-language groups to seasonal coves, share local nature and history, serve picnic snacks, and allow time for swimming.
“We had a great time on our 1.5 hour guided hike led by Sophie from Planetazur in the Calanques. She shared interesting facts about the Calanques and Marseille as well as walked and brought a picnic for us to share at the cove. We walked at a comfortable pace and took short breaks along the way. The swimming cove was busy on a hot Sunday but we found space to sit and enjoy and the swimming was amazing after the hike in! We highly recommend this activity.”
Meet your English or French-speaking guide at Luminy for a 7.51-kilometer Calanques hike. Walk pine and rosemary trails, learn about local plants and history, enjoy a picnic by the sea, and swim at a rocky cove. The optional Blue Grotto requires a 700-meter round-trip swim.
“The place is amazing and our guide, Sébastien, it’s very kind with an amazing mood. The hiking was really nice, with a good pace. I recommend it.”
Join a small group of up to eight for a four-hour sail from Marseille’s Mucem dock to a Frioul Islands calanque. Your English- or French-speaking skipper teaches basic sailing, invites you to steer and handle the lines, then anchors for swimming and snorkeling before returning to port.
“Sailing from Marseille was a dream I didn't know I had. I felt so safe and adventurous all at the same time - our skipper was so experienced and welcoming. Everyone on the boat had a chance to help sail - even the kids! Loved every minute. Thank you!!”
Join the crew of Le Don du Vent, a historic sailing yacht, for a seven-hour cruise from Marseille. Enjoy coffee and navettes, swim and snorkel in a sheltered cove, then share a fresh buffet with organic wine. The route may reach Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, or La Côte Bleue, depending on the weather.
“it was amazong trip for us, and we luck that pretty wind and we were sailing. Everthing was amazing, just sea temrature was very cold and nobody can do anything for this. The crew was very nice and always help or dosomething for us. And there was more wine than the writing on trip introduction and nice and enough foods also. If you have a time for visit Marsilla, you should visit this boat.”
Set out from Marseille’s Vieux-Port with a bilingual crew such as Nico, Julie, or Marie. Cruise past Vallon des Auffes and Château d’If, then swim, snorkel, paddle, or jump from the catamaran’s roof board. Soft drinks, gear, and wetsuits are provided.
“The guide is the best, he made the experience even more enjoyable than it would be. Liight beverages and rose provided. A little bit of history and a lot of fun and humor. We were taken to multiple spots to swim. Highly recommend!”
Join Atlantide from Bandol for a 3-hour-15-minute sea cruise past La Ciotat, Cassis, and all 13 calanques. A French-speaking captain provides live commentary, while an English, German, and Spanish booklet helps explain the cliffs, coves, and Cosquer cave. Dogs are welcome, and the boat is wheelchair accessible.
“L'escursione di per sè è molto bella, in più è arricchita dalla guida molto valida e simpatica”
Spend about seven hours aboard Goélette Alliance, a traditional wooden schooner sailing from Marseille’s Old Port to Château d’If, Frioul, Riou, and the Calanques. Expect two swimming stops, snorkeling gear, a vegetarian buffet, coffee, fruit, and one glass of rosé. Sailing depends on the wind.
“awesome time on the alliance! the crew was lovely, the food was tasty, nice weather and nice views. 100% recommended”
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