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Fauna and Flora in Marseille

In this section, you'll find new inspiration for sightseeing in Marseille!

Through iconic sites, be aware of the biodiversity, fauna, and flora that surround us...

Our commitment

At the Hôtel Carré Vieux Port, we are fortunate to be located in a unique setting: in the heart of Marseille, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Calanques. Preserving this exceptional environment is a priority, and we are happy to share our commitment with you.

Why is this important?

Preserving our living environment: the beauty of the Vieux-Port, the Calanques, and the Mediterranean Sea is what makes your stay in Marseille so special. By taking action for the environment, we help keep this heritage intact.

A responsible welcome: we know that more and more travelers want to stay in establishments that respect the planet. Your choice matters, and we want it to be a gesture for the future.

Sustainable comfort: protecting the environment also means improving your

Thank you for being part of this positive and responsible approach.

Together, we are protecting our planet and ensuring that your stay at Carré Vieux Port remains both a pleasant and sustainable experience.

Let's preserve nature The coves

Together, let's be vigilant about our natural heritage and the species that live there.

Nine hundred different species are present, or one-fifth of the known species in France. During the day, reptiles shelter under rocks or in the ground to avoid sunburn and protect themselves from the overwhelming heat. However, if you go for a walk there, you won't fail to notice the presence of numerous insects, spiders, and birds of all kinds. Among the fauna to observe, there are a host of Mediterranean representatives, including cicadas, butterflies, and other small creatures. The Calanques massif is a unique ecosystem. The soil is made of limestone, and there is little earth. Plants grow their roots in the cracks and fissures of the rock. The climate is arid, with recurring periods of drought.

How to get there

If you're coming by public transport, you'll need to plan to walk to the desired cove. The best way to find out is through this link: http://www.calanques-parcnational.fr/fr/venir-aux-calanques-de-marseille to find out the most convenient route depending on the cove you want to visit.

Please note: during the summer, you must reserve your time slot to access certain coves to limit the number of visitors.

Attitudes to adopt

1. Take charge of your own safety: bring plenty of water, protect yourself from the sun, and wear proper footwear.

2. To protect yourself from the risk of fire, all use of fire is prohibited (cigarettes, barbecues, hookahs, campfires, etc.). This prohibition also applies when you are near water. The majority of fires start as accidents, so NEVER assume you have the situation under control.

3. Take your trash with you. You won't find a trash can in the Calanques. And don't dispose of your trash in the first trash can you find if it's overflowing. Throwing it in a full trash can means throwing it on the ground. And to go even further, challenge yourself with a zero-waste picnic!

4. Remain discreet. Playing music, on land or at sea, is prohibited. The animals need peace and quiet, and other visitors may not necessarily want to listen to your music. Your smart speaker doesn't make you cool or badass, it just makes you annoying.

5. Stay on marked trails to avoid soil erosion. Also respect the vegetation regeneration areas marked by small posts.

6. Plan your outing well. Find out about access and travel times. Walking in the Calanques is often more difficult than you think. Don't trust Google Maps, which is full of nonsense. Download the My Calanques app or explore our website.

7. Use public transportation. It's better for the planet and doesn't necessarily take longer.

towards Miramas The Cabasse estate

We're leaving Marseille for Miramas, a little-known but easily accessible town. This village in the Bouches-du-Rhône department is home to the Cabasse estate, an ideal place to escape the big city and discover wide-open spaces perfect for family outings!

What is it?

Cabasse Park is nestled between pine trees and scrubland in a magnificent natural setting. It's an old medieval farmhouse managed by the Montmajour Abbey (Fontvieille) and inhabited by self-managed monks. The estate was sold and remained forgotten until 1979, when the municipality decided to buy it back, which became a municipal heritage site. The castle and outbuildings were immediately restored and developed. Since then, the castle has become a leisure center where many athletes come to run, cycle, or walk. In addition to the Cabasse estate, a few hours' hike takes you directly to the Mary-Rose Fountain in Grans. This park will delight young and old alike, thanks to its history, numerous activities, and lush greenery.

Fauna and Flora

This nature getaway will introduce you to Lake Cannebière and its biodiversity. In addition to ducks, fish, and frogs, you'll spot various bird species. Slightly less glamorous, but just as impressive, you're sure to spot the hawkmoth caterpillar, which can measure up to 15 cm long, provided you keep your eyes peeled!

How to get there?

Miramas is about a twenty-minute train ride from Marseille. Then take bus number 13 from Miramas train station to the Briand Avenir stop.

Best practices:

• Use public transportation to get there, which is faster and more convenient than driving (there are few parking spaces in Cabasse)

• Do not litter in nature

• To protect against fire, all use of fire is prohibited (cigarettes, barbecues, hookahs, campfires, etc.). Most fires start as accidents; never assume you have the situation under control.

near Marseille Blue Coast Marine Park

Located east of Marseille, the Côte Bleue Marine Park is the little-known gem of the Bouches-du-Rhône. Surprisingly, this exceptional natural park is often overlooked by tourists who prefer the more famous calanques. However, the Hôtel Carré guarantees that the Côte Bleue has nothing to envy from the other parks in the region! From Rove to Carro, via Niolon and Carry-le-Rouet, discover everything the Côte Bleue has to offer.

What is it?

The Côte Bleue Marine Park has been a protected area since 1983 and has successfully preserved its rich underwater biodiversity by reconciling the environment and the economy, working with all coastal stakeholders since its creation. This park spans five municipalities:

Le Rove
Ensuès-le-Redonne
Carry-le-Rouet
Sausset-les-Pins
Martigues (Carro-La Couronne)

It's an ideal place to relax by the sea, in the small ports of southern France, or, on the contrary, to venture out on magnificent hikes in search of beautiful secluded beaches. The coastline is mainly rocky, and the Côte Bleue marks the boundary of Provence's rocky coasts before the low, sedimentary coastline of the Gulf of Lion, which extends to the Spanish border. The landscape is marked by numerous cliffs, and the slopes become gentler from east to west, as they approach the coast. In addition to hiking and swimming, you can also go diving or sailing.

Fauna and Flora

Due to this unique geographical and ecological location, the seabed is very rich and all the biocenoses of the Northwestern Mediterranean are represented: shallow rocky beds populated by algae and serving as a refuge for a very rich invertebrate and vertebrate fauna, several underwater caves, varied sedimentary beds, a remarkable Posidonia meadow covering 1,049 hectares, and highly developed coralligenous populations.

The Côte Bleue boasts a very rich marine biodiversity, and more than 246 species of fish have been recorded, belonging to 92 families. A large proportion of the species inventoried are of commercial interest for fishing. The Côte Bleue is home to around sixty protected or endangered marine species whose exploitation is regulated. Protected species include the fin whale, the loggerhead sea turtle, the dusky grouper, and the northern gannet.

How to get there?

From the hotel, the easiest way is to take the Côte Bleue train to Saint-Charles (a 5-minute metro ride or a 25-minute walk), which serves the stations of Niolon, Ensuès-la-Redonne, Carry-le-Rouet, Sausset-les-Pins, and La Couronne.

Best practices:

1. Avoid all physical contact with underwater flora and fauna while snorkeling, as well as with the substrate, and do not turn over stones.

2. Avoid walking on the seabed, especially if it is colonized by a Posidonia meadow.

3. Avoid walking on habitats sensitive to trampling in certain rocky areas along the seashore: Lithophyllum sidewalks and Cystoseira algal belts.

4. Do not feed or disturb underwater wildlife, and do not use attractants.

5. Report any lost or abandoned fishing gear (nets, longlines, traps, etc.) to the Côte Bleue Marine Park.

Atlas of Biodiversity

The Metropolitan Atlas of Biodiversity (AMB) is an initiative initiated by the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolitan Area, with the support of the French Office for Biodiversity. Its objective is to inventory and promote the natural wealth of an exceptional territory, which includes 92 municipalities and 3,150 km², nearly 50% of which is made up of natural areas.

Iconic Biodiversity Sites

Calanques National Park

A true Mediterranean gem, this park covers 8,500 hectares of land and 43,500 hectares of sea. It is home to the endangered Mediterranean shearwater, the Bonelli's eagle (very rare in Europe), and remarkable marine habitats such as Posidonia meadows and coral reefs. The limestone cliffs are also home to endemic plants, adapted to drought and wind.

//TIPS// In my opinion, the most beautiful coves are Sugitou, Morgiou, and En Vau. To get to Sugitou, take bus 21 to the terminus, then take the stony path that will take you either to the lookout point or to the bottom of the cove. Be careful, wear sturdy shoes and bring water bottles! The outward journey takes about 40 minutes, and the return, uphill, takes longer. And above all, don't forget to make a reservation and check if access is permitted in case of extreme heat.

Frioul Islands

This archipelago, located 20 minutes from the Old Port of Marseille, is an island refuge. Here you can see colonies of yellow-legged gulls, Cory's shearwaters, and rare plants like the Marseille milkvetch, found only here. These islands are a natural laboratory of ecological resilience in an environment subject to sea spray, wind, and trampling.

//TIPS// The crossing to Frioul Island is via a shuttle that also serves the Château d'If. The pier is located at the Old Port, just a few meters from the Hôtel Carré Vieux-Port.

Etoile and Garlaban Massif

These iconic hills to the east and north of the city are covered with scrubland, pine forests, and cool valleys. Here you can encounter wild boar, red foxes, birds of prey (common buzzards, short-toed eagles), and in spring, a wide variety of wild orchids. These massifs also act as ecological corridors, connecting the city's natural spaces.

//TIPS// Further away from the Carré Vieux Port hotel, the Massif de l'Étoile and the Massif du Garlaban offer magnificent views of Marseille. Less touristy, you can enjoy the wild nature and beautiful walks in the footsteps of Marcel Pagnol.

Étang de Berre and surrounding wetlands

The largest salt lake in Europe, the Étang de Berre and its lagoons attract thousands of migratory birds. Flamingos, cattle egrets, and avocets can be seen here. These wetlands, essential for bird breeding and resting, are classified as protected areas under the European Natura 2000 framework.

Urban Parks of Marseille

Borély, Pastré, and Longchamp parks offer local biodiversity in the heart of the city. Here you'll find hedgehogs, bats, common birds such as tits and robins, as well as ornamental flora that provides refuge for numerous pollinators (wild bees, butterflies).

//TIPS// Ideal places for families with children. You'll find child-friendly playgrounds, bike rentals (Borély), rest and relaxation areas, access to the calanques (for the Pastré countryside), and the Natural History Museum at Longchamp Park. The closest to the Carré Vieux Port hotel is the Palais Longchamp, easily accessible by metro.