Calanque d'En-Vau (Approach only)
En Vau · Calanque En-Vau
43°12.1'N 005°29.6'E
NO ANCHORING — This location is closed to all vessels
Anchoring is strictly prohibited at Calanque d'En-Vau (Approach only) for ALL vessels of any size, year-round. Rangers actively enforce this rule. Visit by kayak from Cassis or on foot only.
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
rock
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Fair Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m in the outer approach only. ANCHORING IN THE INNER CALANQUE IS PROHIBITED — all vessels. Use Cassis or Port-Miou as base.
About This Location
Calanque d'En-Vau is widely regarded as the most beautiful calanque in the world — 400m vertical white limestone walls plunging into an impossibly turquoise pool, accessible from the sea only through a narrow entrance. However, ANCHORING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED for all vessels of any size inside the calanque, year-round. The outer approach allows limited anchoring on rock/sand, but the inner calanque — where the famous photographs are taken — is a strict no-anchor zone. Approach by kayak from Cassis or swim from the outer anchorage.
Protected From
N · NW
Exposed To
S · SE · E · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring allowed
- NO — Prohibited
- Anchoring fee
- N/A
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: ANCHORING PROHIBITED inside En-Vau calanque — all vessels, year-round. This is one of the most strictly enforced no-anchor rules in France. Outer approach: limited anchoring on rock/sand in fair weather only. 5-knot speed limit. No motorised vessels beyond the entrance narrows.
Hazards
- !ANCHORING PROHIBITED — entering the inner calanque by boat with anchor is a serious offence
- !Very exposed outer anchorage — suitable only in flat calm conditions
- !Extremely crowded Jul–Aug — kayak tours arrive constantly from Cassis
Skipper's Tips
- →Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board from Cassis (3nm) and paddle in for the full experience.
- →The view from the water level inside the calanque is one of the most dramatic in the Mediterranean.
- →Walk in from the Col de la Gardiole trailhead (3h hike) for the classic land approach.
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Cassis (4nm)
Best Months & Season
April, May, June, September, October
Do NOT plan to anchor in En-Vau. Use Cassis port or Port-Miou as base. Visit by kayak.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Calanques
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 100m
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