Everything about Calanque totally explained
A
calanque (from the
Corsican word of
preindoeuropean origin
calanca (plural
calanche) with meaning "inlet";
Occitan calanca too) is a geologic formation in the form of a deep
valley with steep sides, typically of
limestone, in part submerged by the sea: a Mediterranean
fjord.
Characteristics
Location
The best known examples of this formation can be found in the
Massif des Calanques (Massís dei calancas in Occitan, the local language) in the
Bouches-du-Rhône département of
France. This range extends for 20 km in length and 4 km in width along the coast between
Marseille and
Cassis, culminating in
Marseilleveyre (432 m) and
Mont Puget (565 m). Similar
calanques can also be found on the
French riviera near
Estérel and on the island of
Corsica (see
Calanches de Piana). Similarities are seen between calanques, and
rias, the river mouths formed along the coast of
Brittany in Northern France.
The calanques of the Massif des Calanques include the
Calanque de Sormiou, the
Calanque de Morgiou, the
Calanque d'En-Vau, the
Calanque de Port-Pin and the
Calanque de Sugiton.
Geology
Calanques are actually remains of ancient river mouths formed mostly during
Tertiary. Later, during
quaternary glaciations, as
glaciers swept by, they further deepened those valleys which would eventually (at the end of the last
glaciation) be invaded with
sea and become calanques.
Their composition can greatly vary depending on their location:
Ecosystem
The calanques have a particular
ecosystem, as
soil is almost non-existent there, and the limestone cliffs instead contain numerous cracks into which the roots of plants are anchored. In places where cliffs are less vertical, their vegetation is a classical Mediterranean
maquis, typically consisting of densely-growing evergreen
shrubs such as
sage,
juniper and
myrtle. It is similar to
heath in many aspects, but with taller shrubs, typically 2-4 m high as opposed to 0.2-1 m for heath.
Like anywhere on Mediterranean coast, Calanques' climate is arid, with any moisture coming only from evaporation of the sea. This xericity associated with the salt spray conditions the subsistence of an adapted vegetation.
The calanques also shelter
rabbits,
foxes, large
crows and the
Bonelli eagle, as well as many
reptiles and wild
boars.
Tourism
The calanques between Marseille and Cassis are popular amongst tourists and locals alike, offering several vantage points (such as the
Corniche des Crêtes and
Cap Canaille) allowing spectacular
panoramas. A great number of hikers frequent the area, following numerous pre-marked trails. The cliffs are also used as training spots for
rock climbers. However, this excessive use has posed problems of potential damage to this delicate microhabitat.
Most of the calanques are also closed to the public during the summer (typically July through September) due to the risks of forest fire that often happen during the dry season.
The best time to visit calanques is probably March through May, when temperatures are still quite fresh and, unlike autumn and winter, rain is usually quite rare. As no fresh water sources are available in the calanques, it's advised to carry large supplies of water, especially during the hot summer to prevent serious
dehydration.
Boat tours are also available starting either from
Marseille,
Cassis or
La Ciotat, which can provide for some spectacular sightseeing.
The Cosquer Cave
The
Cosquer cave is an underwater
grotto in the
Calanque de Morgiou, 37 m underwater, that was once inhabited during
Paleolithic, when the sea level was much lower than today.
Its walls are covered with paintings and engravings dating back to between 27,000 and 19,000
BC and depict many terrestrial animals such as
bison,
ibex, and
horses as well as sea mammals like
seals and
auks.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Calanque'.
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