Half-day sailing with Alliance
Come and discover the Calanques of Frioul, or head out towards the Côte Bleue, on board our sailboat Bruine Beer
Half-day sailing with Alliance
⚓ Come aboard Alliance for a boat tour of the Calanques of Marseille!
Step aboard Alliance, a traditional tall ship listed as a vessel of heritage interest, and let yourself be carried away by an authentic sailing experience between Marseille, the Calanques of Frioul or the Côte Bleue.
On the programme for this boat tour: sails hoisted, unspoilt coves, snorkelling in turquoise waters, and a passionate crew to accompany you throughout the crossing.
It's up to you to set the pace: join in the sailing manoeuvres or simply relax, lulled by the wind and the sea.
Programme for the boat trip with the crew
Choose from : a boat trip in the morning or in the afternoon.
Departure from the Vieux-Port in Marseille, at the Quai d'Honneur (near the Ferry Boat). Return to the Vieux-Port in Marseille at the end of the trip.
Morning trip – 9am to 12pm (3 hours)
A morning escape at sea, ideal for enjoying the calm, the soft light and crystal-clear waters.
→ Sailing towards the Calanques of Frioul
→ Swimming & snorkelling break in a sheltered cove (weather permitting)
→ Introduction to traditional sailing with the crew
Afternoon trip – 1pm to 5pm (4 hours)
A trip that's longer and more convivial to make the most of the Calanques scenery and the pleasures of the sea.
→ Heading towards the Calanques of Frioul or the Côte Bleue
→ Swimming, snorkelling & relaxing moments on board
→ Option to take part in sailing manoeuvres
Why you'll love it
- An authentic sailboat steeped in history
- A tour of the Calanques and their coves, accessible only by sea
- Swimming, snorkelling and discovering sailing
- A professional, warm and passionate crew
- A unique maritime experience, to share… or to savour in complete tranquillity
For any questions, please consult our FAQ
Our cruises go on sale between 15 and 20 days in advance. Follow us to find out about upcoming available dates.
Rates for your sea trip
Adult: 75,00 € / 85,00 €
5 to 12 years: 40,00 € / 65,00€
0 to 5 years: 20,00 €
The Bay of Marseille and the Frioul Islands
From l'Estaque to Les Goudes via the archipelago of Frioul. Pomègues, Ratonneau and Château d'If.
“ Truth be told, Marseille can only be loved this way, arriving by sea. In the early morning. At that hour when the sun, rising behind the Marseilleveyre massif, embraces its hills and brings a rosy glow back to its old stones. This is Marseille as Protis the Phocaean first discovered it.
And it hardly matters if that is an exaggeration. Marseille always exaggerates.
That is its true nature. And, deep down, nothing has changed since that day. You need only arrive from Corsica by ferry to reconnect with this story. Or, more simply still, return from a night of fishing off the Estaque. When the harbour opens its arms to you, then, only then, do you discover the eternal meaning of this city. Welcome."
Jean-Claude Izzo, Marseille.
At the gates of Marseille, the Frioul Islands, four limestone outcrops swept by the mistral, hold the remnants of its past: the islands of Pomègues and Ratonneau were once the compulsory quarantine stop for all ships arriving from Africa and Asia.
As for the Château d'If, a magnificent fortress built by François I, it became famous through Alexandre Dumas's novel The Count of Monte Cristo, and watches over Île Degaby
The Calanques of the Côte Bleue
The Côte Bleue, located west of Marseille, is the stretch of coastline running from l'Estaque to La Couronne. This "Côte Bleue", whose name refers to the colour of the waters surrounding the massif, is an ideally sheltered spot when the mistral blows.
The Calanques of the Côte Bleue are less well known than those of Marseille and Cassis, and are therefore not part of the Calanques National Park.
Yet Marseillais love the beaches to the west of the city just as much as those to the east, and the luckiest among them own a cabanon there. The Calanques of the Côte Bleue are highly prized by diving enthusiasts, who never miss the famous "oursinades" (sea urchin feasts).
There are few roads and access is quite difficult, so exploring by sea remains the best way to enjoy this splendid coastline, with remarkable views over the Bay of Marseille and the Frioul archipelago. The small harbours of La Vesse, Niolon, Méjean, Figuières or La Redonne are typical of the spirit of the Calanques.
From Carry le Rouet at La Couronne, the coastline becomes less rugged and the seafront turns more towards seaside tourism. It's at La Couronne that you'll find the finest beaches of the Côte Bleue.