Via Cordata Philémon: Rappelling and climbing in Cassis cliffs

Rappel the cliffs of Cap Canaille, then scramble through the Calanques on foot

The Via Cordata Philémon is a 4-hour adventure route in the Calanques National Park between Cassis and La Ciotat, combining rappelling descents of nearly 100 meters down Cap Canaille's cliffs with climbing sections and aerial crossings on natural rock features. A state-certified guide leads groups of mixed ages (minimum 12) through the route in English or French, with all safety equipment provided. Good physical fitness and comfort with heights are required. The day includes a 10-minute approach walk, several vertiginous rappels, easy climbing and natural rope crossings.

The experience

Cap Canaille's cliffs rise above the Mediterranean between Cassis and La Ciotat, and the Via Cordata Philémon descends them. After a short walk to the top of the route, you rappel down nearly 100 meters of vertical rock, then continue on foot through climbing sections and aerial crossings strung between natural rock features. The route stays inside the Calanques National Park, so the whole day unfolds against views of the coves and the sea.

A certified instructor supervises the entire route and manages the safety equipment (harnesses, ropes and anchors), so you move through the rock without arranging the technical setup yourself. The climbing sections are graded easy, and the aerial crossings use natural rock formations as holds and anchor points. Progress is steady rather than rushed. The day is built for people who want the thrill of exposure and the satisfaction of moving through difficult terrain, not for speed.

You'll need to bring 1 to 1.5 liters of water and a small snack. Wear sportswear suited to climbing and scrambling. The route demands good physical fitness (the 6-kilometer walk and 150-meter elevation gain over the day are real), and comfort with heights, especially during the rappels. Children from age 12 are welcome when they meet the fitness requirement.

What’s included

• State-certified guide in English or French.
• all safety equipment for rappelling and climbing.
• access to the Via Cordata Philémon route inside the Calanques National Park.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 6 Apr 2027

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Physically demanding

Operated by La Route De La Grimpe

Is this one for you?Book this if you're comfortable with heights and want hands-on rappelling and scrambling over four hours. Choose a different route if you prefer guided walking without technical climbing.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is the Via Cordata Philémon?

The Via Cordata Philémon is an adventure route that combines rappelling down Cap Canaille's cliffs with climbing and natural rope crossings through the Calanques. You descend nearly 100 meters on rappel, then progress on foot through easier climbing and aerial traverses strung between rock features, all within the Calanques National Park between Cassis and La Ciotat.

How long does the route take and what's the physical demand?

The route runs 4 hours total. You'll walk about 6 kilometers with 150 meters of elevation gain, and you need good physical fitness to complete it. The rappels require comfort with heights and exposure. The climbing sections are graded easy, but the overall day is steady and sustained rather than gentle.

Is the safety equipment included, and who manages it?

Yes, all height progression safety equipment (harnesses, ropes and anchors) is included. A state-certified instructor supervises the entire route and manages the technical setup, so you move through the rock safely without arranging the gear yourself.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring 1 to 1.5 liters of water per person and a small snack. Wear sportswear suited to climbing and scrambling: clothes that let you move freely on rock and don't restrict your limbs.