Going Downhill & Returning Uphill

The high point – coastal view of the Calanques of Marseille

At a high point in the Calanques one looks on a continuing line of mountains along a pristine blue sea and often on a pristine blue sky that is known as Mediterranean blue. The deep view down inspires to want to get to the water. On a Sunday morning, my photography friend Faty and I decide to go down that long path to get a closer look of that site of the Calanques. Many people have the same idea, afterall, it’s Sunday.

Plenty of Sunday visitors explore the Calanques
Morning light plays in the forest

Seeing so many people flocking to the Calanques is a good sign – the awareness of its beauty and knowing that a long hike can boost your health. Remarkably, most go the strenuous path, down to a corner way down for a swim in those pristine waters. In the summer season one needs to make a reservation before getting allowed to the spot, to keep the number of visitors under control for the sake of protecting Nature.

Returning uphill and going downhill
Alypo globe daisy – A wild Mediterranean mountain bush with its purple flowers

Faty and I agree that hiking downhill is a pleasure while we see how others who are hiking back show that it is quite a strain. When going down one has to go up again on the return, that is the simple philosophy of hiking. We only go for the views while along the path we rediscover such a variety of plants of which the Alypo globe daisy stands out.

Between mountains
Healthy Pine trees growing uphill
Rugged mountains opening up

When the rugged mountains open up you feel that there will be a spectacular view, the sky opens wide in front of you and the manmade low wall of rocks along the path lead to the seaview that you know from far above, at the high point, the inspiration that has carried you here.

High expectations
People hiking uphill – and downhill to the grand view

Faty has lived in Marseille for most of her life and I for the past ten years and I visit the Calanques mostly twice a week, but every time when we come to a site with a view on the sea we see it as if for the first time, it is that enticing beauty known as the Mediterranean – blue sky blue sea.

Faty taking a video of the View
The grand view of Calanques of Sugiton with its unique small cove that attracts swimmers

At this wonderful view one has to decide whether to proceed hiking down, down to that beautiful pristine water and touch it with your feet if not dive into it or – keep enjoying the vista and then return, steep uphill, to the starting point from where everything comes back to normal again. We feel content and rest for awhile on the low wall to take our lunch.

Hikers surrounded by limestone mountains
Hikers resting on the wall with their dog on the ground – a great view and a blue sky above
Wild grass

All Photos Copyright © 2019-2025 August Timmermans – All Rights Reserved