Very close to where one enters the main path into the Calanques, a family of boars is quietly eating grass and weeds as if no human beings exist. It is remarkable as normally they would be alert and pay attention of what happens around them. Although hungry, they must be used to people and don’t expect anything from us, neither threats nor food 😉

It is a refreshing early morning with mountains viewed in a mist and only sporadically one sees hikers on this specific track. One English speaking lady follows her map-App but is at a loss, until she asks me and I show her the right way down to the beach which is walking back again quite far. This attractive rugged wild trail remains at a level far above the sea.

Some Pine trees are impressive for growing in the strangest cavities of the mountains and flourish in spite of it. Maybe higher up it makes for a better climate for a tree to dwell. A woman admires my taking photos of the area and seems to be well acquainted with this site as she descends via an almost invisible narrow trail down direction sea. An alternative route from what visitors are directed to take, a pretty adventurous one.

It is time for La Voie est Libre, the Way is Clear, or known as a Sunday traffic-free coast, This time I go later in the afternoon as it is still on the warm side during the day however it remains so also in the early evening I notice. The light is bright and perfect for photography of the populous scenes at the seaside of runners, bikers, artists and more.

Some artists and musicians contribute to the event, one solo female acrobat elegantly performs daring poses on a narrow pole held by strings. Another solo artist plays the drums that are made of pots and pans and plastic pipes making a sound of an intensely rhythmic drum orchestra, drawing much attention from the passers-by, young and old.

It is an enriching time on the coast, for the artists, musicians and the people, together with the always enticing panoramic view of city and sea. Marseille has a vibrant culture that includes everyone, from all walks of life and they walk together on a day like this – The Way is Clear.