The Calanque de Podestat: a real jewel
It is a pretty little cove located between the Calanque des Queyrons and the Escut in the Calanques National Park. It belongs since 1930 to the EDF Group. It is the last of the Marseille calanques that can be visited on the hiking trail before it goes up to the Sormiou pass. In a pleasant and relaxing setting, a small pebble beach emerges, surrounded by cliffs. Unfortunately, if the scenery is idyllic, it is not recommended to swim or dive there.
Indeed, the area is contaminated by the main Marseille sewerage collector, which has been dumping wastewater into the Cortiou calanque for years, a few kilometers from there. The seabed has been polluted, although a recent EDF investigation ensures that despite the presence of signs of pollution, the ecological state of the cove remains adequate. In addition, during easterly winds, the smell of sewer effluent will interfere with your enjoyment of the magnificent view from the cove.
Despite this pollution, it is still very pleasant to go there and relax on the small beach. A small shaded cave located to the west of the beach will allow you to rest in the cool and enjoy the view. The nearest car park is Collelongue, which will take you directly to Podestat. You can also start from the Calanque de Marseilleveyre or the Col de Sormiou thanks to a path that runs along the sea and will give you a direct view on the Riou island. Following the path through the Podestat Valley will reach you to the Valkyries viewpoint. However, remember to equip yourself with good shoes as the ground is quite damaged in some places. And of course, always a bottle of water in your backpack, or even 2 in summer to be sure to stay well hydrated throughout this magnificent hike.
