Riou archipelago

Sanctuary islands

Riou vu des calanques de Marseille © P. Richaud

6-le-toboggan-ou-sabliere-de-riou-juin-2008_conservatoire_littoral.jpg — Vestiges de la sablière de Riou © Conservatoire du Littoral

South west of the Marseille calanques and scattered across the open sea from Cap Croisette, Riou is an important refuge for flora and many marine birds. As a result, the site is fragile and subject to strict regulations.

Getting here and regulations

Before heading out to visit the Calanques National Park, make sure you are prepared and read about good conduct and regulations here.

Hunting, tourism, cottage industry, commercial and sporting activities including climbing are against the law in the Riou archipelago.

The eastern half of the archipelago is protected by a no-take zone, which is also where the Cousteau triangle is found. It is an archaeological protection zone where mooring and diving are prohibited (see the Riou regulations map).

Getting here

In the whole archipelago, landing, driving, and parking are only authorised on Riou island between sunrise and sunset, and between Fontagne and Monasterio calanques. Inland, only the trail between these two calanaques and up to limestone needle are authorised (see the Riou regulations map).

Good conduct and regulations for boating in the Calanques

Localisation

GPS coordinates: 43.176240, 5.385725