The town hall of the Phocaean city is launching an experiment this Sunday to reduce tourist pressure on the Calanques. Access will be prohibited to cars, except for local residents, in order to promote more environmentally friendly transport and to protect this natural site threatened by overtourism.
The experiment will prohibit car traffic between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the exception of residents of the 6th and 8th arrondissements of Marseille, areas which include the entrance to the park. The objective is to encourage visitors to opt for gentler modes of transport, while rediscovering the beauty of these landscapes, through activities such as guided walks and landscape readings.
The town hall explains that this day is “an opportunity to test mobility alternatives», in a context where the preservation of the Calanques becomes crucial. Other measures have already been put in place, such as the restriction of access to the Sugiton cove, which limited the number of visitors to this space formerly invaded by 2,500 tourists daily in summer to 400 people per day in summer.
This car-free day is part of a series of experiments aimed at combating the harmful effects of mass tourism. The Route des Crêtes, linking Cassis to La Ciotat, is also affected by Sunday traffic restrictions, a measure recently extended for an additional year. Furthermore, discussions are underway to limit visits to the Friuli islands, whose popularity has increased further following the release of the film The Count of Monte Cristo.
« There are many challenges in maintaining the balance between welcoming the public and preserving ecosystems.», Notes a representative of the Calanques National Park. These experiments will make it possible to evaluate the best options for protecting this exceptional heritage, while offering a more respectful visiting experience.
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