Lesser-known national park has turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs and no crowds

Brits planning their next adventures on France holidays may want to bookmark a breathtaking national park that's home to fjords full of crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs and almost no crowds.

The Calanques National Park in France looks like something out of a storybook thanks to the turquoise waters that make up the landscape, with a range of quiet sandy and pebbled beaches lining its shores. The region can only be reached by boat or on foot, meaning that it's a lot quieter than other French hotspots as there are smaller crowds of visitors who flock to the area.

The clear waters mean you can get a great look at what's been described as an "underwater garden" thanks to the diverse array of plants and wildlife that reside there, including the likes of octopuses, sea breams and anemones. (Just keep an eye out for urchins!). It's one of those beautiful areas that rivals the likes of Europe's coolest seaside town that's just three hours from the UK.

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It's therefore no surprise that the Calanques have become increasingly popular with the social media crowd, who have been tempted by its postcard-worthy landscapes. The good news is that it's still relatively quiet compared to plenty of other hotspots because it's not as easily accessible, so even with the influx of tourists it's easy to find plenty of peaceful spots.

One of the best ways to explore the region is by boat, so you can leisurely make your way along those crystal-clear waters and take in the dramatic scenery. In fact, an increasing number of holidaymakers are opting for boat trips to explore Europe's hidden gems.

According to recent data from SamBoat, bookings via its UK site rose by 75% last year, with most Brits opting for day trips as part of their travel plans. Of those, 89% of boats were rented without a skipper, with prices around £340 a day proving appealing for families or groups of friends wanting a memorable day out.

As for the Calanques, these remain a firm favourite with those who love to experience destinations off the beaten track. The SamBoat insiders explained: "Swap the busy city streets for sea cliffs if heading to Marseille and take a day trip to the Massif des Calanques, a dramatic stretch of limestone coves and turquoise waters nestled between Marseille and Cassis.

"Only accessible by boat or on foot, these secluded inlets offer wild swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing far from the crowds. Hiring your own boat for the day from the Old Port is a great option, offering total flexibility for you to explore at your own pace."

For Brits, Marseille is the best destination to visit if you're planning to head to the Calanques. There are plenty of direct flights with the likes of easyJet and Ryanair with a flight time of just under two hours, and then it's approximately a 35-minute drive to the national park. Alternatively you could get the Eurostar from London to Paris and then change on a train to Marseille in France, with the total journey time being around seven hours.

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