I'm attending a conference in Nice the end of May/beginning of June. I could fit in a couple days in Marseilles just before the conference and would like to hike in the Calanques. I'm traveling solo - any problems for a middle-aged woman to hike alone there?

Thanks for the help.

You won't exactly be alone. There are plenty of people around should you run into physical difficulty. None of those people are the sort you would worry about.

are you an experienced hiker? I wouldn't want to try a new activity alone, in a strange country. Do you have good maps? Would suck to get lost... How good is your French?

I speak basic French - I can ask for directions and probably understand the answers. I can buy a map. The Cassis tourist office also provides info.

I used to hike a lot and I know to bring enough water & snacks and turn around if I reach my limit - although from the info I've found so far on-line, it looks like I wouldn't have to hike for more than a couple hours to get a taste of it. I don't plan on hiking down any of the cliffs, just enjoying the view from above.

Shanti - Here's a link to a recent thread about hiking the Calenques:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-cassis.cfm

Perhaps you can find some additional information that will be of help.

Robyn

Thanks for the input. And, Robyn, thanks for the link - the part about people in their 50s and 60s hiking the Calenques is very encouraging!