Grotte du Figuier

Slipping through a hidden crevice in the cliffs near Morgiou, you’ll find the Grotte du Figuier. This isn’t the famed Cosquer Cave, mind you, though they share the same neighborhood. Grotte du Figuier is a smaller, less-known cave. It’s tucked away, a few hundred meters from the more famous Triperie Cave. This place whispers a different story, one less about prehistoric art and more about the geological history of Marseille. The Grotte du Figuier stretches about 40 meters into the earth. It’s a small cave but it’s been classified as a historical monument. It shares this honor with other important caves in the Calanques National Park, including Triperie and Cosquer. These caves offer a glimpse into Marseille’s rich past, stretching back millennia. One source mentions another Grotte du Figuier, located high above the Chemin de la Nerthe. You can apparently see it from the road. This requires a bit of a scramble up a steep, sometimes slippery path. This other Grotte du Figuier offers a stunning view of Marseille. You can see the Lafarge quarry and even some of the ventilation shafts for the Nerthe tunnel. However, this information seems to relate to a different cave. Our Grotte du Figuier, near Morgiou, lies close to the sea, hidden amongst the rugged cliffs. So, let’s keep our focus on this hidden gem near the sea. Imagine the sea levels, much lower than they are today, when the entrance wasn’t submerged. Think of the people who might have sought shelter here, perhaps fishermen or explorers. Grotte du Figuier, though less adorned than Cosquer, holds its own unique charm. It’s a reminder that history is written not just in grand paintings, but in the very stones and crevices of the earth.