Haute grotte du Plan des Cailles

Beneath the sun-drenched cliffs of Marseille, the Haute grotte du Plan des Cailles whispers tales of bygone eras. The Haute grotte du Plan des Cailles isn’t just a cave entrance. It’s a portal to understanding the complex geological history of the Calanques massif. This area, known as the Plan des Cailles, takes its name from the migrating quail that hunters would stalk here in late August and early September. Imagine the hunters of old, patiently waiting amidst the scrub and rocks for their quarry. The name “cailles” itself means “small migrating birds”. Fishermen from Mazargues also knew this place. They used a path from the Plan des Cailles, past the Pas de la Selle, towards the Fontaine de Voire and finally to their cabins in the Calanque de Marseilleveyre. The Haute grotte du Plan des Cailles sits at the entrance to the Vallon des Cailles, an area east of Marseilleveyre. This valley leads to the Arches des Cailles, a fascinating formation of rocky outcrops. These arches, riddled with holes and lace-like formations, bear silent witness to centuries of geological change. The Haute grotte du Plan des Cailles offers a glimpse into a landscape shaped by time, nature, and human history. Its location, between the Calanque de Marseilleveyre and the Grand Malvallon path, places it within a larger narrative of exploration and discovery. Think of those who traversed this terrain before you, leaving their own footprints on the land. The Haute grotte du Plan des Cailles stands as a reminder of their passage and a testament to the enduring power of nature.