Heading east from Les Goudes, Sormiou is the first of the proper calanques to be reached; a deep, flooded valley with steep rocky sides. The approach to the area is through one of Marseilles' less salubrious neighbourhoods, which makes the contrast between city and wilderness all the more marked.
Warning - Break-ins of foreign registered cars reached epidemic proportions here a few years ago. The situation has improved but care is still required. To avoid the hassle, leave nothing in the car. Parking at Les Goudes and on the University campus at Luminy are by far the safest options. For Calanque d'en Vau, parking is at Cassis (busy) or at Col du Mistral (in the middle of nowhere, but normally safe).