Here’s what makes Cassis the place to be in the South of France. The stretch of French Riviera between Saint-Tropez and Nice, our childhood playground, is the most sought-after summer destination in France. But the side west of Saint-Tropez, towards Marseille, is a lesser-known part of the French Riviera and therefore offers some well-kept secrets and hidden beaches. Many years ago, we totally fell in love with the gem called Cassis and we had been longing to return ever since. Now that we did this as part of our most recent French Riviera itinerary, we can’t wait to let you discover the wonderful seaside town of Cassis in France.
One thing’s for sure: By the time you finish reading about this wonderful part of the Provence, you’ll be reaching for your vacation packing list.
…
Affiliate links are sprinkled throughout the site content. Clicking on such a hyperlink and booking on the accommodation platform it refers to, may result in a commission for CosmopoliClan at no additional cost to you. As Amazon Associates, we also earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, visit the Disclaimer page.
…
You’ll find a Cassis map at the end of this post, indicating all places mentioned. And make sure to also check out the in-depth post on the spectacular Calanques d’en Vau hike we took from Cassis.
Picturesque highlights of Cassis France
The heart of the seaside town of Cassis is its port, aligned with pastel-colored houses. It’s where fishermen moor their traditional pointu fishing boats to supply the restaurants along the Quai des Baux with the catch of the day. You’ll also find tour boats there, taking visitors to see the famous cliffs known as the Calanques de Cassis, as well as smaller yachts.
Escape the crowds in one of the alleys that lead away from the quay and wander the charming streets of Cassis. Admiring the pastel facades decorated framed with plants and flower pots. Find a bench at the church square, hidden behind the colorful oleanders, before reserving a table for dinner at one of the quaint restaurants.
Enjoy a lavender flavored ice-cream at the Place de la Republique before feeding the ducks at the park next to the townhouse. Then make your way to the Quai Saint-Pierre and watching locals during a lively game of pétanque at the La Boule de Cassis. It’s as authentic as it gets, since this variation on the famous jeu de boules game was first played at La Ciotat, on the opposite side from the cliff that borders Cassis to the east.
Dip your toes in the Mediterranean waters at one of the beaches in Cassis. Both the Plage La Grande Mer and the Plage de Bastouan are packed during summer months. So, don’t expect to have these Cassis beaches all to yourself. Quieter options, that you won’t find mentioned in most travel guides, could be the Plage du Corton and the Plage de l’Arène to the east of the port.
Look up to see the the Carolingian Château de Cassis, which was once a refuge for locals in a time of foreign invasions. Stepping into history is not an option since nowadays: The Castum Carcisis site is only accessible to guests of this high-end guesthouse. You’ll have the best view over the castle from the opposite quay of the Cassis port.
Have a white or rosé Cassis wine from one of the local vineyards on a shaded terrace. Contrary to what you may think, the crème de cassis liqueur, made from blackcurrants, does not originate from this region. It’s a specialty that found its roots in Burgundy. What’s interesting is how you do pronounce the final s in the cassis fruit but not in the name of the city of Cassis.
During the months of July and August, you’ll see artists from the Cassis region set up shop along this Quai des Artistes around 6 pm, selling their colorful crafts to delighted visitors. At the Place Baragnon, next to the town hall, you’ll find a second artisan market. We’ve visited evening markets at several towns and villages in the Provence over the years because we just love the convivial atmosphere. The one in Cassis counts as one of our favorite artisan markets in southern France because of its enchanting setting. At the same spot, there’s a farmers market, the Marché Hebdomadaire, every Wednesday and Friday morning.
Hiking in Cassis
The fishing village of Cassis in the South of France enjoys a privileged location between limestone cliffs, endless vineyards and the azure waters of the Mediterranean. This stunning natural setting offers plenty of activities for the active traveler. Hikers in particular will enjoy the variety of trails and sweeping vistas.
Make sure to wear sturdy shoes. We can highly recommend Merrell or Keen for (water-resistant) hiking shoes.
Calanques National Park to the west
The Calanques National Park, one of the most important landmarks in France, stretches from Marseille to Cassis. It features limestone cliffs topped with pine trees and several rocky inlets, known as les calanques. In the cliffs of the town of Cassis, you’ll find 9 of those inlets. The first 3 are the most popular ones: The Calanque de Port Miou, the Calanque de Port Pin and the Calanque d’En Vau. Several hiking trails offer visitors the chance to reach the Cassis calanques with their aquamarine waters and explore the park’s biodiversity.
We hiked all the way to the Calanque d’En Vau, a strenuous but highly rewarding hike. The inlet’s gorgeous pebble beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the French Riviera, can only be reached from the trail or by kayaking or supping your way from the port of Cassis. It’s easy to see why it counts as one of the most iconic photo spots in the South of France. The boat tours that leave from the Port de Cassis can’t moor in the inlet but do offer a nice view from the ocean inwards.
Fun fact: The limestone of Cassis’s cliffs is said to have been used in the pedestal of New York City’s Statue of Liberty, although this claim seems to be open to debate.
Cap Canaille to the east
At the side of the Cassis Castle are some of the highest cliffs of Europe. The ochre-colored Cap Canaille mountain separates the towns of Cassis and La Ciotat. There’s a hike from the Port of Cassis to the bus station of La Ciotat. Alternatively, you could start mid-way from the Belvédère parking lot towards the magnificent Bec de L’Aigle cliff. Expect spectacular vistas over the Mediterranean and from Cassis all the way to Marseille.
Tip: You don’t necessarily have to hike to enjoy Cap Canaille’s gorgeous views. La Route des Crêtes is a panoramic road that runs from the bay of Cassis to the bay of La Ciotat.
Getting there: Marseille to Cassis
Marseille is the main gateway to Cassis and Marseille Provence the closest airport. Here’s how to travel from Marseille to Cassis in France:
- Marseille-Cassis train: Take the train at Marseille’s St-Charles station for a 22-minute ride to the station of Cassis. From there, take the hourly bus to the final stop called Casino.
Looking for timetables and rates? Check Eurail (non-EU passport holders) or Interrail (EU passport holders). - Marseille-Cassis bus: A 45-minute bus drive on the M8 line from Marseille Castellane (just outside of the city center) to the Cassis gendarmerie.
- By car: It’s a pretty straightforward drive from Marseille. Finding parking in Cassis is not always that easy, especially during the peak summer months. We parked at Les Mimosas but there are several other parking lots throughout the city.
Discover Cars is our go-to European car rental comparison site. The prices are highly competitive, the booking process is effortless and you can even select a pay later option that comes with free cancelation. Click here to get the best car rental deal for your trip to Cassis.
If you’re looking to start a calanque hike, then it’s recommended to park near Port Miou. The parking lot there is pretty small. So, unless you arrive really early, you’ll probably end up parking in one of the residential streets nearby, like we did.
Coming from elsewhere in the (south of) France, Paris for example? Then check out the full access information on the Cassis tourist information website.
Where to stay in Cassis France
To make the most of your trip to Cassis, we’d certainly recommend spending at least a few nights in one of the guesthouses or hotels in Cassis. That being said, it’s important to take into account that Cassis accommodation options are somewhat limited, which is rather atypical for southern France. Then again, it does give Cassis a certain exclusive elan. It also means that booking well in advance is essential.
Hotels in Cassis France
Here are two amazing hotels in Cassis, one of which is located in the town center and the other near the Calanques. The luxurious Hôtel Les Roches Blanches is an iconic place to stay in Cassis and definitely worth a splurge. Hôtel Les Volets Rouges is a delightful boutique hotel in the countryside, close to the many hiking trails that crisscross Calanques National Park.
Looking for more options on where to stay in Cassis? Our article on the best hotels in Cassis is a great place to start.
Guesthouses in Cassis
If you prefer the comfort of your own home-away-from-home, then a Cassis guesthouse might be what you’re looking for. La Demeure Insoupçonnée offers 5 spacious and individually designed guest rooms and The Address Cassis offers 1 room, 2 junior suites, and 2 suites. Both guesthouses feature a beautiful swimming pool and serve a wonderful breakfast.
Holiday rental in Cassis
And if you’re looking for a true home-away-from-home in Cassis, the following rental properties might fit the bill. Villa Talabar is a luxury villa with a private pool in the heart of town while HPC Suites offers self-catering accommodation in a verdant setting with a shared pool.
To give you even more options on where to stay in Cassis, we plan on publishing an article on the best Airbnbs in Cassis soon.
If you don’t plan on spending that much time in Cassis and you’re looking to spend most of your time at another French Riviera destination, then our article on South of France villas with a private pool might help you find that perfect place to stay.
Cassis France map
For your convenience, we’ve created this map indicating all things to do in Cassis that were mentioned in this article.
That’s it for the gorgeous town of Cassis in the South of France. Have you visited this gem yet? Or do you feel inspired to visit after reading this article? Let us know in the comments. Happy travels!
…
Affiliate links are sprinkled throughout the site content. Clicking on such a hyperlink and booking on the accommodation platform it refers to, may result in a commission for CosmopoliClan at no additional cost to you. As Amazon Associates, we also earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, visit the Disclaimer page.
…