Cassis is a bustling Mediterranean fishing port that combines history, culture and seaside charm. Sunseekers arrive in droves to bask on the pebble beaches and swim in turquoise bays. Pastel-coloured buildings frame the harbour and add to the picturesque aesthetic.
Things to do in Cassis
The pedestrian-friendly town centre is laced with cobbled streets adorned with potted plants and colourful flower baskets. Many of the historic townhouses have been reimagined as cafes, patisseries and boutiques. Stroll down to the harbour to admire luxury yachts and enjoy lunch at a waterfront bistro.
The coastline surrounding Cassis is dotted with calanques, steep-sided inlets carved into the limestone cliffs. Calanques National Park protects some of the most stunning scenery on the Mediterranean coast and has fabulous swimming spots. Watch for eagles soaring overhead and lizards basking on the rocks.
The surrounding countryside is speckled with vineyards producing Cassis, a full-bodied white wine with hints of fruit and pine resin. The region is also famous for bottling Crème de Cassis, a sweet liqueur made from locally grown blackcurrants. Don’t leave without ordering a Kir, a classic French cocktail made with white wine and a splash of Crème de Cassis liqueur.
The Cap Canaille headland looms over the harbour and is criss-crossed with family-friendly hiking trails. On clear days, the panoramic sea views stretch all the way to Mont Puget, one of the tallest peaks in Calanques National Park. If you’d prefer to drive, Route des Cretes winds for 13 kilometres along the coast and connects Cassis with the nearby town of La Ciotat.
Getting around Cassis
Cassis is compact and easy to get around on foot. Parking is limited and in summer you may need to park at the park-and-ride, then catch the shuttle into town. Trains run between Cassis and Marseille in 30 minutes and Marseille Airport is a 45-minute drive away.