Tucked between towering limestone cliffs and the impossibly blue Mediterranean, Cassis is the sort of destination that makes you understand why people write poetry about the South of France. Picture a fishing village with candy-coloured houses around a working harbour, and you’ll have the measure of the place.
Within thirty minutes of arriving, I was smitten.
Discover this delightful corner of Provence with my pick of what to do in Cassis.
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How I Did It
Cassis was part of my 7-day Provence trip by train. I visited France as a solo traveller, travelling from London in Eurostar Plus Class, also staying in Avignon, which I used as a base to visit Arles, Orange and Pont du Gard.
After checking into the Hotel Coeur de Cassis, I spent three days exploring Cassis and taking day trips to Marseille and Aix-en-Provence (which I was strangely underwhelmed by). Although Marseilles would have made a more convenient base for train travel, it has nowhere near the charm of Cassis.
What to Do in Cassis
There aren’t tons of things to do in Cassis, but that’s sort of the point of visiting. This is a place to kick back, see the famous calanques and, of course, try the food and wine for which this region of France is famous.
Watch the boats bobbing in Port de Cassis
Cassis is a rare beast: it’s genuinely lovely without trying too hard. Its focal point is the harbour, lined with fishing boats, sailboats and the occasional superyacht, backed by ochre and pink buildings that house restaurants, cafés and art galleries.
It made me want to linger with an easel and watercolours, but I had to make do with my camera.
Gaze longingly at the Château de Cassis
Above it all looms the Château de Cassis, a medieval fortress turned guesthouse. This is the place to stay if you want to splurge, where suites start at €390 per night (closed in the winter months). Sadly, it was beyond my flashpacking budget.
Wander around the Old Town
The streets behind the harbour are made for aimless wandering. You’ll find olive oil shops, soap boutiques selling Provençal lavender products and enough galleries to satisfy the most committed window shopper.
On Wednesday and Friday mornings, the market takes over Place Baragnon with all sorts of local goodies.
Take a boat tour of the Calanques
The Calanques National Park is why most people come to Cassis in the first place. These are dramatic fjord-like inlets where sheer white limestone cliffs plunge into impossibly turquoise Mediterranean waters.
A boat tour is the most enjoyable way to explore the Calanques, and several companies offer regular departures from the port. You don’t need to reserve in advance; just turn up and go. I joined a one-hour tour, which cost around €20.
My boat got so close to the cliff face that I could see intrepid rock-climbers.
Hike to Calanque de Port-Miou
I opted not to do this, but if you’d rather earn your views than buy them, the walking trail to Port-Miou is your entry-level calanque hike. It’s a 30-minute walk from the port along a well-marked path.
Sample Cassis white wine
But this one’s definitely for me.
Cassis is France’s oldest AOC wine designation, established in 1936, and produces crisp, minerally white wines that pair beautifully with seafood. You can visit the wine estates in the district, though you’ll need a car to reach most of them. If you’re not fussed about visiting vineyards, most restaurants carry excellent local selections.
Relax on Plage de la Grande Mer
After sailing by the Calanques, wine tasting and photographing every angle of the harbour, you might want to relax on Cassis’ beach. Plage de la Grande Mer is just west of the port, a pebbly arc of Mediterranean coastline where families spread out towels, children splash in the shallows, and everyone pretends they’re perfectly comfortable on stones.
Plan Your Visit
When to visit
The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October hit the sweet spot: pleasantly warm and not too busy. I visited in May, which was just about perfect. If possible, try to be there on a Wednesday or Friday to catch the market, and avoid French public holidays.
Summer (June through August) brings guaranteed sunshine and warmer seas for swimming, but also guaranteed crowds and eye-watering accommodation prices. Winter is mild and almost tourist-free, though many restaurants close.
How long do you need in Cassis?
You can hit the highlights of Cassis in one day, and it’s an easy day trip from Marseille by train. But I recommend staying at least one night, ideally two or three.
Once the day trippers disperse, the town takes a breath, and it’s time for sunset drinks by the port and a slap-up Provencal dinner at a family-run restaurant. Two days lets you explore at a relaxed pace, without feeling like you’re ticking boxes. With three days, you can take day trips to Marseille or Aix-en-Provence, or simply relax on the beach with a good book.
Getting there
From Marseille, trains run regularly to Cassis station (25 minutes).
The station is two miles north of the town, a 45-minute downhill walk. The La Marcouline bus makes the 10-15-minute trip to the town centre. Alternatively, taxis wait at the station and charge around €15 to the port.
Driving from Marseille takes 30 to 40 minutes via the A50 motorway, though parking in Cassis is reportedly challenging, to say the least. ranges from difficult to impossible in high season.
If you want a hassle-free way to visit Cassis, take a look at this highly-rated boat tour from Marseille or this day trip from Aix-en-Provence, which includes wine tasting.
Where to stay
I enjoyed my stay at Hotel Coeur de Cassis. This lovely 3-star hotel is tucked in one of the streets leading up from the port, and has a spa and a small pool.
If this doesn’t meet your needs, consider Cassis Loc, a 3-star guest house. It’s situated on the seafront, and some rooms have balconies overlooking the harbour.
Or for a well-earned splurge, book a room at Hôtel Les Roches Blanches Cassis. The 5-star is a ten-minute stroll from the beach and has a wonderful infinity pool.
Where to Next in France?
I hope that you enjoy Cassis as much as I did.
Looking for more inspiration for planning your vacation? Check out my France travel guides here.
Or if you are exploring the South of France, I’ve shared what to see in Nîmes, how to spend a day in Toulouse (and these day trips from Toulouse by train), the best things to do in Albi and guides to Lisle-sur-Tarn, Rabastens and Gaillac. Finally, if you are searching for another enchanting French coastal destination, consider visiting Collioure.
Happy travels!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.