Explore the serene town of Cassis or the pristine coves of Calanques, there’s plenty of things to do in Cassis that keeps you busy for days together. Read our expert recommendations below on best things to do in Cassis, France.
Ultimate Guide to exploring Cassis
Cassis is a fishing town 25 kms away from Marseille, tucked at the foot of dramatic white cliffs and surrounded by blue waters. French Riviera is not all about Nice and Cannes and rich and famous. There are towns like Cassis, that, at one look, will take your breath away.
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If you want a beach that is less crowded, quiet and serene, away from the hustle and bustle of city like Nice or Marseille, Cassis is a perfectly laid back place. Surprisingly for a small town, Cassis has a lot to offer its tourists.
The town is protected by 2 natural monuments – Cape Canaille, the highest maritime cliff of Europe) and Calanques, a series of looming limestone fjords or cove that adores the coast between Marseilles and Cassis, for 20 kms length.
Best Things To Do In Cassis
A hiker’s paradise
A paradise for hikers, people come from everywhere to this tiny town to explore the Calanques by foot. The hiking trial starts in Cassis town itself.
If you intend to hike here, make sure you wear really good shoes, because the paths are uneven and despite having good shoes, you may have to often used hands for support to climb up/down. Sure,it will be a rewarding experience.
Largest rock climbing areas
One of the largest rock climbing areas in France, this place attracts climbers from all through Europe (predominantly) and rest of the world. In total, there are about 2500 bolted sports routes and 1000 trad routes.
However the cliffs exist in a fragile ecosystem and climbing is strictly controlled. The cliffs are closed during summer months (Jun-Sep) owing to the threat of forest fires.
Explore Calanques by boat
Alternatively, the best way to see calanques is through a boat ride. There are different types of trips varying with the distance, no.of calanques covered in the boat trip and price.
Maximum duration covers 9 calanques in 1.5 hours on a boat tour. Check out this Calanques cruise on catamaran.
Dive or swim in the crystal clear sea
Cassis is a seaside gem. When there’s clear blue sea, there’s nothing that could possibly stop a passionate scuba diver or swimmer. And if the sea is coiled up with white cliffs and set in a breathtaking natural setting, who wouldn’t want to take a plunge?
Plage de la Grande Mer, one of the many beautiful beaches in Cassis. This one is quiet close to the harbour.
Wine Tasting Tour in Cassis
Wine-making in Cassis dates back to 600BC. The wines are of great taste which sure wine connoisseurs would appreciate. There are about 12 vineyards around this region open for visitors.
Although it’s advised to pre-book the visit during peak tourist months. Alternatively, check out this full day wine tasting tour from Marseille to Bondol and Cassis and half day wine tour.
A place to slow down and relax
It’s a great place to do “my favourite activity” – just sit and relax, enjoy the views, sip a beer or lick an ice-cream and be part of slow paced lifestyle. The streets in Cassis are quite, houses are colorful, beaches less crowded, lined up with plethora of cafes and restaurants.
Walk to the lighthouse or walk up the castle that sits on the hill. Or simply walk through the narrow streets, gaze at the boutique shops and buy souvenirs. Cassis is beautiful in every dimension.
Not to forget the enviable mediterranean climate makes it a great holiday destination all through the year.
Kayaking in Cassis
Kayaking is a fantastic water sports to soak in the tranquil waters and enjoy the vast landscape that Cassis and its surrounding offers. This sea kayaking tour in Calanques National Park is one not to be missed.
Bike tour in and around Cassis
Biking is a great adventure activity and one of the most popular sport all through the year. If you are not sure of doing mountain biking alone, you can join one of this e-bike tour from Marseille to Calanques National Park.
The weather is just perfect, the place is less crowded. Although we spent only a day in Cassis, we were totally glad that we din’t miss out this hidden gem.
Pictures of the harbour, cafe, calanques and my failed attempts to hike the calanques (thanks to my flip-flops) kept flashing in my mind as I boarded the last bus from Cassis.
Practical Information
o Train from Marseilles St.Charles Station takes you to Cassis railway station which is about 2-3kms away from the town, and the shuttle buses are not so frequent.
o M8 bus from Castellene/Prado, Marseilles reaches Gendarmerie, Cassis in about 40 minutes, and this is 5 minutes away from Cassis port. This bus is not very frequent, but check the timetable and plan accordingly.
o There are boat trips from Marseilles to Cassis if you want a prolonged boat journey.
o Best time to visit Calanques and Cassis is from spring through autumn (April – Sep)
Where to stay in Cassis
Since Cassis is an active holiday region, the region is surrounded by many chalets, cottages and hotel chains. Best Western Plus Hôtel la Rade and Interhotel Cassitel are located only less than 5 minutes away from Cassis port. You can also search here for a list of hotels in Cassis.
Where to eat vegan in Cassis
Cassis is a small town, and there are very limited choices of restaurants in general, compared to big french cities. However, it is possible to find vegetarian and vegan food. Here are some of the small joints that offer vegan food:
- JuicyFruitea, 1 Rue Brémond – Juice, tea, salads can be made vegan
- La Repaire, 4 Rue de l’Arène – Salads, sandwich or a bowl
- Amorino, 4 Avenue Victor Hugo – Vegan sorbets
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Have you been to Cassis? What did you like the most about these places? Share your experience in comments.
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Krishna/കൃഷ്ണ
beautiful place…
nice write up and well captured photos
thanks anu
countryhoppingcouple
Aw..thanks Krishna!
Rahul Bhatia
A thoroughly enjoyable post on the little known gem hidden close to Marseilles, Anu:)
countryhoppingcouple
Have you been there sir already? I simply loved this place so much!
Destination Infinity
Did you enhance the first picture to show the blue more prominently? The effect is very good. On the other hand, the blur on the fifth picture (beach) doesn't go very well. My favorite photos are third and sixth – Just AWESOME 🙂
Destination Infinity
countryhoppingcouple
Yes DI. I worked on the clouds for 1,3,6th pictures, and blurred the 4th pic. I'm glad the 6th one has come out pretty well. Infused a bit of HDR in it. Thanks a lot for your feedback DI. Honestly, you are my best critic so far!!
aliasgarmukhtiar mukhtiar
its too beautiful …………..
countryhoppingcouple
Thank you so much…
Kusum Sanu
Beautiful! Small towns along the rocky coast are usually interesting. How hard to get to Cape Canaille?
countryhoppingcouple
It's a medium level hike Kusum. there's a 15km driving road that takes us to a certain altitude. There's also a 12km hiking trail to go to the top of the cliff. In summer the access is regulated, so one need to check always before venturing there.
Mridula
Such lovely pictures!
countryhoppingcouple
Thanks Mridula 🙂
Saru Singhal
WOW! It's such a beautiful place. French Riviera is beautiful but when you go there with a tour they show you the famous attractions, not such hidden gems.
Don't know why, can't see the second last shot.
countryhoppingcouple
Yes Saru. It's best to explore them by ourselves than taking the tour. Provence & Southern France has so many such wonderful villages/towns. I would sure go back there again 🙂
countryhoppingcouple
Oops..refresh the page and see, are you still not able to view the last but one picture?
evanescentthoughts
As usual, loved the pics 🙂 Seems like a very beautiful place.
countryhoppingcouple
Thanks Ash!
Ashwini C N
This is like a paradise. It has got something for every one. Nice 😉
countryhoppingcouple
Yes Ashwini. It sure has got something for everyone 🙂
Freya Renders
I have never been there but your stunning photos make me want to go their right now.
countryhoppingcouple
Thank you Freya. It is an amazing place not to be missed if you are touring Europe 🙂
ercotravels
Wow, amazing views of town! looking fantastic to visit. pictures are so much beautiful. really, great article written well.
countryhoppingcouple
Thank you Erco Travels!
Anunoy Samanta
Fantastic captures Anuradha!
countryhoppingcouple
Thank you Anunoy!
A S
what amazing shots!! I loved the clouds in pic no. 6.. lovely!!
countryhoppingcouple
Thank you!
Bhushavali N
Rock climbing, wine tasting – wow, sounds divine!!! 🙂
Bhusha's INDIA TRAVELOGUE
countryhoppingcouple
hmm yes they do!
Ramakant Pradhan
Beautiful place. Lovely pictures, as always 🙂
countryhoppingcouple
Thanks there Ramakant!!
wordingmythoughts
Fantastic captures Anu!
countryhoppingcouple
Thank you 🙂
MastHoliday
Wow, how many adventure activities to do at this town. really, everyone picture looking amazing to visit.
countryhoppingcouple
Thank you!
ashok
just awesome! have to visit this place someday! great snaps too anu..
countryhoppingcouple
Thank you Ashok! If you do visit South France, definitely visit this place!
D.Nambiar
Nice to know about Cassis and see pictures. Right, that's not a place we often hear about.
I bet the views from the erstwhile Roman Fort is awesome. 🙂
countryhoppingcouple
Yes D! We were glad that we visited this non-touristy place!
Renuka
I am simply amazed by the pictures! It seems to be completely my kind of place!
Sammi Wei
So pretty!!! Looks like the Caribbean almost!
Alex Coles
Great article and stunning photos! I absolutely love Cassis. It is often overlooked in favour of some of its’ more famous neighbours, but that is perhaps a good thing as it would otherwise be ridiculously crowded like places such as St Tropez and Cannes in the summer!
Alex Coles recently posted…Cannes Lions Yacht Charters & Boat Rentals
Sarah
There’s just something about coastal cities that is so captivating! I’d love to visit. The Chateau de Cassis is stunning!
Caitlin
My parents were in Cassis a few years back and loved it! This has inspired me to really truly put it on my list. It looks like such a treat
Josy A
You had me at hiking and wine tasting…two of my favorite activities. What a fantastic area to explore, I would LOVE it!
p.s. Is this where Crème de cassis comes from?
Josy A recently posted…Crystal Falls – Hikes near Vancouver
Emma
I’ve been to Nice before and adore three region but would love to visit Cassis as it seems to have a very different vibe. Plus it’s just so beautiful
Linda (LD Holland)
I have great beach and water memories of Cassis. But with all the hills, I am not surprised it is a hiker’s paradise too. We really want to try scuba diving the next time we visit. I didn’t know there were wineries in the area. So will add that to the list! A great reminder of why we need to go back.
Linda (LD Holland) recently posted…So Many Reasons To Road Trip Around Utah And Arizona
Melissa
Cassis looks like a great town to visit. I love exploring big cities, but I think I prefer the same, off the beaten path towns like this. A wine tasting tour that dates back to 600 BC sounds perfect. Château de Cassis is always pretty remarkable, would love to see it. The lighthouse would be a must for me, I am slowly adding to my list of lighthouses visited. Thanks for sharing, a great alternative to some of the bigger cities.
Melissa recently posted…The Best New York State Parks to Visit
Arnav Mathur
Such a pretty little Instagrammable town Cassis is. It has everything that i look for in a destination – Good Views, Scuba Diving, Hiking, Picturesque Locations, and plenty of opportunity to relax and live in the moment. Cassis is definitely going there on my future travel bucket list for sure.
Arnav Mathur recently posted…Most Scenic Road Trips in Europe | Travel Bucket List
Kaitlin Terese
Wow! This really is a hikers paradise! Isn’t it just crazy that this castle dates back so far? Just amazing! Between Plage de la Grande Mer beach and wine tasting, I’m not sure which one I’d do first! Your article was very descriptive and informative.
Loise
It’s really a hidden gem, the first picture looks like a bare castle! And the beach looks clear and gentle for thos who love to swim!
Raksha
I love every place that has diving options and it looks like Cassis became one of my favourite places to visit. And oh my god that castle overlooking the cliff looks like a dream. So pretty, even though I had never heard of Cassis before, I would love to consider visiting it sooner than later.
Raksha recently posted…Scuba diving in Amedee Island (New Caledonia)
Yukti Agrawal
I have heard lots about the beauty of French Riviera and in this Cassis really looks like a hidden gem. The castle of Château de Cassis on hilltop really looks enchanting. I would love to stay in this Roman fort of 13th century, as it is a luxurious hotel now. Good to know this place can be reached by boat trip from Marseilles.
Val
I visited Cassis a few years back and I have great memories. It’s such a cute little French jewel, right? I took a boat tour around the stunning calanques, but I missed wine tasting, thanks for the tip 🙂
Ann
This is so cool, this post could not have come at a better time, because I am planning a trip to France. To be fair, I have never heard of Cassis before, even though having done some research about the French riviera, so I guess it truly is a hidden gem. From your photos, I can tell tell this is a place I would love to visit. I think I would very much enjoy a boat tour like that, it looks amazing!
Rajaraman
Breath taking visuals and a fine narration of cassis. Looks like must see tourist spot any day
May
Wow, Cassis looks so beautiful! I definitely need to take a trip down there when I’m in France again. 🙂