A pretty jewel of Provence- Cassis town & stunning hike to the Calanques

23.01.2023.

The picturesque charm smiles at the east coast of Marseille at the lovely town of Cassis. It’s one of the prettiest towns in Provence, a colourful symphony of the sea. Once known as a fishing village, now it owes its glory to nearby Calanques. While in Provence, pay a visit to the charming town Aix-en-Provence.

Calanques are some kind of seaside canyons, stretching 20 km from Marseille to Cassis. Their fascinating beauty is one of the reasons to visit Cassis. The pastel-coloured buildings are simply delightful and a lovely castle shines on the throne. Hiking the calanques is such a stunning seaside trail that will entice you visit to Provence.

Where the Mediterranean spirit speaks with thousand faces, hides Cassis. It’s an easy day trip from Marseille, yet secluded in its own oasis.

Cassis is full of vibrant bars and restaurant, where even the winter blues doesn’t appear. The name itself means blackcurrant in French.

About the history

Cassis experienced a constant change of occupied people. Ligures framed the shape of the town in 500-600 BC, focusing on fishing, hunting and farming. Greeks made a significant trace leading to the current state. During Roman times, Cassis developed a maritime trade with North Africa and the Middle East.

Foreign tribes became powerful until the 10th century, causing the movement of the existing population to the inland.

Today’s shine of Cassis belongs to the 18th century. It was the time of the Industrial Revolution that inspired agriculture and stone production. Stone of Cassis is a remarkable cultural identity, no longer in use.

Old town of Cassis

Strolling around the Old town will sparkle your wanderlust toward the elegant port. Old Carolingian castle marvelously rises up above the port. It’s the place to observe the people and imagine paintings that create harmony. Cassis is that kind of town, that picturesquely delight of scenes. Tranquil yet vibrant Cassis invites to discover its soft colours.

Its restaurants and bars are full of people even in winter. Ice cream is a perfect delicacy, or better yet Cassis (blackcurrant) sorbet. It’s the sweet liqueur Cassis is known for. Lavender is the most popular choice of ice cream, a lovely treat to the plant that grows locally.

The small alleys offer quiet moments, a wonderful escape from the busy town. Blending with pastel colours is the occassio to you fall in love with Cassis.

Small shops have their local charm, where you can discover the Provencal style.

Markets in Cassis

Local markets are the common activity that adds a gracious feeling to Provence. Cassis delights with its own stories about particular delicacies.

Cassis burst into a vibrant shine every Wednesday and Friday morning. You can taste the Mediterranean flavours in all their glory. The authentic French style pours its rural products next to the fountain in Place de la République.

A small fish market glorifies the life of Cassis right at the port every morning during the week.

The Castle of Cassis

Chateau de Cassis glorifies the image of the town, marvelously standing on a steep cliff. The view from the port is simply spectacular. It dates back to the 16th century when it belonged to Carolingians. The locals simply call the castel Castrum Carcisis.

Now it’s a hotel, without any access to the public. A Blackcurrant vineyard stretches below the castle. The pure allure comes in the evening, when it’s beautifully enlightened.

Beaches of Cassis

Cassis deserves to have a proper vacation as its lovely beaches will simply enchant you. Even in winter people take advantage of sunny weather and enjoy swimming. Though I wouldn’t dare.

Plage de la Grande Mer is the main beach, stretching just below the castle. This calm corner will take away all your senses. It’s a place to relax and marvel the historical charm of Cassis.

It’s a pebble beach so don’t count to make a castle in the sand.

Several restaurants serve your enjoyment to the fullest, in the panorama of quick takeaways or elegant options. Renting a kayak or pedal board takes your vacation to the throne. The crystal clear water is the most stunning attribute of this small beach.  

Plage du Bestouan is the second most popular beach in Cassis. It’s a small pebble beach, lying to the nearby hotel and Same Same restaurant.

Calanques of Cassis- a marvelous hike in Provence

Les Calanques are the principal reason that people come commonly in Cassis. The hike is very family-friendly, at least to the second calanque or Port Pin. Nature created wonders here and the beaches are just fabulous.

The Calanques National Park is something you shouldn’t miss if you’re visiting Marseille. These coves are shaped naturally and created massive full of cliffs. Offering scenic views, Les Calanques is one of the best things you can see in Provence.

The Calanques of Cassis consist of three spots, very popular between foreigners and locals alike.

Calanque de Port Miou, Calanque de Port Pin and Calanque d’En-Vau represent the stunning hike from Cassis.

Port Miou is the easiest to reach, requiring about 45 minutes from the town. It’s actually a marina giving shelter to more than 500 boats.

The calanque itself means kind of inlet and derives from the Corsican and Occitan dialects.

Port Pin Beach

Within 15 minutes from Port Miou you’ll arrive at Port Pin Beach. It’s such a scenic place full of stunning colours. The rocky path leads to this small slice of heaven. Wonderful place to relax, Port Pin beach welcomes many people during summer. Many kids love to play in the water during sunny winter days.

Paddling is also pretty popular in any time of the year.

The calm waters are simply delightful and give glory to the seaside colours.

Calanque d’En Vau

It’s the most wonderful of all three but difficult to reach. The steep path is very challenging but leads to the impressive beach. This gorgeous beach lies in the shelter of high cliffs and offers amazing views from above. It takes about 1h from Port Pin to reach the viewpoint above this stunning beach. You can also go directly to the beach. The rocky path is very steep towards the beach.

There’s also a longer version, which is easier to take and without any climbing.

Unfortunately, I didn’t visit this calanque as I was lacking the time.

Visiting the Calanques at the boat tour gives you a different point of view (of course, you can do the tour directly from Marseille as well). Cassis offers plenty of boat tours to enjoy it more quick. Swimming isn’t included.

Where to stay in Cassis

A fantastic hostel that offers budget prices is this one. Or you can choose a hostel in the form of a wonderful villa (includes the pool).

Best Western Hotel & SPA Coeur de Cassis is a wonderful choice, which combines a cozy stay and affordable prices.

The fantastic experience brings Hotel Les Roches Blanches, a luxury option with amazing decor and a stunning spa.

How to reach Cassis

Driving by car is the best option, but finding a parking place can be challenging. You can either choose the motorway or the scenic route from Col de la Gineste in Marseille.

By public transport

From Marseille you need to take a metro to Castellane. The bus 78 at the Avenue de Toulon is the most convenient way to arrive. In 50 minutes you’ll be at the centre of Cassis (the bus goes to Gendarmerie), but I suggest to take off earlier and closer to the Calanques.

The train is another option (direction Toulon), but it’s about 30 minutes from the central Cassis

All in all

Cassis captures the Provençal charm in a surprising way. Enjoying its beaches signifies a lovely getaway into heavenly delight. The Calanques cover a beach treasure that you cannot avoid here. Representing one of the most beautiful hikes in France, it’s the reason to come back.

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