It was a wonderful experience to visit Cassis and its calanques, one of the most beautiful places on the French Riviera. So much so that even though we only spent one night in this lovely town, I would have loved to stay longer! It’s not hard to understand why: along with the beautiful beaches and turquoise waters of Cassis itself, there’s also a quaint village full of small shops and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food or simply relax with a drink at one of many outdoor cafés. And don’t miss out on exploring some of Cote d’Azur’s best-kept secrets—the ancient Roman ruins at Le Castellet or an excursion by boat through these stunning rock formations (holy wow!).
Cote d’Azur, Marseille and Cassis
The Cote d’Azur is a region in the south of France that is known for its beaches and beautiful landscapes, especially the calanques. The region stretches from the French Riviera to Marseille, where you can see Cassis from above. The area is a popular tourist destination and has many seaside resorts such as Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice and Monaco.
The calanques of Cassis and the Cap Canaille
The calanques are a series of inlets along the coast, which were created by erosion over millions of years. The French government has made them a protected area, so they’re off-limits to swimmers (aside from some private spots). However, the calanques are an extremely popular attraction for tourists looking to see these stunning natural formations up close. It’s one of those places where you’ll want to take photos at every turn—the views are simply breathtaking!
The ancient site Le Castellet
Le Castellet is an ancient site in Cassis, one of the most beautiful villages of France. The city is spread out around two bays, Calanque de Sormiou and Calanque d’En-Vau, which feature rugged cliffs that drop into the sea. The area is also known for its natural beauty, including several hiking trails and waterfalls.
A visit to Le Castellet is a great way to spend an afternoon—and it’s free! This Roman villa was built in the 1st century AD by Lucius Cornelius Severus Priscus who was an important member of Emperor Augustus’ court.
A boat tour to discover the calanques of Cassis
Whether you’re looking to explore the calanques from the sea or simply enjoy a boat tour, Cassis is a great place to do it. The calanques are beautiful and they can also be dangerous, which makes them an exciting place to sail through.
Some of the most stunning views can only be accessed by boat tours, so this experience is one not to miss!
Where to eat delicious food in Cassis
- La Maison du Cassis (2 Rue Hoche)
This restaurant is just a short walk from the port and offers pretty good food. The menu is set, so you won’t be able to choose from many dishes, but it’s still definitely worth trying! You can also enjoy their breakfast buffet for 15 euro for adults and 8 euros for children under 12 years old.
- Le Castellet (59 Avenue de la Canebière)
This traditional restaurant is located in the heart of Cassis town centre and serves delicious Provençal cuisine with an irresistible atmosphere. It has an outdoor terrace which is perfect for alfresco dining during summer nights!
- Le Petit Castellet (37 rue Jean Jaurès)
If your taste buds are looking for something different than what traditional French food has to offer then this restaurant might be right up your alley! Located within walking distance from the port, this gastronomic establishment offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes such as Greek salads or tapas plates made with fresh ingredients straight from their garden terrace! This place also features live music every night except Tuesdays when they host Flamenco nights where you can enjoy Spanish guitar songs while eating tapas prepared by Chef Pascal Garcia himself!
There are so many things to do in Cassis that you really should stay a few days (and not just one night as we did)!
We stayed in Cassis for only one night, but it was enough to get a feel for the town. There are so many things to do in Cassis that you really should stay a few days (and not just one night as we did)!
First and foremost, I would recommend staying at Hotel La Ronde. It has an excellent location right near the port, with stunning views of both the sea and mountains. The hotel also has great amenities: a pool on its roof terrace, free access to bikes for exploring Cassis, and some decent food options (I had lunch there twice). While we were there we went hiking along the coast by walking from Hotel La Ronde all along chemin du littoral until reaching Port-Miou beach—it was beautiful! We also visited Marseille during our stay in Cassis which was only about an hour away by train or bus.
