The pretty town of Cassis combines Côte d’Azur chic with the soul of a fishing village. Hiking enthusiasts will love discovering the calanques at the end of the trails, as well as the dazzling beaches. Cassis also seduced us with its picturesque, colorful fishing port and flower-filled alleyways. You’re sure to fall in love!
In this article, you’ll discover a list of 12 ideas of things to do in Cassis, illustrated by numerous photos. We’ve even added a few bonus activities!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Admire the Calanques of Cassis and Marseille by boat
Why visit?
We recommend discovering the Calanques of Cassis and Marseille by boat! You’ll be able to admire them from the sea, a completely different spectacle from that offered from the shore. We found it an unforgettable experience. Sailing along the Mediterranean coast allowed us to take in breathtaking natural scenery.
Each calanque is unique and will charm you with its turquoise waters, white cliffs and umbrella pines. We loved discovering the 9 calanques of Cassis and Marseille during our excursion, which lasted around 2 hours 20 minutes. A magical, rejuvenating excursion to the heart of this Côte d’Azur paradise.
Practical advice
- The excursion company offers tours of 3, 5, 8 or 9 calanques. We strongly advise you to choose the one that allows you to admire 9 of them! Visit the Calanques of Port-Miou, Port-Pin, En-Vau, Loule, Oeil de Verre, Sugiton, Morgiou and Sormiou. This tour takes around 2 hours 20 minutes, while the shorter one takes 1 hour.
- For information on times, prices and routes, click here.
- Prices range from €21 to €33, depending on the length of the tour.
- The departure point and ticket office are located at the Port de Cassis, Quai Saint-Pierre.
- Tickets cannot be booked online, but must be collected from the ticket office 30 minutes before boarding.
If you’d like to explore the calanques in a different way, here are 3 possibilities:
- Half-day hike in the calanques with a guide – see prices and availability
- Paddle the calanques – see prices and book
- Explore the calanques more sportily by kayak – see prices and book now
2. Stroll the narrow streets and visit Saint-Michel Church
Why visit the historic center of Cassis?
Cassis is a typically Provencal town where life is good. In our opinion, strolling through its colorful streets is an excellent way to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this adorable town.
Cassis, well known for its beaches and calanques, has much more to offer. A stroll through the old town reveals a number of historic buildings, including the Château de Cassis, whose foundations date back to the 8th century.
We also really enjoyed our visit to Saint-Michel Church. The painted details inside are charming and the fresco is remarkable! During your stroll, you’ll also be able to admire beautiful, colorful Provencal houses and picturesque narrow streets.
Practical advice
To visit the narrow streets of Cassis, we recommend you allow between 1 and 2 hours. The historic center is not very large, so you should be able to do everything on foot.
- To visitSaint-Michel Church, see our detailed article here.
- You could also explore the Musée Municipal d’Art et Traditions Populaires and the Four Banal. Find out more here.
WHERE TO STAY IN Cassis
Option 1 : Around Bestouan beach
More peace and quiet between the calanques and the city
- Hotel Les Roches Blanches – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Le Jardin d’Emile – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Downtown
Close to restaurants and activities
- Hotel HPC – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Eden – prices, pictures and availability
3. Stroll along the Port of Cassis – charm and view of the château
Why visit the Port of Cassis?
Nestled between the high golden cliffs of Cap Canaille and the white majesty of the Calanques, we loved the little fishing port of Cassis. It seemed to us to symbolize the gentle way of life in Provence. It’s a real Mediterranean postcard!
Lined with cafés and restaurant terraces, the atmosphere is warm and friendly. We recommend a visit to stroll along its charming quays, observe the colorful fishing boats and admire the view of the majestic cliffs in the distance.
You can also enjoy a glass of local wine as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. Or an ice cream for a refreshing snack! There’s always a good reason to indulge…
To enjoy it until nightfall, find a restaurant on the Port of Cassis from our selection of the town’s best restaurants.
Whenever and however you enjoy the Port of Cassis, we hope you’ll appreciate its picturesque ambience as much as we do.
Practical advice
To visit the Port of Cassis, we recommend you allow between 30min and 1h, depending on your interest in the details of the fishing boats. The port is not very large, so it’s easy to get around on foot.
4. Discover the vineyards around Cassis – Wine Route
Why explore Provence’s vineyards?
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just curious, we recommend you take the Cassis Wine Route. We loved exploring this idyllic landscape and the region’s time-honored winemaking tradition. As you explore the vineyards, you’ll meet passionate winemakers who share their know-how and love of their craft. Let yourself be guided by their stories and taste their precious nectars, lulled by the song of the cicadas.
You may be wondering what makes the Cassis vineyards so special?
On our visit, we learned that overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it benefits from an exceptional microclimate and clay-limestone terroir. This soil gives rise to dry, fresh and aromatic white wines, as well as delicate, fruity rosés.
To help you discover Cassis and its wine-growing region, we’ve selected what we believe to be the best excursion departing from Cassis:A day trip that includes a boat tour to explore the calanques
+ a tour of Cassis + a wine tasting! Book now!
Practical advice
- To explore the wineries around Cassis, we recommend you allow between 1/2 day and a full day, depending on your interest in oenology and the number of vineyards you wish to visit.
- You’ll need to hire a car if you want to explore the Wine Route on your own.
- Otherwise, book a guided tour of the Wine Route today .
- Bring water to keep you hydrated, and sun protection.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Lazing on La Grande Mer beach
Why go to Plage de La Grande Mer?
We believe that Cassis is more than just its calanques, sublime as they are. Along its coastline, the town rolls out a string of beaches, each with its own charm and assets. Some of them are amongthe most beautiful beaches on the French Riviera!
Plage de la Grande Mer is the main beach of Cassis. It’s just a stone’s throw from the port and the historic center with its colorful alleyways. We loved the view of the pretty Colline du Château, located behind the beach. We think its fine sand and lifeguard surveillance make it ideal for families. What’s more, you can easily spend the day keeping busy with the many water sports activities available on site: pedal boats, kayaks, paddleboats… Finally, you’ll have access to showers and toilets (for a fee) set up around this beautiful beach.
Practical advice
- The beach is located in the center of Cassis.
- Easy access, just a few meters from restaurants and the port,
- The nearest parking lot is Parking de la Poste.
- Wheelchair access is facilitated by the presence of mats on the sand.
- The beach is supervised in high season.
- You can rent pedalos, kayaks or paddles.
- The beach is ideally located close to the city’s best restaurants.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
6. Discover the magnificent Route des Crètes and Cap Canaille
Why explore the Route des Crètes?
We loved driving along the magnificent Route des Crètes. Connecting Cassis to La Ciotat, this road is one of the most beautiful in France. Alternating between the blue of the sea, the green of the vegetation and the red of the Esterel, we promise that this itinerary will fill your eyes.
At the same time, you’ll discover the majestic Cap Canaille, Europe’s highest sea cliff! Culminating at an altitude of 363 metres. The view from the summit is breathtaking! You can admire the Bay of Cassis, the calanques, the Mediterranean Sea and even the Frioul Islands.
If you’re driving, don’t miss this iconic coastal road near Cassis. Alternatively, discover all our tips for renting a car on the Côte d’Azur.
Practical advice
- To reach the road from Cassis, take the RD141 out of town.
- Allow around 40 minutes and 17 km if you wish to cover the entire route. That is, from Cassis to La Ciotat.
- Once you’ve completed the tour, take the opportunity to discover La Ciotat!
7. Sunbathing on the Plage du Corton
Why go to Plage du Corton?
Would you like to relax on a beach that’s a little quieter than the Grande Mer and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Esterel rock formations? Then we recommend a visit to Plage du Corton! This cove, some 400 m long, offers a magnificent view of Cap Canaille.
This beach is worth a visit for its magnificent views, tranquility and crystal-clear water. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cassis! We loved swimming there and enjoying the magnificent view of the surrounding countryside.
Practical advice
- The beach is located in the commune of Cassis, to the east of the town.
- From the Port of Cassis, take a 15-minute walk and a 5-minute drive.
- The beach is not supervised.
- There’s a snack bar on the beach for a quick bite to eat or a refreshing dip between swims.
- For more information and photos, see our article dedicated to Plage du Corton.
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8. Kayak or paddle in the calanques of Cassis
Why go boating in the calanques of Cassis?
We were charmed by the calanques of Cassis. These spectacular rock formations stretch for over 20 km. The Parc National des Calanques is one of the jewels of the Mediterranean. Hidden between sheer cliffs and sparkling turquoise waters, they offer a breathtaking landscape where nature unfolds in all its splendour.
There are many ways to discover them. In particular, we recommend a kayak or paddle excursion to explore hidden coves or enjoy a secluded beach. The perfect opportunity for a sporty beach day!
- Sea kayaking: we recommend this activity for exploring the calanques at your own pace and admiring their sublime landscapes. Accessible to all, kayaking is an ideal activity for discovering the Mediterranean coast and accessing inaccessible calanques from the road or footpaths – See prices and book
- Paddle: we recommend this activity, which perfectly combines sport and relaxation. Paddle in complete tranquillity, alone, with family or friends, to discover the cliffs and marine fauna – See prices and availability.
Practical advice
- Allow at least 1/2 a day to paddle at your own pace and enjoy the scenery.
- Remember to take water and sun protection with you. When you’re at sea, it’s easy to get sunburned!
- If you’d like to take a picnic with you to enjoy on one of the coves you’ll come across, be sure to visit Atelier Gastronomique, a takeaway restaurant featured in this article.
9. Hike to discover the Calanque de Port-Pin
Why go to the Calanque de Port-Pin?
We learned that Port-Pin calanque takes its name from the abundance of Aleppo pines that characterize this charming wooded beach. We loved the beautiful inlet it forms along the coast.
It’s a haven of peace where you can let yourself be lulled by the lapping of the waves. However, as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur, it suffers from overcrowding in high season, due to its beauty and ease of access. We therefore recommend an early morning visit if you prefer to avoid the crowds.
If you wish to extend your exploration of the Parc National des Calanques, pass the Calanque de Port-Pin and continue on the GR98-51 hiking trail. In around 40 minutes, you’ll reach the magnificent Calanque d’En-Vau, next to Port-Pin.
Practical advice
- Calanque de Port-Pin lies to the west of Cassis.
- Access from the town center is a little long, and takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, by car, you can park close to the Calanque de Port-Miou.
- The nearest parking lot is located on the peninsula at 7 Avenue de la Plage Bleue, Cassis. This is a paid parking lot. You can also park in nearby street car parks. It’s cheaper, but you’ll need to arrive early, as they’re often fully booked.
- By bus, stop at the Presqu’île stop on the Marseille-Provence public transport network. Find out more here.
- Find out more in our article on hiking to the Calanques de Port-Miou and Port-Pin, in Cassis.
Let yourself be tempted by a guided tour of the calanques:
- How about a half-day hike in the Parc National des Calanques?
- Or a day trip to the region’s most beautiful landscapes?
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
10. Admire the sunset as it colors the cliffs in ochre hues.
Why visit?
Indulge in a magical moment as the sunset sets the cliffs ablaze in ochre hues. As day gives way to night, the rays of the setting sun caress the limestone cliffs, revealing warm, shimmering hues ranging from golden yellow to deep red. We were dazzled by the sunsets over the French Riviera.
We experienced this natural spectacle during a tête-à-tête meal with Cap Canaille, at Restaurant Les Belles Canailles, and were amazed. You can choose to admire this view from one of Cassis’s beaches, from the terrace of a restaurant on the harbor, or from the hills above the town. Whatever you choose, you’ll be won over by the beauty and serenity of this magnificent moment.
Practical advice
There’s no shortage of places to watch the sun set in Cassis! From a restaurant terrace, the beach, the summit of the Route des Crètes… the choice is yours!
11. Take a ride on the little train for a guided tour of the city
Why visit?
If you’d like to discover the town, its history, beaches, monuments, vineyards, etc., we highly recommend a trip on the little train! In just 45 minutes, you’ll tour the town and learn more about the jewels of Cassis. We find this option perfect if you’re in a hurry, have difficulty getting around or have young children (or lazy teenagers…)!
Practical advice
- Departure from Esplanade Charles de Gaulle.
- There is a departure approximately every hour between 10.15am and 6.15pm. Timetables vary according to the time of year. Find out more here.
- The guided tour is in French and English.
- The price is €10 per person and €4 for children.
- The nearest parking lot is the Parking de la Poste, located at 15 rue de l’Arène, less than a 5-minute walk away.
12. Take a day trip to Aix-en-Provence and Marseille
Why visit?
Cassis is close to two of Provence’s most emblematic cities: Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. Staying in Cassis, you can easily take day trips to explore these lively towns. We highly recommend a visit to discover their history and undeniable beauty!
Marseille is a 35-minute drive from Cassis. It’s one of the oldest towns in France! There, you’ll discover a vibrant atmosphere, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, bustling markets, and breathtaking scenery.
We recommend a visit to soak up its rich cultural heritage and majestic historic sites. We promise you’ll fall under the spell of its picturesque alleyways!
Book a private tour with a local! View prices, schedules, and availability.
To get to Aix-en-Provence from Cassis, allow about 45 minutes by car. We loved this city of art and culture nestled in the heart of Provence. We found it elegant. There, you’ll discover charming cobblestone streets dotted with numerous shaded squares adorned with fountains.
Aix-en-Provence is a great place to live. We recommend a stopover to soak up its bohemian atmosphere and experience the gentle Provencal way of life.
Book an excursion to discover its history and surroundings! – See prices, times and availability.
Practical advice
- If you have the time, we recommend you spend a full day in each of these 2 magnificent cities. Alternatively, you can visit them both in 1 day, provided you leave early!
- The easiest way to get around Cassis and to visit Aix-en-Provence and Marseille is to rent a car.
Other things to do in Cassis
Other beaches in Cassis
- Bestouan Beach
Made up of golden pebbles, this beautiful 150 m-long beach is the second longest in downtown Cassis. It offers an exceptional panorama of Cap Canaille. It’s a fairly narrow beach, but we found it very pleasant.
It’s less than a 5-minute walk from the city center, and easy to get to on foot.
Find out more in our article on the most beautiful beaches in Cassis.
- La Plage de l’Arène
This magnificent, wild-looking beach once again offers an impressive view of Cap Canaille. We loved this unspoilt oasis, as it’s rarely visited. In fact, due to the presence of numerous pebbles and rocks, the beach is not the most popular with visitors. On the other hand, we do recommend that you visit it, as it’s very pretty!
Why not go there to watch the sun set, giving ochre hues to the cliffs bordering the Mediterranean?
Find out more in our article dedicated to Plage de l’Arène.
Other museums in Cassis
- The Municipal Museum of Popular Art and Traditions
Located near the port, in the heart of the town, we discovered the former presbytery dating from the early 17th century, which houses the Musée Municipal d’Art et Traditions Populaires. Permanent and temporary exhibitions are held there on a regular basis. Here you can discover collections of paintings, the oldest of which dates back to 1601, as well as Roman remains and amphorae. Find out more here.
- The Salles Voûtées Gallery
In the main courtyard of the Hôtel de Ville, on the Place Baragnon, we loved the Gallerie des Salles voûtées. This venue hosts a diverse selection of local and international painters and sculptors who choose to exhibit their latest works in Cassis throughout the year. Find out more here.
Other activities in Cassis
- Climbing the cliffs of Cap Canaille
Cap Canaille is a paradise for rock-climbers. The majestic cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea offer a wide range of climbing routes, from level 5+ to 7b, suitable for beginners and experts alike.
We’ve found that this renowned climbing site attracts many enthusiasts. We’ve seen many climbing enthusiasts take on its walls and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding scenery.
Let yourself be tempted by a climbing course to discover the landscapes of the Côte d’Azur in a different way. – See prices and book
- Discover Cassis markets and Provencal products
Let yourself be seduced by the friendly, lively atmosphere of the Cassis markets, where the treasures of Provence are revealed in the stalls. In Cassis, we loved discovering the different markets:
Weekly market: the historic center of Cassis comes alive twice a week on Wednesday and Friday mornings. We enjoyed meeting the producers and greengrocers who sell fruit, vegetables, cheese, charcuterie, fish and seafood. You’ll also find clothing and local handicrafts.
The fish market: Cassis fishermen sell their catch every morning at the fish market on the Quai des Baux. Bream, octopus, scorpion fish and monkfish are all on hand to prepare an authentic bouillabaisse, for example!
Farmers’ market: every Saturday, regional producers gather at the farmers’ market on Place Clémaenceau. We recommend a visit to buy fruit, vegetables, cheeses, jams, sweets and regional specialities.
The night market: in summer, the historic center hosts the Quai des Artistes and craftsmen’s market. Designers and artists present Provencal items, jewelry, accessories, clothing, toys and original creations that have charmed us.
- A successful poker game at the Cassis Casino
Why not opt for an evening at the Cassis Casino and try your luck, with reason, at the games of chance and slot machines? You can also enjoy delicious dishes and refined cocktails in the restaurant and bar.
Things to do in Cassis with children
For a successful family day out in Cassis, here are three must-do activities we recommend you share with your children:
Go to the beach: we think the beaches of Cassis are ideal for a relaxing family day out. Their crystal-clear waters and fine sand will delight young and old alike. These include Plage de la Grande Mer and Plage du Dramont. Consult our article on the most beautiful beaches in Cassis to choose the one that suits you best.
Go on a boat trip: we think kids will love sailing on the Mediterranean Sea and discovering the Calanques of Cassis and Marseille on a boat trip. This fun and educational adventure will allow them to observe breathtaking natural landscapes and learn more about the marine environment. Find out more here.
Take a trip on the little train: for a fun and informative tour of Cassis, board the little train for the whole family! Discover the history, beaches, monuments and vineyards of Cassis. We think this activity is ideal for families with young children or for those who want to explore Cassis without getting too tired. Find out more here.
Excursions around Cassis
Not sure which Côte d’Azur city to visit? That’s okay, because you can stay in Cassis while discovering the major cities of the French Riviera. Cassis has a major advantage: it’s located between Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and Toulon. By TER, it will take you 25min to get to Marseille and 35min to get to Toulon. However, we recommend that you opt for a car, which will allow you to explore the region to the full.
Here are the main journey times to give you an idea of the distances involved:
- Driving time to Marseille: 40min
- Driving time to Aix-en-Provence: 50min
- Driving time to Toulon: 35min
You can also opt for excursions:
- Want to discover Marseille? Book a private tour with a local! – See prices, times and availability.
- Tempted by a visit to Aix-en-Provence? Book an excursion to discover its history and surroundings! – See prices, times and availability.
Useful tips for visiting Cassis
Where is Cassis?
- Cassis is located in southeastern France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
- Between Marseille and Toulon
- Cassis to Marseille = 40min drive
- Cassis to Aix-en-Provence = 50min drive
- Cassis to Toulon = 35min drive
Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get to Cassis?
To get to Cassis, you can opt for the train. The town is directly linked by TER to several of the region’s major cities, including Marseille (25min), Toulon (35min) and Hyères (1h).
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
If you’re traveling by car from elsewhere in France, you can reach Cassis via the A50 motorway. For a more economical route, you can also take the national and departmental roads, such as the D559.
We recommend renting a car for your trip to Provence. This gives you greater freedom of movement. Discover all our tips for renting a car on the Côte d’Azur.
Please note that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak and vacation periods. We recommend that you check traffic conditions and plan your route in advance. In addition, make sure you have a motorway sticker in the countries concerned, if necessary, and that you respect the Highway Code of the countries you will be crossing.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
You can also choose to fly. The nearest airport is Marseille, serving French and European cities such as Lisbon, Brussels and Dublin. Once there, the easiest option is to rent a car and drive to Cassis in around 40 minutes.
Check out our flight offers.
Parking in Cassis
Cassis is a very busy town , especially in summer. Parking and traffic can be very difficult. There isn’t much space for cars, and the streets in the city center are narrow and winding. What’s more, there are few free parking spaces, and paid parking lots are often full.
We recommend arriving early in the morning to ensure unhindered parking.
To help you, here’s an interactive map of all Cassis parking lots.
Where to eat in Cassis
We loved visiting Cassis, both for its scenery and its restaurants! To find out more, discover our selection of the city’s best restaurants.
Here are the ones that impressed us the most:
- Restaurant Les Belles Canailles: we loved our meal at Restaurant Les Belles Canailles, located in the Hôtel Les Roches Blanches. The chef makes the most of local produce. The Mediterranean menu is dominated by fish, but also features local meats and vegetables. The restaurant offers a fine selection of local wines.
- Restaurant La Brasserie du Corton: the Brasserie du Corton, located above the Michelin-starred restaurant La Villa Madie, dazzled us with its cuisine. The restaurant offers modern, refined cuisine made from local, seasonal produce. The seafront setting is idyllic, adding an exceptional touch to this remarkable culinary experience.
- Restaurant Chez Alfred: Chez Alfred, in the backstreets of Cassis, offers a refined menu of fresh dishes based on local produce. We really enjoyed the gourmet time we spent there. The alley’s quiet setting offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of crowded beaches.
Frequently asked questions
Does Crème de Cassis come from the town of Cassis on the Côte d’Azur?
No, Crème de Cassis, the famous Burgundy liqueur made from blackcurrants, doesn’t come from the town of Cassis on the Côte d’Azur. Cassis is famous for its wines and Calanques, but not for Crème de Cassis, a specialty of the Dijon region in Burgundy, France. Find out more here.
Is Cassis worth a visit?
The answer is yes! Nestled in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, Cassis is well worth a visit for its sumptuous calanques, which you can discover by hiking, kayaking or boating…
Cassis is also well worth a visit for its wine-growing heritage. Nestled in a setting of vineyards and beaches, the town is home to an ancestral know-how that you can discover during a tasting session.
Visiting Cassis also means discovering France and Provence through its gastronomic specialties. Discover our 9 good reasons to visit Cassis!
What are the best beaches in Cassis?
Along its coastline, Cassis rolls out a string of magnificent beaches and calanques. We loved discovering them, especially in the Parc National des Calanques. Cassis is one of the jewels of the Côte d’Azur.
The most beautiful beaches in Cassis include Plage de la Grande-Mer, Plage du Bestouan and Calanque de Port-Pin.
To discover them all, check out our selection of the most beautiful beaches and calanques in and around Cassis.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
