Do you know Cassis? This pearl nestles between the limestone cliffs of Cap Canaille and the first calanques of the Mediterranean coast, halfway between Marseille and Toulon. Here we present you with all the options for planning your arrival according to your point of departure and your preferences.
Find out our tips on how to get to Cassis, whether you’re arriving by plane, train, car or excursion from a nearby town.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Summary: How to get to Cassis
If you don’t want to read the whole article:
- Cassis is located in southeastern France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, between Marseille and Toulon.
- 40min drive from Marseille-Provence Airport (the region’s main airport). Compare available flights.
- 25min by TER from Marseille, 35min from Toulon – Cassis has its own train station. See times and book.
- By car on the A50 from Marseille. Tight parking in summer: plan to arrive early.
- Full-day excursions available – see all options and make a reservation
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
Where is Cassis and map
Cassis is a commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. The town stretches along the Mediterranean coast, to the east of Marseille, at the foot of the high limestone cliffs of Cap Canaille – Europe’s highest sea cliff, culminating at 363m. To the west, the first calanques of the National Park open up just a few kilometers from the port.
Its location makes it a convenient base from which to explore the region:
- From Marseille: 35min drive (20min by TER train)
- From Aix-en-Provence: 50min drive (45min by train with connection)
- From Toulon: 40min drive (35min by TER train)
The A50 motorway links Marseille to Cassis along the coast. In summer, traffic can be heavy on the outskirts of town.
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.
Option 1: Day trip
If you’d like to visit Cassis for a complete holiday, take a look at the following sections.
But if you’re already staying in the area and would like to visit Cassis for the day, here are our answers depending on your point of departure:
From Marseille
Marseille is the nearest city: 35min by car on the A50, or 20min by TER. We find this combination particularly practical. You can reach Cassis in the morning, explore the calanques and the harbor during the day, then return in the evening without constraint. Frequent train services make a car-free round trip a real possibility.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
Marseille-Saint-Charles railway station
Guided excursions from Marseille allow you to combine a visit to Cassis with a boat trip to the calanques or a tasting of local wines. See available excursions from Marseille
From Aix-en-Provence
From Aix-en-Provence, it’s about a 50-minute drive. Public transport connections are less direct – you usually have to transit via Marseille. The car remains the most convenient solution. If you don’t want to drive and enjoy the scenery, the ideal option is to book a guided tour.
What’s more, both cities can easily be visited in the same day if you have a car. View available rentals
It is possible to make the journey by train, but with a connection. So it’s a little longer and less convenient.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
From Toulon
From Toulon, allow 40min by car or 35min by TER. The train is a good option if you don’t have a car. The frequency of services between Toulon and Cassis is good in high season, and the journey remains short.
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!
Option 2: by plane
From Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS)
There is no airport at Cassis itself. The nearest is Marseille-Provence (MRS), located in Marignane. This international airport serves many French and European destinations year-round. The range of flights is particularly extensive in high season, from many of Europe’s regional airports – including Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, Brussels, London and Dublin.
Once in Marseille, you can reach Cassis in around 40 minutes via the A50 freeway. We recommend picking up a rental car at the airport: it’s the most flexible way to explore not only Cassis, but also the surrounding area – the Calanques, the Route des Crètes and Aix-en-Provence.
Compare flight prices as early as possible to get the best deals. Compare available flights.
Getting to Cassis from Marseille-Provence airport
The airport is a 40-minute drive away. There are several ways to reach the city, depending on your budget and preferences.
By rental car
A rental car is the most practical way to reach Cassis from the airport, and to explore the region on your own. The main agencies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, as well as local rental companies) have counters in the arrivals terminal. We advise you to book as early as possible, especially in July and August, as rates increase and available vehicles become scarce.
The journey from the airport to Cassis takes around 40 minutes on the A50 freeway.
See our tips for renting a car in Provence and comparing rental offers.
By train from Marseille
From the airport, a shuttle bus links the terminal to Marseille’s Gare Saint-Charles in around 25 minutes. From the station, TER trains take an additional 25 minutes to Cassis. It’s an economical option, with no driving or parking constraints. The Cassis train station is just a few minutes’ walk from the town center and port.
Remember to check timetables in advance, as frequencies decrease in low season.
See timetables and book your train tickets.
By cab or private transfer
Cabs are available outside the arrivals terminal. The fare is set by the meter; check that the driver switches it on at the start. At night and on Sundays, a surcharge generally applies. About 40min drive.
For added convenience, you can also book a private transfer in advance. A driver will meet you at the terminal exit and take you directly to your accommodation. This solution is particularly interesting if you’re traveling with a family or group, as the cost per vehicle is divided among the passengers.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Option 3: by car
The car is still the most common means of getting to Cassis from other parts of France. It offers total freedom to stop along the way and to explore the surrounding area once you’re there. The main access road is the A50 from Marseille, which is well signposted and has no particular difficulties. From other regions, national and departmental roads such as the D559 provide an alternative to the motorway network.
On the other hand, parking in Cassis requires a few precautions. The town is very busy in summer: the central streets are narrow and squares are scarce by morning. We advise you to arrive early for trouble-free parking, or to opt for accommodation with parking included. Pay parking lots fill up quickly in high season. You can consult this interactive map of Cassis parking lots here to locate options in advance.
If you’re thinking of renting a car for your stay in Provence, find all our tips for renting a car on the Côte d’Azur and compare rental offers online.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
FromCassis to the Calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
Option 4: by train
Cassis has an SNCF train station served by the TER (regional express train) service of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It’s one of the most convenient options if you’re coming without a car from the major coastal cities. We like this option for its simplicity and reasonable cost.
The main direct connections from neighboring towns:
- From Marseille: about 20min drive
- From Toulon: about 35min drive
- From Hyères: about 1 hour’s drive
The station is just a few minutes’ walk from downtown and the port. In high season, frequencies are good. In low season, we recommend checking timetables in advance, as some trains run less frequently.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
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Getting around Cassis
Cassis is a compact but steep town! Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes and clothes to move around in. Once there, here are your options:
- On foot: this is the best way to discover the city without getting in over your head. Once you’re in the center, it’s all on foot. The port, shops and beaches (Bestouan and Grande Mer) are all within easy reach. It’s the best way to savor the atmosphere of the colorful alleyways.
- By city bus: the Navettes run from the Gorguettes parking lot to the city center in around 10 minutes. They run very frequently in high season. See details here
- By tourist train: a 45-minute guided tour of the town – find out more here
And once in Cassis…
Once in Cassis, the town center is easily accessible on foot. The port, the narrow streets of the historic center and the Plage de la Grande Mer are just a few minutes away from the station or the main parking lots. To reach the Calanques or the Route des Crètes, you need a vehicle – or an organized excursion.
Discover our favorite neighborhoods and hotels in this article on where to stay in Cassis.
- The Port of Cassis and its restaurant terraces
- Calanques accessible by boat, kayak or on foot – see options
- The Route des Crètes and Cap Canaille
- Beaches: Plage de la Grande Mer, Plage du Corton, Plage du Bestouan, Plage de l’Arène
- Vineyards and the Cassis Wine Route
- Port-Miou and Port-Pin
- Good places to eat in Cassis
See our article on the best things to do in 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
