Cassis is one of the most beautiful and most visited places on the Côte d’Azur. Don’t be like all the other visitors rushing to discover the calanques and laze on the beaches, take the time to visit the church!
Here’s how to plan your visit to Saint-Michel Church in Cassis.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to Saint-Michel Church in Cassis worthwhile?
Yes, Saint-Michel Church is well worth a visit.
Although the village’s main attractions are its creeks, beaches and port, the church is well worth a visit.
The painted details inside are charming, the fresco is remarkable and the light is pleasant despite the Romanesque architecture!
This is one of the best attractions in Cassis.
What you can see
Exterior architecture
Start by admiring the facade, which is very neutral. This building is a fine example of Provençal Romanesque architecture.
The church was built between 1859 and 1867 to replace the old one, located in the town center, which was too small and subject to flooding.
Outside, observe the use of Cassis stone. It’s a characteristic architectural feature of the region. We found that this light-colored limestone gives the church a warm, luminous appearance.
Note the round arches used for doors, windows and vaults. Don’t you think they give the church a sober, elegant look?
Interior architecture
Inside, the building has 3 naves.
The central nave is the largest and houses the altar.
The side aisles are smaller and house statues of saints.
The architecture of the choir is remarkable for its harmonious proportions and natural light.
The central nave is bathed in light thanks to stained glass windows. This light gives the whole a joyful, spiritual atmosphere.
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
The square tower
The tower and bell tower were built at the same time as the rest of the building, in the 19th century. The building has a square floor plan with 3 levels, topped by a bell tower. If you visit many villages and towns in the South of France during your stay, you’ll notice that it’s not uncommon to find square towers at the top of religious buildings in the region.
The choir
We found the choir interesting. Note the circular shape, Cassis stone walls and black-and-white marble floor. At either end of it, you’ll see two colorful statues representing the Virgin Mary and Christ. We felt they added life to this part of the church.
At the back of the choir is a magnificent fresco.
The remarkable fresco
You’ve probably noticed the monumental fresco in the church choir. It was created by the painter Jean Lair. It’s one of the largest and most beautiful in Provence.
Here are a few details to help you better understand and observe it:
In the 1940s, France was divided between a Nazi-occupied zone in the north and a free zone in the south. Marseille and Cassis were major cultural and artistic centers at the time. Against this backdrop, the painter Jean Lair has offered to restore the fresco in Cassis church, depicting Joan of Arc and French passive defense soldiers. This historical and symbolic representation is a compelling reason to visit the church in Cassis. Find out more here.
Colorful vital signs
You’ll notice that the stained glass windows in this church are narrow, as if to protect it from the heat and sun. But we loved the bright, cheerful colors, reminiscent of Provence with its flowering fields and colorful cuisine.
The most remarkable stained glass windows are located behind the organ. The same ones you can see on the façade above the entrance. They are richly colored and depict biblical scenes. Do you notice how they bathe the central nave in light?
Painted decors
At the far end of one of the side aisles, you’ll discover a white and blue fresco. These colors seemed to us to echo the Mediterranean Sea and its foam. We loved his deceptively childlike style.
The carved Way of the Cross
It’s unusual to come across a Stations of the Cross in the form of stone-carved playlets. Along the side aisles, we enjoyed observing these small tableaux where rock comes to life. Take your time to observe them, and they’ll lead you to the choir or to the ocean-colored fresco, depending on the route you take.
The organ
Before leaving Saint-Michel church in Cassis, be sure to look up at the gallery and admire the majestic organ. We liked its sleek, modern look. Its golden and bluish colors seemed to blend perfectly with the rest of the building and its decor.
Saint-Michel church in Cassis: how to get there
Where Saint-Michel Church is located
- In Cassis, on Place Saint-Michel.
- It’s a 6-minute walk from the port.
Access by car and parking
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. We recommend that you park in a parking lot a little way from the city center and then get around on foot.
The nearest parking lot to the church is at 7 Avenue de la Viguerie, Cassis. The church is just a 3-minute walk away.
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).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
Given the small size of Cassis, the public transport network is very underdeveloped. The best way to reach the church is on foot or by cab. However, depending on where you park your car, shuttle buses can take you closer to the city center. Find out more here.
Visiting difficulties
You won’t find it particularly difficult to visit the church.
Visit Saint-Michel Church: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
How long
5 to 15 min to explore the church, depending on your interest in the works of art.
At least 2 hours to explore Cassis.
Best moment
The Cassis church is not a much-visited monument. You can get there at any time of day.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction for the tour, but if you come early, we recommend starting with the Calanques and the beaches while it’s not too hot, and to take advantage of the fact that there are few people around. After lunch, visit the narrow streets, the church and perhaps the Château de Cassis.
Eating out
In Cassis, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, both in the village and on the harbor. In particular, we recommend
- Chez Poulette Restaurant in Cassis
- Le Restaurant Cosy
- Belles Canailles Restaurant
Alternatively, check out our selection of the city’s best restaurants (article coming soon).
Hotels
You’re right in the center of town, if you’d like to read our article on where to stay 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
Best boat tours (coming soon)
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
