This post is the ultimate guide to visiting Cassis and the Calanques so you can experience this true gem for yourself.
When I picture the Côte d’Azur, I envision crystal clear blue water, idyllic cobblestone towns, and dramatic landscapes. While doing a campervan trip along the French Riviera in May, we found this to be utterly true, and one place in particular stood out from the rest. That town was Cassis. Nestled along the coast, this stunning town is surrounded by vineyards, dramatic cliffs, and the famous Calanques National Park.
HOW TO GET TO CASSIS
Cassis is most accessible from the city of Marseille. It is only a 35-minute drive from the city, making this an easy day trip. However, to truly explore this place to its fullest, I recommend staying for 1-2 nights. Trains run directly from Marseille to Cassis if you prefer not to rent a car. Cassis is very accessible on foot. You can book train tickets here: SNCF Connect.
WHAT TO DO IN CASSIS
EXPLORE THE TOWN CENTER
Cassis boasts picturesque cobblestone streets and a gorgeous port that offers many dining options. Set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs, exploring this town can take up a whole day. Get lost in the maze of streets, and check out the beach. The town also has markets every Wednesday and Friday where you can pick up fresh goods and sample local produce.
GO TO THE BEACH
There are two beaches worth checking out during your stay in Cassis: Plage de la Grande Mer and Plage du Bestouan, the latter being a personal favourite. Plage du Bestouan is a short 5 to 10-minute walk from the port, a small pebble beach that hosts some of the clearest blue water. Arrive early to secure a spot on the beach or the rocks.
EAT AND DRINK
There are numerous options for drinking and dining in Cassis. Stroll along the port to find a seat with a water view or explore the back streets to find a charming spot. Notable mentions go to Restaurant Calendal, La Nonna D’oro, and for the best cocktails (although a bit pricey), Victoria Cassis.
THE CALANQUES
A Calanque is a distinctive geological formation composed of limestone. These large rocky coves create steep, narrow valleys that extend inland and are predominantly found around the Mediterranean Sea.
HIKING
Hiking is the best option for visiting the Calanques in terms of affordability and experience. The path is steep in some areas with loose gravel, so a moderate level of fitness is required. The hike can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours each way, depending on which Calanques you wish to see. I recommend stopping and swimming at Calanque De Port Pin and Calanque D’en Vau, as these are the most stunning.
Good walking shoes, breathable clothing, snacks, and water are recommended. Although this hike is beautiful it’s very exposed in some areas and quite steep.
Travel Tip: During summer, the hiking trails may be closed due to fire hazards. The ideal times for hiking are May-June and September-October when the weather is milder, yet still warm enough for swimming in the inlets.
BY SEA
If you wish to visit the Calanques by sea, you can choose between a boat trip or a kayaking trip.
For boat trips, if you wander through the port in Cassis, you will find many companies offering boat trips ranging from one hour to three plus hours, depending on how many Calanques you wish to see. The boat trips start from around 20€ per person. Alternatively, you can book a private tour or a catamaran tour for a more personalized trip. Find options here: Bleuevasion.
If you want a more active way to visit the Calanques by sea, then kayaking might be the best option. You can find pricing and more information here: Lokayak Cassis.
CALANQUE DE PORT MIOU
If you decide on the hiking route, start from Calanque de Port Miou. A 15-20 minute walk from the centre of town, Calanque de Port Miou is a port for sailing and motorboats. If you wish to swim at this Calanque, follow the pedestrian trail as it winds up the headland. Along the way, you will see rocky outlets where you can climb down to find a spot for sunbathing and swimming. Please be careful as many boats enter and leave this Calanque.
CALANQUE DE PORT PIN
This Calanque is a 20-minute hike from Port Miou along a short rocky path. Along the way, you will see stunning views of the surrounding area before arriving. This Calanque is the perfect spot to stop for a swim and park up either along the pebbly beach or the rocks lining the edge of the Calanque. As this Calanque is easily reachable from Cassis, it can be busy, so try to arrive early to get a spot on the beach.
CALANQUE D’EN VAU
The next Calanque was my personal favourite and worth the extra hiking distance to view it. It takes around 1.5 hours from start to finish along the red path from Port Miou to Calanque D’en Vau and another 1.5 hours back.
As you leave Calanque De Port Pin, you will see a sign with two options. The panoramic route, which takes 1 hour 30 minutes, or the direct way, which takes 1 hour 10 minutes. I recommend taking the panoramic route on the way there, as you will begin to see a glimpse of the Calanque along the way, and the views are magnificent.
Thirty minutes before arriving at the Calanque, you will begin a steep hike down from the clifftops towards the ocean. This is the most difficult part of the hike, but you will be rewarded. The most breathtaking beach awaits you where you can spend the afternoon lying on the beach, swimming in the cool water, or even jumping off the rocks.
Whether you choose to explore Cassis by land or sea, this charming town and its surrounding natural wonders offer an unforgettable experience. From the vibrant town centre and beautiful beaches to the breathtaking Calanques, Cassis is a true gem on the Côte d’Azur that should not be missed.