A Love Letter to Cassis: Quieter Coves on the French Riviera

Hiking and Swimming in Parque nacional de Calanques

You cannot visit Cassis without spending time relaxing at the calanques. Calanques are an ecological classification of rock formation found on Mediterranean coasts presenting in the form of jagged, steep limestone cliffs leading to beautiful inlets of water. After a day of settling in the city, wake up early for a hike or drive to a calanque of choice. Closer and more accessible options from Cassis would be the famous Calanque d'En-vau, Port Miou, or Calanque de Port Pin. My personal favorite would be to make the trek and hike to Calanques de Sormiou, Morgiou, and Sugiton. You may even experience your first ‘plage naturiste’. If hiking is not for you, you should definitely take a boat tour that leaves directly from the port.

Wineries

French wines are famous and in the region of Provence, rosé dominates. But surprisingly, while offering many types of wine, Cassis specializes in the cultivation of white wine with crisp and floral notes made from the Marsanne grape. Some of the best wineries to visit in Cassis would be:

• Cassis Bodin

• Domaine de la Ferme Blanche

• Domaine la Dona Tigana

• Chateau de Fontcreuse

• Le Clos D’Albizzo

• Domaine de Bangol

• Clos Sante Magdalene

• Domaine Du Paternel

Casino Barrière

While not quiet like Casablanca or Monaco, if you’re looking for some entertainment during your stay on the French coast, you can hop inside Cassis’ local casino for some slots, table games, or poker.

Seasonal Events

Depending on the time of year, you may be able to catch one of Cassis’ big events like The Printemps du Livre book festival, the Wine Festival and the Voiles de Cassis regatta. In the summer, there are jazz concerts, video-projections on Le Château, and the Vendanges Étoilées gastronomy festival.

Explore the Town and Port

For those who enjoy simple strolls with no where to be, part of the Cassis allure is to enjoy the village. Saint Michel Church was built in the 19th century with Cassis stone. The Musée d’Arts et Traditions Populaires houses a mix of archaeological remains, some paintings, and traditional Provençal objects. The Statue de Calendal is found on the quay and carved from Cassis stone. It depicts a local anchovy fisherman and hero of a poem by Frédéric Mistral. The library a few streets inland was built from a grand 19th-century residence. In the distance, you won’t miss the fortified chateau that once was a castle, turned private home.

The Markets

There is a fish market every morning as well as the main markets on Wednesdays and Fridays. You’ll be pleased to wine fresh produce like fruit and cheese, as well as artisan goods. Even if you don’t buy anything, a traditional Proveçal market is an experience that can’t be missed.

Day Trips

If you have time to spare or if you'd prefer to stay elsewhere, Marseille, Toulon, and La Ciotat are nearby and have stellar views, beaches, and more calanques to explore.

Gourmet:

• La Villa Madie

• La Presqu’ile

Mediterranean:

• A Table

• Angelina

• Chez Poulette

• La Brasserie du Corton

• La Calanque M

• La Nonna D’Oro

Specialty:

• Breakfast Club

• Le Bistro

• Casa Roma

• La Fringale

• Loup Bar at Les Roches

• Belles Canailles at Les Roches

• Rocco at Les Roches

Dessert:

• Amorino

• Casalini

• L’Artisan Glacier

Bars:

• Bar de la Fontaine

• Bar de la Marine

• Bar le France

• Bar le Port

• La Brasserie du Golfe

Private Beach Restaurants:

• Bada

• Le Bestouan

• Le Grand Large

• Same Same Beach