Best Things to Do in Cassis, France: Gateway to the Calanques National Park

​What to Do in Cassis

Cassis isn’t packed with attractions, but that’s part of its charm and what makes it ideal for a short visit. It’s the kind of place where you can stroll around, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and watch people go by. Afterwards, take a boat trip to the famous Calanques National Park.

​Stroll around the Port de Cassis

The port in Cassis feels like stepping into a postcard. Pastel buildings in pink, yellow, and ochre cluster beneath the watchful gaze of the medieval Château de Cassis. Bright fishing vessels bob beside sleek yachts and Calanques tour boats. The waterfront buzzes with restaurants, cosy cafés, and artisan boutiques. And to top it all off, what might be the best ice cream in Provence can be found at Cassalini Cassis. Don't miss out on trying the aptly named Cassis (blackcurrant) sorbet.

Wander around the Old Town

One of my favourite things to do in a new destination is to stroll around the old part of town, taking photographs and slipping into artisan shops and delis.

Provence is famous for its lavender, so unsurprisingly Cassis has plenty of shops selling highly scented flower products, from soaps and bath oils to hanging bags and even food products infused with lavender. You'll also find boutiques selling clothes that evoke the South of France vibe, delicatessens selling everything from French cheese and wine to chocolates and nuts, and craft shops selling wood carvings, candles, and other handmade items.

There’s a night market in Place Baragnon on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6 pm to midnight, selling lots of crafts, souvenirs, jewellery, soap, food, and many other items of interest. I didn’t get to go, but I’ve heard it’s well worth a visit.

Take a boat tour of the Calanques

The Calanques National Park (Calanques Massif) is made up of stunning, fjord-like coves and huge limestone cliffs that drop into the bright blue Mediterranean Sea. They’re truly impressive and the main reason I wanted to visit Cassis. I only wish my tour had included a swim, because the turquoise water looked so inviting.

Calanques boat tours leave from Cassis harbour; you’ll find a ticket booth on Quai Saint Pierre, right beside the boats. If you’re visiting during the busy season, it’s a good idea to book your ticket on the official Cassis website so you don’t miss out if the boats fill up.

My boat trip lasted an hour and took us into three of the Calanques inlets, although you can choose from a 3-, 5-, 8-, or 9-calanque tour. I loved cruising into the Calanques and think a boat tour is the best thing to do in Cassis, so don't miss doing one.

Cassis Hike to Calanque de Port-Miou

If you’re staying in Cassis and have some extra time, you can hike to the Calanques. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the Port de Cassis to Port-Miou. I wanted to try this, but since I was on a group tour, I couldn’t break away. Check the trail route on AllTrails.

The 3-Calanques Hike from Cassis to Port-Miou, and then on to Port-Pin (a pebble beach) and En-Vau (the iconic cliff-framed cove) is also very popular. We were able to spot these two beaches from the water on our boat tour, and I can confirm they looked very inviting with the turquoise waters lapping against the shore.

Please Note: In summer (July to September), trail access to the Calanques National Park is frequently closed due to wildfire risks. Stay safe by checking the daily Bouches-du-Rhône Massif Access Map before setting off for a hike.

​

Try a glass of Cassis wine

Cassis boasts France’s oldest AOC wine designation and is celebrated for its crisp, refreshing white wines that pair beautifully with the day’s catch. While winery tours require more time and a car, or a winery tour from Cassis, you can still savour a glass at a portside restaurant and toast to the flavours of Provence.

If you are in Cassis in mid-May or late September, you're in for a treat as the Cassis Fête son Vin and Les Vendanges Étoilées wine festivals celebrate the best of Cassis winemaking alongside the region's traditional gastronomy.

​Relax on Plage de la Grande Mer

If you’d rather relax on the beach than take a boat trip or hike the Calanques, Plage de la Grande Mer is the best beach in Cassis.

The beach is by Quai Aristide Briand, right next to the harbour, and has public toilets nearby that clean themselves after each use. There’s also a tourist information office by the beach, which is helpful for picking up a map of Cassis.

Unfortunately, I missed out on beach time because I had to meet up with my tour group for our next stop in Provence, the village of Le Castellet. All the more reason to return to Cassis in the future and spend a few days here!

Cap Canaille & the Route des Crêtes

A highlight for visitors with a car is the Route des Crêtes panoramic drive to La Ciotat Cap Canaille, Europe’s highest sea cliff (394m), which directly overlooks Cassis harbour. This is one of the most popular scenic drives in Provence.

​Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Cassis

Is Cassis worth visiting?

Yes, Cassis is worth visiting because it is compact enough to explore in a day, including a boat trip to Calanques National Park.

Can you swim in the Calanques?

Yes, at Port Pin, En Vau, or on a dedicated boat tour that includes swimming and snorkelling stops.

When to visit

For mild weather and fewer people, April to May and September to October are great times to visit Cassis.

Summer in Cassis is hot and can be pretty unbearable. I went in June, and it was already heating up. Summer temperatures can reach the high 30s or even 40s, and the restaurants and beaches are crowded. Best to avoid if possible.

A visit to Cassis in winter is doable since the weather stays mild and most tourists have left. Keep in mind that many restaurants close for the season, so it’s quieter than in spring or summer. The cooler weather is great for hiking the Calanques.

​How long do you need in Cassis?

You can see most of Cassis in just a morning or afternoon since it’s a small town. If you want to visit the beach or hike the Calanques, one day is ideal. Even better, stay overnight in Cassis and take a day trip to Marseille (25 minutes by train) or Aix-en-Provence the next day.

If you like to travel at a slower pace, two nights in Cassis is perfect. By staying for 2 nights, you’ll have 3 days in Cassis to relax at your hotel, go hiking, take a boat trip, and enjoy the beach.

Is there an airport in Cassis?

Cassis doesn't have an airport; the nearest is in Marseille, which is a 50-minute drive away.

Getting there

If you’re driving from Marseille or Aix-en-Provence to Cassis, there is paid public parking in town, but it fills up quickly. An easier option is to park in the free car park, Les Gorguettes, outside the village centre and then hop aboard the shuttle bus into town. It costs approx €2 return and children are free.

Trains from Marseille to Cassis run regularly and take about 25 minutes.

The Cassis train station is a 45-minute downhill walk from the port, but just remember what goes down must come up, and so getting back to the train station will be an uphill trek.

Save your energy getting from the Cassis train station to the town centre/port, or vice versa, by taking the Marcouline Bus Line M01/M1, which runs regularly.

Please PIN for Future Travel to France

HEADING TO THE SOUTH OF FRANCE? PLEASE CHECK OUT MY TRAVEL GUIDES ↓

16 Sensational Towns And Villages In the South of France

How to Spend a Perfect Day in Cannes

One Day in Marseille: Map and Attractions

One Day In Nice: 10 Great Things To See And Do

The Perfect 3 Day French Riviera Itinerary

Best Things To Do In Eze: The Enchanting Village On The French Riviera

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: Visit The Opulent Pink Mansion On The Côte d'Azur