Visit Cassis: A Colorful Coastal Village in Provence
Bienvenue a Cassis
If you haven't heard of Cassis yet, you're in for a treat! This charming coastal village is one of the most beautiful seaside spots along the French Riveria and it was the perfect spot to kick off our 10-day road trip through Provence.
Cassis has a colorful harbor and delicious seafood, as expected for a coastal village in the South of France. But it's also surrounded by incredible natural attractions like the Calanques National Park, Cap Canaille, and multiple beaches, so if you love nature and the outdoors, there's lots to keep you busy.
To me, Cassis felt like a best-kept secret of the French Riviera. This picturesque fishing village has rustic charm with a touch of elegance without being over-the-top. The energy was lively without feeling too crowded (even in mid-June) and full of laidback Provençal charm.
Getting There
We rented a car in Marseille, and the drive took around 45 minutes. As we descended into town, winding past rocky cliffs, Cassis stole my heart based on the incredible views alone. With an effortlessly dreamy energy, turquoise waters, and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe, Cassis is the kind of village that invites you to linger. We planned a day trip to Cassis on our way to Aix en Provence. Cassis is a great spot to visit during your trip to Provence if you enjoy hiking, boating, or wine tasting.
Exploring Cassis
We parked just outside the center and strolled into town. Cassis's colorful harbor is straight out of a postcard—buildings with pastel facades, striped awnings, and boats floating gently in the water. Café terraces jut out onto the promenade, where locals sip espresso, read newspapers or catch up eagerly. Can you imagine waking up for your morning espresso with a view like this?
We arrived just before lunch began and nabbed a bistro table overlooking the boats in the harbor. I opted for the classic salad Niçoise and a chilled glass of rosé, but grilled fish with herbes de Provence or a big salad with fresh chèvre with a glass of local white wine would have also been a delicious choice. When it comes to food in Provence, you can't go wrong. Everything is local, fresh, and full of flavor, in a suprisinginly simple yet it totally perfect way.
After lunch, we wandered around the quaint town center, Cassis narrow streets filled with cute boutiques, artisan soap shops, and patisseries with buttery croissants in the window. I spotted plenty of cool doors for my Doors of Provence series.
After that, we made our way to the pebble beach at the Plage de la Grande Mer for a sunny rest and dipped our toes in the Mediterranean. Before heading out, we decided on a few scoops of gelato to fuel the rest of our journey.
Plage de la Grande Mer in Cassis
What Else to Do in Cassis: Calanques, Wine & Sunshine
Visiting for lunch and a beach day was great, but if I am lucky enough to visit again, I would definitely stay longer. Cassis is also known for its crisp white wine. If you have time, book a tasting at a local vineyard or just order a glass with your lunch at one of the local restaurants.
The Calanques National Park is a series of dramatic jagged limestone cliffs and hidden coves filled with turquoise water. You can hike or take a boat tour from the harbor, which I wish we had enough time to do ourselves. The sea views look incredible! If time allows it, I recommend spending a day or two exploring the national park and taking a boat tour through the calanques (coves).
Cassis is absolutely worth a visit whether you're on your traveling through Provence or taking a day trip from Marseille. You’re sure to enjoy the natural beauty and a camera full of sunlit memories.
