Terraced vineyards descend down into the fishing port of Cassis, a town that is unbearably charming. If the sweetness of the lush vines didn’t catch your senses, then the sea breeze surely will. Cassis is one of my favorite gems in France to visit — you have to make the journey here.
Located east of Marseille in the Bouches du Rhône and known for its local wine, fresh seafood, and rock beaches, Cassis is one of those not-to-miss places in Provence and the Côte d’Azur.
The time passes slowly in a good way here. Despite the bustling village filled with merchants and cafes, Cassis has this natural beauty to it. Around the corner, for those looking to get a taste of adventure, the Calanques await for perfect afternoon dip. Turquoise waters and cliffs are enticing enough to make the journey by foot to cool off in the Mediterranean waters.
I have had the opportunity to take two trips now to Cassis, and each time I’m reminded why this is such a coastal gem in France. On the most recent trip, we spent a long weekend after spending time in Provence. We were traveling as a family with our toddler, where we spent afternoons on the beach and evenings strolling the port with a cassis ice cream in hand.
It’s postcard idyllic, and let this guide to Cassis help you plan the ultimate trip here. It’s truly one of those spots you’ll dream about for years to come.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Cassis France:
- Hotel Les Roches Blanches, for the best luxury hotel
- Hotel Liautaud, for the best boutique hotel
- Chateau de Cassis, for the best luxury hotel near town
If you’re planning a trip to the South of France, don’t miss my Provence guide, perfect Provence 7-day itinerary, and my in-depth guides to the French Riviera, the best villages to stay in Provence, and the South of France with toddlers!
Travel Tip: The best way to explore the South of France is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The Ultimate Guide to Cassis, France
What to Know Before Visiting Cassis, France
Is it Worth Visiting Cassis?
Yes! Cassis is one of the most beautiful villages in Southern France and along the French Riviera. It’s small yet has a few things to do. It’s also near popular places like Marseille and you can easily visit Aix en Provence from here.
How Do I Get to Cassis?
Cassis is located 18 miles (30km) east of Marseille in the Bouches du Rhône department in Southern France. The easiest way to get to Cassis is to fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) and then make the 45-minute drive. If you plan to start your trip in the Luberon or Nice then travel to Cassis, it’s about a 2-2.5 hour drive from both.
How Many Nights in Cassis?
2 nights give a good opportunity to explore the town and the Calanques. You could consider longer if you want to take a few day trips to the surrounding area.
Will I Need a Rental Car?
While you won’t need a car to explore the town, which is entirely walkable with plenty to do, a car is the best way to explore the surrounding areas and points of interest (like Falaises de Cassis observation point). Driving here is easy, as there are numerous parking lots in the town. Be sure to arrive early, as they can fill up by the afternoon.
Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
What Should I Pack?
For those wanting to visit the Calanques, be sure to have good walking shoes and plenty of water as the first one is an hour and a half round trip long. It’s advised to go earlier in the day to avoid the heat. For those not wanting to hike to the Calanques, boat tours provide another opportunity to see them (some even allow for swimming.)
Where to Stay in Cassis
Cassis is a bit hit or miss for accommodations which is why getting on reservations is important. You can opt for a vacation rental if you want more space. Otherwise, it’s either very high-end hotels (I hear Les Roches Blanches is worth the splurge). There is also the Hotel Liautaud which received a nice refresh right in the port.
Here are my top picks for the best hotels in town:
- Hotel Les Roches Blanches, for the best luxury hotel
- Hotel Liautaud, for the best boutique hotel
- Chateau de Cassis, for the best luxury hotel near town
Where to Eat in Cassis
La Nonna D’oro
The food here is good, you definitely need to reserve in advance for one of the view tables. I love their housemade pasta, they have seasonal dishes as well. This was my second time at the restaurant and it didn’t disappoint.
A Table
One of my other favorite local picks in town (res needed), you’ll find more traditional French dinners here. Super friendly team, and love getting to eat in the street like this!
Other Restaurants to Look At:
Things to Do in Cassis
Explore the Port by Foot
Part of the charm of Cassis is spending time exploring the port on foot. There are several crisscrossing streets that lead down to the water’s edge. You’ll find pastel-colored homes and boats bobbing in the water. There are a handful of local boutiques, shops, and ice cream stores to enjoy.
Take a Boat Tour of the Calanques
Getting out on the water is one of the best things to do in Cassis. So head to the Le Visite des Calanques kiosk located on the Quai St Pierre in the harbor (maps link) to book tickets. These tours take you out to see the famous calanques, you can choose to do anywhere from 3+. I’ve done the 8 and the 5 calanque tour, and preferred the shorter 5 one.
Note: No reservations are required, as tickets are sold 30 minutes before departure.
Go for a Hike Through Calanques National Park
Hiking to the Calanques from Cassis offers stunning views of turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. Start early to avoid the heat and crowds, and wear sturdy shoes, as trails can be rocky. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited along the way. The Calanque de Port-Miou and Calanque d’En-Vau are must-sees; consider stopping at the beaches here to relax. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and take your time to appreciate the natural beauty!
Take in the Views from Falaises de Cassis
When arriving, the observation point is usually my first stop before making the final descent into town. The epic views of the coastline are a must-see, and you get an idea of where you’re at on the coast. You can continue down the coast if you want and stop at Cap Canaille for the next best view along this portion of the coast.
Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
Hit the Local Beaches
I don’t think there’s a better way to spend a day than at a beach in Cassis. The rocky beach, Plage du Bestouan, is where the locals like to hide out, and for good reason. The same same beach club opened up just above, so you’re never too far from refreshments but also tucked away from the crowds of town.
There are a few other lovely beaches a short walk from the heart of town. Here are my favorites:
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
5 Comments
This looks amazing! I love your photography, talk about wanderlust!
I hope you have a great Monday,Michaelhttps://www.mileinmyglasses.co.uk
Omg it’s beautiful! The past three times we went to France, we only visited Paris. Next time, Cassis will definitely be on the agenda!
xo, B&K
http://www.BKCsquared.com
It’s a must visit!
This sound lovely. WE are planning a trip to Paris 2/3 days and then heading down to Provence. I think I will add Cassis to my itinerary. Where would you recommend staying and how many days would ou allow to enjoy this adorable beach side town. We have 12 days total. not very long to see everything I want but I think this breaks up some of Provence and provides a different glimpse to this region. Thank you for any feedback you could provide. Lisa
I think one full day is plenty for Cassis unless you want to spend a half day exploring the Calanques, making it 1-2 days. I’d stay in the town of Cassis.