Cassis is a charming town situated east of Marseille in the Provence-Alpes-Cรดte d’Azur region. Its coastline is known in English as the French Riviera, in Southern France. Cassis became renowned as a holiday resort at the end of the 19th century. In the 1920s, Winston Churchill came to Cassis and took painting lessons during his stay in the town.
Among its many treasures, Bestouan Beach and the charming Port de Cassis stand out as iconic destinations that capture the essence of this coastal paradise.
Rocky Inlets Like Nowhere Else! Explore the Marvelous Calanques
Now, let’s dive into the really exciting stuff โ the calanques! Get ready for a wild ride through these incredible rocky formations.
The Calanques, translating to ‘rocky inlets’ in the local language, are geological formations that extend 20 km in length and four kilometers in width along the coast between Marseille and Cassis, culminating in Mont Puget. These limestone cliffs, shaped by millennia of elements, elegantly cascade into turquoise coves. They evoke imagery reminiscent of the warmer fjords of Norway, akin to the Maldives or Tahiti yet imbued with a distinct Mediterranean charm.
Calanque d’En Vau
Whether you decide to wander the trails or set sail on its sparkling waters, the Calanques of Cassis promise an adventure you’ll never forget. Hiking and boating present two thrilling avenues to discover the wonders of the Calanques National Park. I personally skipped the hiking and hopped aboard one of the many boats available. They offer rides to 3, 7, or 9 calanques โ all conveniently chosen right at the port. I chose the longest, all 9-calanaque experience. It spans around two hours. Let me tell you, it became one of the absolute highlights of my entire French Riviera escapade. I can’t stress enough how much I recommend it!
Easily accessible for a day trip from Marseille or Cassis are also Aix-en-Provence and the Luberon villages. Visit also Saint-Tropez and Nice when in the French Riviera.
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