Cassis | approx 1 ½ hours from L’Isle sur la Sorgue

Office de Tourisme: Quai des Moulins, F – 13260, Cassis | Tel. 04 892 259 892 | ot-cassis.com/index_us.php |

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A quiet seaside town, Cassis is an excellent spot to spend some time relaxing.  Actually, there is little to do other than sunbathing, drinking and dining.  Not that we’re complaining!  When you’re in one of the loveliest seaside towns the region has to offer, you don’t need the action you find in cities like Marseille or Avignon.  

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As you wander through this ancient fishing village, you’ll notice that it has a slightly more ‘regular’ layout than other medieval towns in the area.  The village we see today was actually rebuilt on the old ruins in the 18th century, which made the layout more typical.  A walk through the old village streets will reveal nice old buildings, some dating back to the 16th century and some restored with the colourful pastels of Provence. Other sites in the village are old fountains and an open-air artists market.  The town also has a well-kept 13th century castle, Chateau de la Maison des Baux.  While the castle is now privately owned and operated as a chic hotel, it’s still worth checking out and is the best viewing point in town.  Visit the Office de Tourism for a local map that shows a good ‘loop’ route down the shore and back up past the castle.

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The harbour area is really the prettiest part of Cassis, and it’s also where you should head to see one of the area’s biggest attractions.  The calanques, narrow fjord-like passages cut into the side of the limestone cliffs, are the big draw to the area.  These beautiful rock formations and the crystal clear waters draw tourists, kayakers, and rock climbers.  Several companies offer boat tours from the port at Cassis, but before boarding, be sure to find out if they let you out to explore.  White awnings mark at the port in the center of the city where you can buy tickets for the boats that tour the calanques.  There are boats that leave after 2pm, with tours generally lasting 45 minutes, 1 hour, or 1.5 hours. Depending on the water conditions, seasickness may be an issue but is not overly common.  Private boat tours can also be accommodated.   

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When planning your visit, look at the weather in advance and pick the best looking day for Cassis.  It is about 1hr 15 minutes driving – be sure to have lots of cash ready to pay tolls on the A7 (about 15 euro total).  Drive to Marseille and then take the Toulon tunnel to direction Cassis.  This little bay city has been quoted as a “poor man’s St. Tropez”, and there will be crowds of people fighting for a spot on the sandy beach in the sun.  If you will be going on Saturday or Sunday, leave home by 9:30 to be able to get a parking spot, this popular locale will be a zoo!  When returning home, try to leave by 5:00pm as traffic will be slow going through Marseille.

 

• Market Days:  Wednesday and Friday