Cassis, A Beautiful Coastal Town In France
Cassis, the most charming city you can visit in the Marseille area, is a perfect setting to spend a few days relaxing in front of the Mediterranean Sea. It combines tradition, culture, spectacular beaches and a natural environment that is the envy of all of French Provence.
There you can enjoy its wines with designation of origin, routes along cliffs not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo and baths in small coves with turquoise blue waters. You want to know more?
The city of Cassis
Cassis is located between the cities of Marseille and La Ciotat, in French Provence. It is located right in a natural bay where you can see one of its tourist attractions, Cap Canaille or Cap naïo, which means ‘mountain of waters’ or ‘mountain that swims over the sea’. It is a huge and impressive rock face that looks more like a defensive wall.
The port is one of its attractions and the oldest houses in the town open onto it. These are two or three-story buildings with tile roofs and facades of different colors. Their combination is very original and it is one of the most enchanting views of this French village.
In summer this is one of the most frequented places by tourists thanks to its beautiful beach and offer of accommodation and restaurants. In addition, you cannot miss the City Hall building and the Museum of Popular Art and Traditions, both from the 17th century; the old Court of Pêche and the medieval castle of les Baux.
What to see around Cassis
The surroundings of Cassis are full of spectacular natural environments such as the Calanques National Park, among others. Thus, we recommend that if you are going to spend a few days in the area, dedicate a part to discovering wonderful corners that are one step away from the city.
The Calanques National Park
It shows a majestic environment in which the cliffs are the real protagonists. It is considered the only national park in Europe that has a land part and a marine part in a peri-urban environment.
There, lovers of diving and boat trips will have a great time. But it is also perfect for those who prefer to walk along trails in the middle of nature because following them you will reach hidden and beautiful, almost virgin coves with crystal clear waters.
The vineyards of Cassis
Cassis has spectacular vineyards that have given rise to a protected wine with a designation of origin since 1936. This name refers solely and exclusively to the municipality of Cassis. All this thanks to the protection provided by the aforementioned Cap Canaille, which is essential for the development of the vine and the grape of this town.
It is an ancestral crop that has endured through the ages and whose presence has been recognized as one of the most beneficial activities for Cassis. The vignole de Cassis, as it is called, is an area that influences the landscape quality, the economy and has a fire prevention function in this beautiful town in French Provence.
Although, as the farmland is limited, wine production is scarce and exclusive. So the best way to taste the spectacular wines that are made here is to participate in one of the tourist visits that are organized around the vineyards. During them you can meet the twelve winegrowers who are dedicated to this art and taste some of these rich nectars.
Route through the Crêtes
It is a spectacular route that offers dreamlike views of the bays and the Gulf of Cassis, the Calanques and the Riou archipelago. There are many points to park the car and its access is very convenient. In addition, from the parking areas you can reach some of the highest points, which are around 400 meters above sea level.
From them you can contemplate the Mediterranean Sea and its sunsets in a way that you will never forget. This massif can also be traveled by bicycle along its various trails. The route will take you to the town of La Ciotat.
