Cassis, a vibrant village situated on the stunning Côte d’Azur, is one of France’s secret gems that is well worth visiting. Move over the rich and famous destinations such as Nice and Cannes – Cassis is a strong rival as a must visit location on the French Riviera. That’s to say, Cassis has so much to offer. You will be left wondering how you didn’t know about it before, at least I was.
To visit Cassis is to revel in France’s natural beauty while stepping into an adventurer’s paradise. But don’t worry, it can be a relaxing paradise too!
Do you love outdoor activities, impeccable nature, beach-side vibes and exploring new places in an adventurous sense? If yes, then Cassis is unrivaled as a destination along the coast, making it worth visiting.
The main draw that makes Cassis worth visiting is that it is a gateway to the Calanques National Park (Parc national des Calanques). This is where outdoor adventures and activities really thrive and the most striking scenes are on offer.
Cassis is a destination that is welcome to all. Whether you are a solo traveler wanting the best active coastal vibes as I was, a family with kids, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, or you fit in somewhere in between, visiting Cassis is worth it.
From the minute I arrived in Cassis, to my departure, I LOVED it. It gave me good vibes and provided my absolute favorite type of scenes and activities – hikes, views, beaches… I felt like I was in a beautiful bubble during my Cassis trip, a trip I had no idea I was going to take until the last minute. My ‘plans’ changed from heading straight from Nice to Marseille, to adding in a 4 night trip to Cassis. It was the best decision I could have made. Had I known before how worth visiting Cassis is, it would have been on my itinerary from the start.
So in this post, I’ll let you in on some of the reasons Cassis is worth visiting. Lets take a look at what to do in Cassis, alongside an insight into accommodation and see how to actually get to Cassis. Hopefully this will help confirm a trip to Cassis is worth it for you, as it was for me!
What to Do in Cassis?
Cassis is amazing because there are plenty of ways to stay active outdoors while surrounded by the most incredible scenery. A small town which can provide big adventures.
Hiking in Cassis
Hiking has to come first in the list of things to do in Cassis. With hikes beginning from Cassis and offering views which are surely unrivaled, at least in terms of coastal hikes in France (or anywhere?!), you would be crazy not to go hiking on a trip to Cassis.
Don’t forget to bring some ‘proper’ footwear when visiting Cassis (trainers are fine!). Also remember some food, water, sunscreen (there is no water/food etc available to purchase in the Calanques National Park) and your beach gear when hiking here. Hiking in Cassis is best done combined with beach time!
– Explore the Calanques National Park on foot
The most renowned hike in this area takes in three calanques – Calanque de Port Miou, Calanque de Port Pin and Calanque d’En-vau. The trailhead for this stunning route is at Calanque de Port Miou. This is easily reached on foot from the centre of Cassis, walking by Plage du Bestouan en route.
If you were to go to Cassis and do one thing – this hike – visiting Cassis would be worth it for that alone.
The calanques with the most insane clear turquoise water is a sight you will not regret seeing. Going down to the beach (Calanque d’En-vau), being able to swim in the Med which is sheltered by the calanques, is a beach swimming experience you won’t forget.
This calanques de Cassis hike is not the easiest of hikes – it is challenging at times. The most difficult parts are descending/ascending from the beaches. Going down is actually worse than up, I’d say. It’s the mix of steepness and rocks, which makes it very slippery. You won’t be alone out there though and everyone else is just trying to get down and up safely too! It IS worth it, but you will want to make it worth it by spending a good amount of time down at the beach.
Even when the hike gets more difficult, the scenes around you make it automatically worth it. There is also always an excuse for a break with views like those of the calanques – so many photo stops along the way!
If you are travelling solo and/or would prefer to do the hike in a small group with a guide, that option is available – Calanques National Park Guided Hiking Half-Day Trip.
– Hike from Cassis to Cap Canaille
Cap Canaille is another stunning spot worth hiking to. This headland is situated between Cassis and La Ciotat (so in the opposite direction than the calanques de Cassis hike). Most people drive here and continue along the well-known ‘Route des Crêtes’ to La Ciotat. However, walking to Cap Canaille from Cassis is the way to go. Both the walk and views are very different than on the calanques hike, making it so worth doing both when visiting Cassis.
This route provides the best views over Cassis itself.
I did this walk completely on a whim (I was supposed to be checking out and moving on, then booked another night in the morning). That was the best thing I could have done, as more walking and stunning scenes was what my heart desired. That was exactly what I got. Without exploring in this direction too, my Cassis visit would have been missing something and I never would have known exactly what!
Explore the Calanques National Park by Sea
Alternatively, or rather, additionally, you can explore the Calanques National Park while out on the water. I highly recommend hiking AND doing a sea based activity. The coastline can be viewed from totally different viewpoints (both of which are stunning!)
– Kayaking
Experience the dramatic coastline closeup by kayaking from Cassis. You can do this independently or as part of a kayaking tour.
Kayaking was the water activity option I went with on my Cassis visit. I highly recommend it!! I wouldn’t have felt confident to kayak alone, but I met a couple of girls in the hostel and we went together. With three of us, we didn’t feel the need to do a tour so rented a 3 person kayak and went on an independent trip. We made it from Cassis as far as Calanque de l’Oule where we found the ‘secret’ cave and got to kayak into it (we went a little further than a tour would have). On the way we also took time to stop and have a picnic/swim/beach break at Plage d’En Vau.
So, for an independent experience, kayaks can easily be rented from one of the rental stores around town. You won’t miss them. Ask around and find the best deal for you, check availability, etc. We rented a kayak for the three of us from the rental store Lo’Kayak.
If you would prefer to do a kayaking tour, you absolutely can and should do that!! If I hadn’t met the girls to kayak with, the best thing for me would have been to do a tour than go out on the water solo (as a very novice kayaker!).
The Calanques National Park Sea Kayaking Tour can be booked in advance so you’re guaranteed a spot on the day you want. Don’t worry if you’re a novice, but do be prepared for the physical activity it will require.
– Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
SUP is another fun way to experience Cassis on the water.
Stand up paddle boards can be rented from Location kayak Cassis – CSLN. It is located by Plage de la Grande Mer (the main beach in town), so you won’t miss it.
If you’re not so confident at SUP, or are travelling solo and would rather not go alone, an excellent option is to go an a guided stand up paddle boarding tour. Leaving from Cassis, this tour allows you to discover Calanque de Port-Miou, Calanque de Port Pin and Calanque d’En-vau in a small group. No SUP experience is necessary.
Climbing in Cassis
Instead of taking to the sea, get up close to the stunning cliffs of the area by going hands on with a climbing adventure! If you don’t have your own climbing gear or aren’t so confident but wish to give it a go, hit up a group climbing activity. These take place around Cap Canaille, not far from Cassis itself.
Cassis Town Centre
While Cassis is great for adventuring, it is also worth visiting for its relaxing vibe. Don’t forget to take time to enjoy the town centre of this Côte d’Azur gem. It doesn’t take too long to discover – it is very walkable.
Stroll through the winding streets with the typical South of France style pastel coloured buildings.
You won’t miss the port – the liveliest area of the town. In Cassis you can be sure to find restaurants, cafés and charming stores around town. It’s a really lovely place to just wander in the most relaxed, ‘holiday vibe’ way. Admire the castle on the hill and take a little walk to the lighthouse too!
Be sure to check out the weekly market, which comes to town on Wednesday and Friday mornings. You will find this at Place Baragnon.
In the Cassis centre, you also of course won’t miss the beaches! There is the main beach in the town centre and plenty of other options a short, or a bit of a longer hike (Calanque d’En Vau!) away. So, lets take a look at the beaches as they add to making Cassis a must visit…
Beaches in Cassis
With a choice of lovely beaches where you can happily pass some hours or days, Cassis provides the best of both worlds – relaxing and adventuring.
Plage de la Grande Mer
- Located in the heart of Cassis, just next to the port. You cannot miss it!
- The biggest beach in Cassis.
- Lovely view up to the old castle.
Plage du Corton
- The next beach along from Plage de La Grande Mer, heading east.
- Around a 15 minute walk from the port.
I don’t have any close up images of this beach but it is the smaller beach in the middle!
Plage de l’Arène
- The closest beach in the above photo – getting further away from the centre of town.
- Around a 5 minute from from Plage du Corton, or 20 minutes from the port.
- Amazing view of Cap Canaille.
Plage du Bestouan
- 10 minute walk from the centre of town, heading west, towards the Calanques National Park.
- View towards Cap Canaille.
Calanque de Port-Miou
- The first and most accessible calanque from Cassis, and it is home to a small beach area.
- You can swim here, but this is an anchorage – there are many boats around, so you do need to be careful. I’d advise you to go to one of the other excellent options if you know you want to go into the water.
Calanque de Port Pin
- The second calanque from Cassis.
- Lovely little spot with a pebble beach. However, it is rather small and can get very busy – you may struggle to find a spot!
Calanque d’En-vau
- The most beautiful of the calanques for a beach day. The beach is a reasonable size, but of course very busy due to how stunning it is! This is the most difficult beach to reach but it is SO worth it!
Where to Stay in Cassis?
Accommodation in Cassis caters to all types of travellers on different budgets, making it accessible and therefore worth visiting. Whether you are a backpacker looking for a hostel, or want to live the high-class life in a luxury hotel or villa, or you fit in somewhere in between, Cassis has somewhere for you.
Do keep in mind, however, Cassis is a small and popular village – your desired accommodation may sell out (if travelling in peak season). While there are a decent number of hotel and apartment options, there are only a couple of hostels for those (solo travelers) on a budget. So, if you’re a (spontaneous) budget backpacker like I am, in search of the cheapest accommodation, do book before arrival to ensure you have affordable accommodation awaiting.
If you’re travelling solo and/or on a budget as I was, the hostel options available to you are good ones. The hostel Au Petit chez Soi is currently rated 9.1 on Booking.com, and Cassis Hostel is rated a solid 10 on Hostelworld.
As a solo traveler, I stayed at the hostel Au Petit chez Soi. I can vouch it is a wonderful little hostel! I loved my time here so much. As in, it was one of my favorite hostels experiences, like ever, and I’ve had a LOT of them! I mean it often depends on the people you meet in hostels too and I was very lucky on my stay – you couldn’t really avoid people in this small hostel, which is nice (most of the time!) as a solo traveler. The hostel is basically two small apartments – you can see into the one I was in in the images below. The kitchen is small but perfect and has all the essentials for cooking. There is a lovely outdoor space to chill out too.
If you’re living the more upmarket travel lifestyle, there are many more than a couple options available! Some of the best options, in terms of well-rated and best located (near the port and beach) include…
HOTELS IN CASSIS:
APARTMENTS IN CASSIS:
There are so many more options too so just take a look and see what suits you best! I tend to use Booking.com to search for accommodation as there is such a wide variety and the ‘Genius discount’ (easy to obtain through booking on this site) really does make a difference to the price!
How to get to Cassis?
BY PLANE
Marseille is only around 25km from Cassis, so it is from here that Cassis is most easily reached. Being France’s second largest city, flights are readily available from many destinations into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS).
Alternatively, Nice is the other main city you may find yourself flying into and looking to head to Cassis from. Nice lies a fair bit further from Cassis – around 200km by road, or 150km by train. But it is a beautiful city so a visit there beforehand is an excellent idea!
So, you have reached the South of France. Now, how to get to Cassis from Marseille or Nice?
BY CAR
If you choose to hire a car on your France trip, you can of course drive to Cassis wherever you are coming from. This provides the most freedom and independence for getting there.
I would, however, suggest checking your plans for parking. If spending some nights in Cassis, you can hopefully find a hotel with parking available. Or if visiting for a day, to avoid parking fees in Cassis itself, head to Les Gorguettes where you can park for free and pay €1.60 for an adult return to Cassis centre.
BY TRAIN
– From Marseille:
Whether coming from Marseille airport or if you are already in the city, you can head to Cassis via train.
- No direct train from airport to Cassis. Take the bus or train from the airport to Marseille-St-Charles (Marseille’s main train station).
- From Marseille-St-Charles (easily reachable if already in the city), take the train (heading in the direction of Nice) to Cassis.
- Approx. a 20-25 minute ride from Marseille-St-Charles to Cassis.
– From Nice:
Train is your go to option for travel from Nice to Cassis. It was by train from Nice that I got to Cassis!
- Take the train from Nice-Ville (the main station in the city), or from Nice Saint-Augustin if heading to Cassis straight from the airport.
- 2h45 – 3 hour journey time
- You will likely need to connect trains in Toulon (I took a direct train, but it seems the timetables have changed since then).
- Arrive at the station early if getting on the train at Nice-Ville (30 mins before the train departs). It can be busy and they do tend to check everyone’s tickets.
- I would recommend booking beforehand (even a few hours before should be fine). Prices can vary and you will want to ensure you have a seat since it is a longer journey.
- If you are elsewhere on the coast – Cannes, Antibes or so, you can also hop on the train from any of these places!
NOTE: Cassis train station is not in the heart of the village. You need to take a bus, which is easily done as it stops right outside the train station. Walking to the centre is do-able, but takes around 40 minutes. If you have luggage, you probably want to catch the bus, they do tend to arrive in time for the train arrivals. Do check bus times beforehand to ensure you won’t arrive too late to miss the last bus or so.
BY BUS
Bus is the cheapest way to travel to Cassis. However, this can only be done from Marseille – there is no bus from Nice or along the coast this way. When I continued onto Marseille after my stay in Cassis, I opted for the bus. The route is pretty scenic!
- €3.50 (pay as you board)
- Bus line 78 – Marseille to Cassis OR Marseille to La Ciotat. Check out the timetable here.
- Catch the bus from Marseille Castellane (Avenue de Toulon) – where the bus begins its journey and the closest stop to the ‘centre’. Perhaps not as central as Marseille-St-Charles station, depending on where you are coming from.
- Journey times varies from around 40-55 minutes
- Takes you into the heart of Cassis, various stops where you can descend the bus depending on your accommodation/desired destination in town.
So, is Cassis, the Côte d’Azur’s stunning secret gem really worth visiting?
It is, it really really is!! It’s one of those places I find myself daydreaming about and wishing I could be back in. If you’re thinking about going to Cassis, stop thinking and just go!!
For more must visit places in the South of France, you can check out my post – Visit Saint-Raphaël: Travel Guide.
