Cassis, France is a charming coastal town about 20 minutes from Marseille. It is truly a destination in and of itself and worth at least a long weekend visit. However, should you find yourself traveling through Marseille and looking to escape the industrial city, 48-hours in Cassis will give you enough of a taste that you’ll be dying to come back. With two days to explore, here are some highlights that can’t be missed in this seaside town.
Hike the calanques
This photo doesn’t go the Calanques justice – my daughter was having a meltdown and thus we weren’t able to do much hiking on our visit. However, my husband and I spent part of our honeymoon in Cassis many years ago and spent an entire day bopping around the Calanques and it is one of the most beautiful parts of the world. French for ‘inlet’, the Calanques are part of a national park. There are several inlets to hike to where you can swim, paddle board, oogle the beautiful sail boats anchored nearby, kayak, sunbathe, or simply just enjoy a picnic.
Go for a Sail
Chartering or hiring a sailboat for the afternoon is a lovely way to see Cassis from the water. Sail along the coast, anchor in a Calanques, or just hang out off the coast.
stay at Hotel Les Roches Blanches
If you need a place to stay in Cassis, look no further that Hotel Les Roches Blanches. This beautiful boutique hotel is the premier accommodation in the area. The service is incredible and the views are stunning. Read more about the hotel here.
Swim in the Mediterranean Sea
A dip in the Med is good for your health, lets just be honest. The sea here feels extra salty so you float a little better and an afternoon swim is both refreshing and helps you justify all the rosé you know you’ll be sipping whilst in the South of France.
Shop at savonnerie
No trip to Cassis is complete without popping in Savonnerie. This adorable boutique has just about everything and is a great place to stop for a souvenir or even just fresh flowers.
Stroll through town
The ‘downtown’ area of Cassis is charming and completely walkable. You could easily spend the afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets, lingering over lunch in the marina, and shopping the local boutiques.
Dine at Les Belles Canielles
The patio restaurant at Hotel Les Roches Blanches is a must for any visitor to Cassis. The mostly Mediterranean menu uses local, seasonal ingredients to create delicious and beautiful dishes. We indulged in the Provençal artichoke and Mediterranean pagre (type of fish) several times, they were so tasty. Plus, you’ll see the town of Cassis twinking just across the water.
