Holiday in Cassis

What makes Cassis special as a destination?

Cassis is the jewel of the Provençal coast – a charming fishing village set in a bay framed by white limestone cliffs, located just 20 kilometers east of Marseille and the gateway to one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the Mediterranean: the Calanques. These narrow, fjord-like rock inlets with their turquoise waters, opening into the sea between the white limestone cliffs, are part of the National Park Parc National des Calanques and are among the most impressive coastal landscapes in Europe. The harbor of Cassis is the heart of the village – a picturesque ensemble of pastel-colored houses, fishing boats, cafés, and restaurants that cluster around the harbor basin. Above it towers the medieval Château on a cliff, and behind it rise the mighty limestone cliffs of Cap Canaille, which at 394 meters form the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The Route des Crêtes from Cassis to La Ciotat, which runs along these cliffs, is one of the most breathtaking coastal roads in France. The Calanques can be explored in various ways: by boat from the harbor, on foot along the marked hiking trails, or by kayak directly through the turquoise waters. The most famous – Calanque de Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau – offer crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling, surrounded by cliffs up to 400 meters high. Especially the Calanque d'En-Vau, with its narrow sandy beach and almost unreal turquoise water, is considered one of the most beautiful natural beaches in the Mediterranean. Cassis is also known as a wine region – the tiny wine-growing area AOC Cassis produces excellent white wines and rosés that pair perfectly with the local seafood. For German travelers, Cassis is accessible via Marseille Airport in 30 minutes and can be ideally combined with a visit to Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. The best time to visit is from May to October, with July and August being very crowded.