Cassis
As Frédéric Mistral, the famous Provençal poet, popularized it: "Whoever has seen Paris and not Cassis, has seen nothing". According to the amount of visitors on holiday in Provence who come to this small fishing port every year, this must be the "true truth". Between sea and cliff, creeks and sun, Cassis (whose final "s" is not pronounced) is a mecca for tourism in Provence and one of the most beautiful villages in Provence. Its picturesque little port is the heart of this small village with its many bars and restaurants along the quays and make it an essential stopover if you are planning to visit Provence.
Small in size, Cassis sees its population increase during the summer season, and you have to get there early to find a parking space! The old quarters are absolutely charming, with shaded and cool squares where you can stroll after a hot day and of course play pétanque.
A little history
The first vestiges evidence of life in Cassis date back to antiquity, as testified by the Cosquer cave, which is now closed to the public. The small port made a living from its fishing and prospered for many years. Cassis stone has also been exploited since antiquity in the largest ports around the Mediterranean. History tells us that Cassis stones are the foundation of the Statue of Liberty in New York.
In the 15th century, the city became part of the Comté de Provence.
It was not until the 18th century that Cassis developed. Today, its fame is mainly due to its beaches and creeks, its small port and its wine.
The Port
The first contact with Cassis usually begins with a long and desperate search for a parking space. Even if they arrived early, it's not easy, far from it. After these efforts, comes the comfort and spectacle that the city and its coasts offer at first, and which should cheer up even those who have spent two hours sweating in their car turning in search of space. Small charming alleys typical of Provençal villages, a very pleasant tourist port with a multitude of bars, restaurants, glaciers, then comes the sea, the beach and the creeks which are never very far away. The restaurants of Cassis will often offer you typical dishes based on freshly caught seafood.
In short, this small fishing port is big in size, but big in notoriety and charm will not stop surprising you or attract more and more enthusiasts.
Sitting on the terrace of a restaurant on the port, you can also taste the production of the famous Cassis vineyards, which produce excellent white and rosé wines. The Cassis vineyard was one of the very first appellations of controlled origin with Sauternes and Châteauneuf du Pape. Planted exclusively in the commune of Cassis, which is rare enough to be mentioned. The most accomplished or motivated palates will set out to meet the twelve winegrowers of the region. The winegrowers are pleased to introduce visitors to tasting. This wine, which has the particularity of "dancing in the glass", goes perfectly with a good bouillabaisse.
Beaches and creeks of Cassis
But Cassis is above all the sea and its creeks: the perfect place for a stay in the sun. The calanques of Cassis extend as far as Marseille, and the city is located in the heart of the Calanques National Park.
A small typical port but also a famous seaside resort, the city of Cassis is stormed by the summer.
For the less adventurous, where those who left the table late, the 2 Cassis beaches are located a stone's throw from the city centre. For the others, by taking the Lombards promenade, you can reach two accessible coves while looking at the magnificent landscapes of Cap Canaille. From the Calanque de Port Miou it is possible to reach the creeks of Port Pin and En Vau, which are the essential creeks of Cassis, after a hike. The excursion of the creeks will allow you to access magnificent and wild views. Remember to bring your snorkels and masks as diving in Cassis, in its turquoise waters and a real pleasure for the eyes.
Activities
More than 20 kilometres of trails connect Marseille to Cassis. To attack the creeks, we usually start from Cassis, which is the starting point. Magical and bewitching places, the creeks of Cassis are the delight of all lovers of marine activities, whether it is pleasure boating, fishing, diving or simply a good day of swimming.
Hiking lovers will have a great time as the possibilities are numerous. Be careful, however, if you have children, the journey can sometimes be difficult. Bring water, good walking shoes, and remember to pick up your garbage behind you.
Stay in Cassis
If you want to enjoy this little Provençal gem for longer and enjoy it, why not consider renting a holiday in a holiday residence, a hotel in Cassis or, why not in an apartment hotel in Cassis?
The best way to discover the region
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