Cassis is the gateway to the most famous calanques. Thirty kilometres east of Marseille, it is a small fishing port turned resort: pastel houses around a harbour of brightly painted boats, café terraces on the quay, and above it all the red cliff of Cap Canaille, among the highest sea cliffs in France.
The hillsides around the town are covered in vines that produce Cassis white wine, one of the oldest appellations in Provence. From the port, boats run out to Port-Miou, Port-Pin and En-Vau, and walkers set off along the coast path into the national park.
What to see and do: Cassis
A boat to the calanques
Short boat trips from the harbour visit three, five or more calanques; kayak tours explore Port-Miou, Port-Pin and En-Vau under your own power.
The harbour and the beaches
Stroll the quays, then swim at the Grande Mer beach or the Bestouan.
The Route des Crêtes
The cliff-top road from Cassis over Cap Canaille to La Ciotat gives vertiginous views — closed in strong wind and high fire risk.
Wine
Several domaines around the town welcome visitors for tastings.
How to get to Cassis
- Train from Marseille Saint-Charles to Cassis (a short ride), then a local bus or a walk of around 3 km downhill to the port.
- Buses also run between Marseille and Cassis. By car, the A50 and D559; parking in summer is difficult and expensive.
- Or take a guided day trip combining Cassis with Aix-en-Provence or the Calanques.
Insider tips
- Cassis station is outside the town; check the connecting bus.
- In July and August, arrive early or come by boat from Marseille to avoid the traffic.
- Combine Cassis with a boat trip from the port rather than a long hike in the midday heat.
Best tours & tickets for Cassis
These well-reviewed experiences pair well with a visit to Cassis:
Small-group day trip from €99 From Marseille: Cassis & Aix-en-Provence Full-Day Tour
A small-group day trip that follows the scenic Route des Crêtes to the fishing port of Cassis and then crosses to Aix-en-Provence for a stroll along the Cours Mirabeau.
- The Route des Crêtes to Cassis
- The fishing port of Cassis
- The Cours Mirabeau in Aix
Guided sea-kayak tour from €76 Cassis: Calanques National Park Sea Kayaking Tour
Paddle the famous calanques east of Marseille from Cassis — Port-Miou, Port-Pin and En-Vau — with an instructor who tells you the stories of the coast. Half-day and longer versions are offered.
- Port-Miou, Port-Pin and En-Vau
- Instructor-guided
- Private option available
Day cruise from €125 Marseille: Calanques Eco Boat Cruise with Lunch and Wine
A seven-hour boat day through the Calanques National Park with lunch and wine on board and stops to swim, operated as an eco-minded cruise.
- A long day along the Calanques
- Lunch with wine
- Swimming stops
Small-group boat tour from €79 From Marseille: Iconic Calanques Boat Tour with Swimming
Marseille's best-selling Calanques trip, with well over 1,700 reviews. A fast boat heads east along the Calanques National Park towards Cassis, stopping to swim and snorkel and visiting places such as Riou island and a sea cave. For many visitors this is the highlight of a Marseille stay.
- Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton and more from the sea
- Riou island and a sea cave
- Snorkelling gear, wetsuits, soft drinks and GoPro
