Cassis Things to Do

When we walked into town, just past all of the restaurants lining the waterfront there was a booth selling boat trips out to the calanques, you can purchase 1/2 hour before the scheduled time. You can visit 3, 5, 8 or 9 calanques and the rates and length of cruise vary depending on how many you select. We opted for the 8 calanque tour which lasted for 1 1/2 hours and cost 21€ per person.

The boat had covered and uncovered seating all on the same deck, the commentary was all in French so for us English speakers it was just a scenic boat ride.

A calanque is a steep walled cove or inlet on the sea, the boats take you inside the cove, some of which have beaches although you can't get off the boats during the cruise.

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You can take a boat tour around so called "Calanques". Your will bee taken a pleasant ride around creeks and blue sea.
In one hour, you can see nice creek views. Inside the creekes, there are many beaches and fishing spots.The creek coast stretched to Marseille. From your boat, you can see a good view of the Cassis harbor and the castle.

If you just up and across up on the hill top, you will find a the chateau. Apparently it used to be a tourist spot but was told that someone bought it up and now has become a private property. Not sure how true it is.

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I would say 90% of tourist who comes to Casis does the Calanques as it is one of the main tourist spot. There is actually 2 ways to do it:

1) By boat - you can do the boat ride along the 3 calanques. I don't remember how much it cost but then when you go to the pier, you will see boat operators offering boat tours.

2) Hiking - take a hike to all the 3 calanques. Hike takes about 6 hours and you get to go down all the way to the beach area of the calanques and have a dip. Be ready for it. Wear a good hiking shoe, bring some food and water. There is hiking times that you must adhere to. Consult the tourist information centre for info as they will let you know the hiking conditions for the day and timing. I started mine early in the morning when its nice and cool.

I did both the option and was a great experience but if you have only 1 chance to do it, I recommend the hiking route hands down!

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Canaille means rascal, villain but comes from Latin "Canalis mons", "the mountain which swims into the sea".
The Cape Canaille is magnificent.
It forms an immense stone rampart. The cliffs of this mountain are the highest maritime cliffs in Europe. Their main feature is the Grande Tête or Large Head with its 394m cliff.

The 15km tourist route along the Peaks snakes through the rocks and joins with La Ciotat. It offers some spectacular viewpoints of the Gulf of Cassis, the Calanques, the archipelago of Riou, the roads to Marseilles in the west and views reaching until the Var in the east.
There are some well situated carparks along the route that allow access to the best vantage points.

For those on foot or bicycle : there is a 12 km path (one way) which traverses the massif (easier here than in the Calanques) - see picture #2 (map)

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Immediately to the west of Cassis are some great rocks and beaches on which you can have a great picnic or barbecue, particularly in the evening. You can buy some baguettes, cheese and wine and have a great al fresco experience as you absorb the wonderful views of Cassis and the nearby cliffs. Obviously, one shouldn't over indulge in alcohol and you must take away any rubbish. In my experience, a lot of young french tourists picnic on the rocks - les rochers - pronounced roshay - and behave very sensibly. Also, be careful if Le Mistral is strong.

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A classiefied site, 20km of sign posted paths, the Calanques are limestone cliffs which plunge into the Mediterranean Sea, can be visited either on foot or by boats that set sail from Cassis.
(I recommend both, as you don't have the same view)

The Calanques are a paradise for the diver, the climber and for those who wish to discover the local fauna and flora..

Some "WARNINGS" (visit on foot):
- good shoes are mandatory,
- smoking and fire are NOT ALLOWED.
- Access could be restricted by the Authority (
- Requires some attentions (could be dangerous for childrens),

Voice mail available for access control checks (see Tel)
Pic from tourism office, some others in my HP

A magical effect? I think yes: vineyards and pine forestin around, narrow streets and squares bordered by the colourful houses, local fishermen and the the port, hot spot for tourism (with its boats and inviting terraces).

Don't be affraid to be lost in the small streets.

Tourism office (english) website just after