How to Explore Cassis: Transport, Activities, Hotels & More

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Cassis is a charming village about 45 minutes from Marseille, the oldest and second-largest city in France. Cassis is one of the hidden gems of France’s southern coast, nestled between the breathtaking greenery of pine trees and the turquoise hues of the Mediterranean Sea.As one of the most sought-after getaway destinations for both locals and travelers, Cassis is a paradise for hikers, swimmers, and travelers that want to intoxicate themselves with the beauty of nature

This post will give you everything you need to know to enjoy Cassis and make the most of your trip.

Overview of Cassis 

Cassis is an enchanting small town with colorful harbor buildings and a lively atmosphere. It is located between Le Ciotat and Marseille, just 12.5 miles from Marseille. Cassis used to be a quiet fishing village, but it has been nowadays a popular holiday destination for French people and people from all over the world. Furthermore, Cassis’ location near Calanques National Park makes it the perfect destination for those eager to explore the Calanques. 

Surrounded by nature for travelers, it’s also an ideal spot for travelers seeking a relaxing beach time, picturesque landscapes, and indulge in fresh local seafood.

As you walk from the town center into the residential area, the streets are lined with charming vacation villas and Mediterranean plants and flowers, creating captivating views.

How to Get to Cassis?

By Plane

The closest international airport from Cassis is Marseille-Provence (MRS), about 50 minutes by car from Cassis. 

By Train

Cassis has a small railway station, Gare de Cassis SNCF, with two platforms (voie, in French) on the Marseille-Toulon line. Trains ZOU!, operated by SNCF, run frequently from Marseille (about 20 minutes) and from other major cities, such as Toulon, Bandol, Sanary-sur-Mer, and Hyeres in the region. The ZOU! trains don’t have assigned seats, so you can sit in any available seat. 

If you’re traveling by train from cities like Aix-en-Provence, Paris, or Nice, keep in mind that there’s no direct service to Cassis—you’ll need to transfer along the way.

Travelers departing from Cassis by train to destinations such as Toulon or Nice should be aware that access to the opposite platform requires the use of stairs, as no elevator is available.Carrying luggage can be a bit challenging, but it’s manageable.

How to Get to Cassis Town Center from Cassis Train Station?

Keep in mind that Cassis train station is not close to the town center. The station is about 35 minutes of downhill walking distance from the town center, so it can be challenging to walk with heavy bags.

There is a bus line, La Marcoline Line M01 operating between Cassis train station and Cassis town center. It takes roughly 20 minutes to get to the town center by bus. There is a bus departing every 20 minutes to 1 hour. Make sure to check bus schedule when planning your trip. There may be fewer bus trips or no bus service on weekends and public holidays.

Uber or taxis may be hard to find at the train station, so it’s best to book in advance. The ride to Cassis town center takes about 10 minutes.

By Car

If you have a car, the drive from Marseille to Cassis offers scenic views and takes around 45 minutes depending on your location. Additionally, the drive from Toulon to Cassis takes around 35 minutes via A50. Be aware that parking in Cassis can be limited during the summer months. For peace of mind, make sure to choose hotels or lodging options that provide on-site parking.

By Boat

In peak season, ferries and private boat tours operate between Marseille, Cassis, and the Calanques, offering a more relaxing way to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. There are various boat excursions operated from Marseille to Cassis. Most of them offer tours from Marseille to the Calanques, but there are few boat operators offering transportation services, such as Icard-Maritime. 

You can also purchase daily boat tour tickets to see the Calanques at the ticket office on Quai St. Pierre, located at the Cassis port. For further information on tickets, check the official la visite des Calanques site.

Uber to Cassis

Uber is widely available in Marseille, and the drive to Cassis takes about 40–45 minutes, costing around $45. If you’re traveling with luggage and want to avoid transferring between trains, you can take an Uber directly from the departure exit of Marseille’s train station to your hotel or lodging in Cassis. Personally,I chose this option to get to Cassis from Marseille St. Charles Train Station.

By Taxi/ Private Transfer

Alternatively, you can book a private transfer or taxi in advance to pick you up from the train station or another preferred location. Your hotel can also assist with arranging a local taxi for your trip to the Cassis train station.

What To Do in Cassis: Top Activities

Despite being a small town, Cassis offers everything you need for both a relaxing and adventurous getaway.

Stroll around the Cassis Harbor

Take a walk along the harbor promenade. The lively harbor area hosts numerous restaurants, ice cream shops, souvenir and charming boutique shops.

Swim or Enjoy Beach Time

The Plage de la Grande Mer is on the left side of Cassis harbor and a close walk from the town center. It is also very close to cafes and restaurants. It is a municipal beach with showers. Additionally, kayaks for rent are available for water sport lovers. The Plage de la Grande Mer beach is not sandy, but it is made with smaller pebbles.

Plage du Bestouan is a picturesque pebble beach located on the opposite side of the harbor from the main town center. Smaller than the larger Plage de la Grande Mer, it offers a more tranquil atmosphere. The beach is backed by rocky cliffs and is just steps away from several charming cafés and seaside restaurants.

Right across the beach, you can see panoramic views of Cap Canaille, the highest cliff in France.

Additionally, on the right shore of the beach, you can see a charming Mediterranean villa. This villa is indeed a renowned location in Cassis. It is well known as the Charnier’s House, and it appeared in multiple movies, such as The French Connection and Love Actually.

Walk Around the Town

As you wander through Cassis, you’ll come across charming boutiques offering beachwear, hats, and more, along with cozy bookstores, inviting cafés, and lively night markets with stands selling clothing, jewelry, and Provençal products.

Furthermore, when in Cassis, don’t miss out on its open market. Every Wednesday and Friday, there are over 50 stalls selling local Provencal products, ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oils, cheese, clothes, and more. There are also handfuls of stalls selling artisanal jewelry, clothes, and local crafts at night.

Explore Local Vineyards and Wine Tasting

Cassis is home to several vineyards spanning over 200 hectares, where you can enjoy wine tastings and scenic visits. Interestingly, some of France’s oldest cultivated vineyards are found here. More than a dozen wineries cover the hillsides of Cassis, producing mainly white wines, along with some rosé and red varieties. Recommended wineries for tastings include La Dona Tigana, Cassis Bodin, Domaine du Bagnol, and Clos Sainte Magdeleine.

Cap Canaille

Take a drive or hike up to Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliff in France (394 meters), for panoramic views of the coastline and Cassis below. It is clearly visible from Cassis or the Calanques. 

Take a Hike to the Calanques

Cassis is the closest town to Calanques National Park, making it the perfect location to stay for exploring this stunning natural area. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the Cassis harbor to the park’s entrance. For a complete guide on hiking from Cassis to the Calanques, be sure to check out my post Discover Turquoise Coves of the Calanques in Cassis

Where to Eat in Cassis

Despite being a small town, Cassis offers plenty of restaurants, cafes, ice cream, bakeries, and pastry spots. Some of the specialties in Cassis include sardines dishes, bouillabaisse ( famous fish stew), and olive tapenades.

Recommended venues:

• Don Camillo– Try Boullabaise, Moules frites (Mussels), Paella, and variety of fish dishes
• La Perle Mediterraneenne– Located close to the plage du Bestouan; some of the dish options are grilled octopus (poulpe grille), Lebanese shawarma, and meat dishes such as entrecote
• Mamahe Café- A perfect spot for coffee and brunch
• Grain de Folie-A cozy café for coffee, tea, and smoothies
• Amorino Gelato– Very close to the harbor area and La Grande Plage (beach); a great spot for gelato. Amorino is somewhat a chain artisanal gelato shop with various locations in France, but their flavors (les parfumes) are delicious.Try pistachio, cassis, fig, dark chocolate or raspberry flavors.

Where to Stay

Cassis is a popular vacation destination, especially in the summer, so be sure to book your accommodation in advance.

Recommended Hotels

• Best Western Hôtel & SPA Coeur de Cassis – Ideally located near the beach and harbor, this 3-star hotel offers a range of convenient amenities. $$
• Hôtel Liautaud Cassis – A 4-star hotel, very close to the beach area, $$$
• Hotel Eden Cassis– A 3-star hotel, 8 minutes away from la plage de la Grande Mer $$

Tips for Visiting

July and August are the hottest and most crowded months to visit Cassis. For a more pleasant experience, the best time to go is in May–June or September–October, especially if you plan to explore the Calanques National Park.

In May and October, the sea might be too cold for swimming, but the town is much less crowded—perfect for a relaxed visit. The Mediterranean Sea is typically warm enough for swimming in June and September. On my recent trip in June, the water was warm and refreshing—ideal for a dip.

How Long to Stay

One to two days is ideal for enjoying the charming Cassis. If you’re planning to hike and explore the Calanques National Park as well as unwind in town, two days are recommended.

With its Mediterranean charm, scenic coastline, and access to the breathtaking Calanques, Cassis is a perfect getaway destination for relaxation and adventure in the French Riviera. Whether you’re spending a day or a weekend, planning ahead for transportation, activities, and accommodation will help you make the most of your visit. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time, Cassis promises to leave you with unforgettable memories.