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Cultural Travel Guides• Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Things to Do in Cassis, France: A Local’s Guide to the Town, Calanques, and Beyond
25/06/2026Cassis is my happy place in Provence. I visit almost every year and it still surprises me. Locals playing pétanque (boule), the port at golden hour, the turquoise water of the Calanques, a glass of local white wine with a view of Cap Canaille: this is the France I keep coming back for.
Cassis is small enough to understand in a day and deep enough to reward several. This guide by a French local covers everything worth doing here – from the port and the Calanques (by boat, hike, or kayak) to the vineyards producing one of Provence’s most distinctive wines.
Last update: June 2026
What to Do in Cassis, France:
- The Port and the Village
- The Calanques
- Cassis Wine
- Other Things to Do in Cassis
- Where to Eat in Cassis
- Planning your Cassis Trip
The pictures below were taken on different trips and in different months.
Quick Answers about Cassis
How many days do you need? 1 day covers the basics; 2–3 days is ideal.
Day trip from Marseille or overnight? I recommend staying overnight to fully enjoy Cassis and have time to relax.
Best time to visit: May–June and September – avoid July–August crowds. Kayak tours start in early June.
How to Get to Cassis? Take the train from Marseille: 25 minutes. From the train station, take the shuttle bus to the port (3km).
Can you visit the Calanques without hiking? Yes, by boat or kayak.
The Port and the Village – The Soul of Cassis
1. Stroll Around the Port
One of Cassis’ greatest charms is its Port. Lined with colorful houses that reflect the sea, the port has been used for millennia.
Strolling around the Port of Cassis, you can see different types of boats moored here waiting to take off, from traditional boats to modern speedboats. In the distance, you can admire the Château de Cassis sitting high above the town.
This picture-postcard port is also lined with cafés and restaurants with outdoor terraces, great for a relaxing break, enjoying an apéritif, and doing some people-watching. If you don’t mind starting your day early, you can also see fishermen selling their daily catch directly from their boats.
The waterfront along the Port of Cassis is also the perfect spot in town to buy some delicious ice cream! The area is packed with ice cream parlors selling traditional and innovative flavors, such as blackcurrant (cassis in French) and lavender, which are locally grown in Provence.
2. Local Market of Cassis
One of the best markets in Provence, Cassis’ Weekly Market is hosted in the central Place Baragnon. It takes place regularly on Wednesdays and Fridays in the morning.
Stroll around the 60 different stalls, selling everything from locally grown fruit and vegetables to artisanal cheese and honey, to freshly caught fish and seafood. If you come to the market hungry, you’ll be glad to know that you can find ready-to-eat options, such as rotisserie-roasted meals.
In the market, you can also shop for flowers, plants, and miscellaneous items, ranging from clothes to kitchen utensils to toys. Cassis’s market has become very touristy; however, you can still find reasonable prices, as it is also frequented by locals.
3. The Town Streets and Hidden Details
Sure, you don’t come to Cassis for its sightseeing, but the town and its winding streets are worth exploring. The Church, the Mairie (town hall), and the Casino are the most notable buildings. The 18th-century Fontaine des 4 Nations, on Place de la République, is also pretty. Overlooking the Port, the Medieval Château always impresses visitors, but it’s a private residence that can’t be visited. Last but not least, Le Four Banal (Rue Thérèse Rastit) is a communal oven from the XVIIth century. It was discovered in the heart of the fishermen’s quarter and has been completely renovated.
There’s a tourist train that covers the best places in Cassis. This Cassis itinerary departs from Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle and does the full tour of the town, including the vineyards uphill and the Calanque de Port-Miou (there’s a 10-minute stop for taking pictures). You can check prices and times here.
After sightseeing, the Port and the neighboring streets are packed with numerous shops where you can buy clothes, shoes, jewelry, food produce, and souvenirs. I always end up at La Savonnette Marseillaise (16 Avenue Victor Hugo), and somehow I never leave empty-handed. From Marseille soap in every scent imaginable to local pottery, the shop is full of beautiful gift ideas.
The Calanques – Cassis’s Natural Wonder
4. Hike the Calanque de Port-Miou (and beyond)
The wonderful Calanques National Park starts on the fringes of Cassis and extends to Marseille. The calanques are a stunning set of huge limestone rocks worn away over millennia by the wind and the sea to create islets and coves.
To marvel at these natural wonders, you only need to walk a few minutes from Cassis’ center to the entrance of the town. Here, you will find the Calanque de Port-Miou, one of the prettiest in the National Park.
The Calanque de Port-Miou is the perfect starting point for a splendid hike that passes through two other famous calanques, Calanque de Port-Pin and Calanque d’En-Vau. You can do this hike on your own, or join this group with a local guide (3 hours, easy to moderate level), which explores two calanques and includes a swimming stop in an idyllic setting.
From Marseille, you can also take a bus to the Luminy PN des Calanques stop (21JET, 24, or 131), and from there hike down through the forest before following the calanques all the way back to Cassis. This is a full-day hike.
If you are not keen to hike, you can just relax, admiring the turquoise waters and the marina with hundreds of boats tightly anchored beside one another.
5. Take a Guided Boat Tour
There is nothing better than exploring Cassis and its calanques by boat. This is especially great for those who don’t want to hike and prefer to just relax while enjoying the panorama.
Choosing a guided boat tour will allow you to do exactly that! All boat tours depart from Quai Saint-Pierre and operate seven days a week. While individual visitors can only purchase tickets on the day of the tour (go early in the morning to secure your favorite time slot), groups are encouraged to book online in advance during the summer months.
There are several itineraries of different durations, and they all include live commentary from a local guide. Get ready to discover the impressive limestone cliffs and narrow inlets of the Calanques from a unique perspective – from the water. The boats cannot get close to the coves, so you’ll enjoy views from a distance (as in the picture above).
6. OR Rent a boat for you and your crew
But why share the experience of a boat tour with the crowds when you can craft a boat tour for you and your crew?
Samboat offers a wide variety of boat types with or without a skipper. Their prices are competitive, and you can rent the boat for half or the whole day.
Cassis and the hidden coves among the calanques are perfect for exploring at your own pace. With a self-guided boat tour, you can take all the time you need to admire their amazing beauty and plunge into the Mediterranean’s blue. Just like with the boat tours, private boats can’t get close to the beaches.
The climate of Southern France is mild during the shoulder seasons, so you can enjoy a boat adventure not only in the summer. If you are traveling in Cassis during the high season, make sure to book your rental boat in advance, as this experience is top-rated.
7. Explore the Calanques on a Kayak
While taking one of the boat tours available at the port is a wonderful option, with a boat, you can’t get too close to the beaches in the Calanques. Besides hiking, the only way to do it is by kayak*. And this guided kayak excursion is a super way to discover the Calanques of Cassis.
Paddle side-by-side with an expert guide along the Port-Miou Calanque and then to the Calanques of Port Pin and En Vau, whose turquoise waters will leave you speechless. All you have to do is choose how long you want this kayak excursion to last (half day or full day), book it, and be ready to make unforgettable memories! I booked this half-day tour (pictures below taken by our guides) and it has been my most memorable experience in Cassis to date.
*You can freely disembark in the National Park, except on the islands of the Riou archipelago (all year round / landing allowed at Monasterio and Fontagne), in the Sugiton and Pierres-Tombées calanques (during the quota period), and in the calanques of Port-Pin and En-Vau (from 1 May to 30 September).
Cassis Wine – One of Provence’s Best Kept Secrets
8. Cassis Wine Tasting and Shopping
The coastal town of Cassis also has a long history of wine production. Cassis AOC (short for Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, which refers to standards set for wines made in France) is one of the first wine appellations in France, so indulging in a wine-tasting experience is a must during a trip to Cassis.
Cassis AOC is also one of the most prestigious appellations in the Provence Wine Region, known for its fresh, aromatic white wines that are perfectly suited to Mediterranean cuisine. Cassis whites are complex and expressive, with floral and fruity notes, and a distinctive saline character. It also produces red and rosé wines that are well worth exploring.
The allowed white varieties are Clairette Blanche, Marsanne, Bourboulenc, and Pascal Blanc. For the reds and rosés, the allowed varieties are Cinsault, Grenache Noir, and Mourvèdre.
There are 12 wine estates in Cassis, and the best one to visit is La Dona Tigana, where you can tour their vineyards, taste their wines, and shop your favorite findings.
You will need a car or hire a taxi (expensive!) to get to it from Cassis center, but the experience is well worth it! Make sure to book your wine-tasting spot in advance.
Elisa’s Local Tip: The Cassis appellation is tiny, covering just around 200 hectares. Production is limited to about one million bottles per year, most of which are enjoyed locally in restaurants, wine bars, and wine shops. If you discover a wine you love during your visit to the domaines, don’t hesitate to buy a bottle or two on the spot – it’s always cheaper and you may not come across it again once you leave the region!
9. Cassis Fête Son Vin
Cassis Fête son Vin is a traditional festival held every May on Sunday to celebrate the Cassis wine appellation. The festivities begin with a mass at Saint-Michel Church, followed by the traditional Dance of the Vine Stump, the ceremonial blessing of the wine by fire, and tastings offered by the 12 wineries of the appellation. Visitors can also take part in wine masterclasses and learn more about the region’s unique winemaking heritage. Find the dates and full program here.
Other Things to Do in Cassis, France
10. Go to the Beach
Cassis is home to several lovely beaches that are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. All of its beaches are pebble and stone beaches, framed by stunning views of Cap Canaille rising dramatically to the east.
Plage Grande Mer is the most central and, therefore, the most crowded beach. It has all the beach services you can imagine, including restaurants and beach bars. You can also rent kayaks on this beach.
Plage de Bestuan is smaller but very pretty. A 10-minute walk from the center, it is located in front of the hotels Le Jardin d’Emile and Hotel de la Plage, so it looks like a private beach. There are also a couple of beach bars.
The other beaches in Cassis are Anse de Corton, Plage de l’Arène, and Plage Bleue. Plus some of the neighbouring calanques! The calanques of Port Pin and En-Vau are just a short hike to the west and are real havens of peace for swimming and sunbathing, especially out of season.
11. Take a Day Trip to Marseille
Many people visit Cassis on a day trip from Marseille, but if you prefer scenic landscapes and a slower pace of life, basing yourself in Cassis and exploring Marseille on a day trip can be just as rewarding.
Of course, seeing everything France’s oldest city has to offer in a single day is not possible, so some compromises will have to be made. If you only have one day in Marseille, this e-bike tour with a local guide provides an excellent introduction to the city and its history. Highlights include Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, Le Panier – Marseille’s oldest neighborhood – Le Vieux-Port, and two picturesque districts on the city’s outskirts.
Alternatively, you can simply pick the attractions that interest you most from this list of the best things to do in Marseille.
Marseille and Cassis are connected by regional trains, and advance booking is not necessary, meaning you can decide to visit at the last minute.
12. Relax, You are in Provence!
Most of all, Cassis is a place to relax and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Once I’ve taken new photos and notes to update this post, I switch off my computer for the rest of my stay.
Head down to the water for a relaxing walk along the beach and that wonderful sea air. Bring a book and a picnic lunch and make an afternoon of it.
Stroll around the port, try delicious Provençal food paired with local wines, or enjoy a refreshing ice cream. Take in some people-watching from one of the cafés.
Browse the local market and shops selling Provençal crafts. End your day with a glass of Cassis wine and a view from one of the beach bars.
Where to Eat in Cassis
Quality varies significantly, especially around the port – and unfortunately, there are some tourist traps. Here are three honest recommendations:
–Chez Poulette (Place Montmorin) is a very charming little restaurant located near the Grande Plage. Patricia welcomes guests with a warm smile and offers a small selection of homemade dishes inspired by both local and international cuisine.
–L’Ostau de la Mar (20 Quai des Baux) is (in my opinion) the best restaurant on the harbour, serving delicious Provençal cuisine. The welcome is impeccable, the service is attentive, and the food is excellent. On the menu you’ll find sea bass, sea bream, locally caught mackerel from Cassis, fish soup, and king prawns with garlic and parsley. The restaurant has been awarded the “Restaurant de Qualité” label by the Collège Culinaire de France. Be sure to book ahead!
–À Table (7 Rue du Docteur Séverin-Icard). In a pedestrian street, the terrace welcomes you to enjoy market-fresh cuisine, where the freshness of the ingredients is reflected in every dish, prepared to order. The menu changes with the seasons to offer the best selection: fish, meat, and Provençal recipes. To accompany your meal, wines from Provence and Cassis perfectly enhance the experience.
Don’t hesitate to try Provençal cuisine (fresh seafood, bouillabaisse, daube à la Provençale, etc.), which is quite different from the food you’ll find in Nice and elsewhere on the French Riviera. Along the port, you’ll see many restaurants serving moules-frites. While I love this dish, the quality here is not comparable to what you’ll find in Brittany, both in terms of the size of the mussels and their flavour.
Are You Planning Your Cassis Trip Last Minute?
Below are some of the best Cassis tours, hotels, and more!
- Book your flight tickets to Marseille (MRS); Book your train tickets to Marseille
- Book your transfer from Marseille Airport to Cassis with Welcome Pickups.
- Book your train tickets from Marseille to Cassis
Looking to travel around Cassis independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Marseille.
Top Cassis Experiences and Tours
- Half-day Calanques de Cassis hike
- Calanques de Cassis by kayak half-day tour
- Calanques de Cassis by stand-up paddle
- Bandol and Cassis full-day wine tour from Marseille
Top Cassis Accommodation and Lodging
- Hotel Les Roches Banches (for a luxury experience)
- Le Jardin d’Emil (a hidden gem in Provence)
- Hotel Le Golfe (budget hotel with port and castle views)
- HPC Suites (ideal for families)
Don’t forget your travel insurance! SafetyWing Essential plan works well for long and short trips (from 5 days up). Can also cover electronics theft through their add-on.
