Things to Do in Cassis – with Kids too!
Things to Do in Cassis – this chic Provencal coastal town famed for its white limestone cliffs has those indulgent Great Gatsby connotations yet it’s a relaxing break by the sea for all ages.
Visit Les Roches Blanches / Cap Canaille / Famous Visitors / Calanques / Eat, Drink & Promenade at the Harbour / Try Bouillabaise / Drink the Local Wine / Local Markets / Hit the Beach / Drive Les Routes des Crêtes / WHERE TO STAY /
Spend time at Les Roches Blanches
This Grand Dame of the Cassis hotel scene, named after the white cliffs, is an institution. While staying at Les Roches Blanches is bliss, please don’t miss out if your budget doesn’t stretch to an overnight. Enjoy a cocktail on the terrace (with excellent views of the Cap Canaille) or within the stylish Art Deco bar. Dine at Les Belles Canailles (which translates as the Beautiful Scoundrels) and try the region’s famous Bouillabaise. Other restaurants onsite include the Nikkei flavours of La Loup (The Wolf) and Rocco for Mediterranean family favourites, and their monthly brunches always book up well in advance. Book a treatment at the Sisley Spa and indulge! Children and families are very welcome at this luxury establishment.
Admire the Cap Canaille – take a Hike
The Cap Canaille is the highest sea cliff in France at 394 metres, consisting of both sandstone and limestone. You can embark on a hike of this impressive massif or simply admire it from afar.
Walk in the Footstep of the Famous – Things to Do in Cassis
This corner of the world has mesmerised the rich and famous, especially in the heyday of the roaring 1920s and 1930s. Visitors here included Edith Piaf, Winston Churchill (who enjoyed a painting holiday in the region), Paul Cézanne, Matisse and one of my favourite writers, Virginia Woolf. You can even stay in the hotel and rooms Churchill and Piaf stayed in at Les Roches Blanches.
Catch a Boat, Kayak or Hike to the Calanques
Book one of the many organised boat trips to visit the Calanques (famous white limestone cliffs). Alternatively, it’s perfectly feasible to walk 15 minutes on foot, for free, to see the Port Miou Calanques as we did. Adventurers can take to the water on a kayaking exploration of the cliffs.
Eat, Drink & Promenade at the Harbour
The harbour is the centre of all activity in Cassis. Simply taking a stroll and admiring the boats is relaxing, take a pitstop in one of the many bars/cafés peppered along the waterfront for some people-watching, or grab some local cuisine.
You’ll be spoiled for choice regarding where to dine. We enjoyed lunch at Le Perroquet as the boys were after a bowl of mussels. The following night we tucked into sushi and scallops at Le Grand Large.
Try Bouillabaise – Things to Do in Cassis
Bouillabaise is a traditional fish stew that originated in Marseille and is popular across Provence. It’s served at venues like Les Roches Blanches, Chez Gilbert and La Vieille Auberge to name a few.
Drink the Local Wine – Things to Do in Cassis
Cassis is known for its white and rosés, we’re talking Marsanne, Clairette, and Ugni Blanc grapes for whites, and Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre for rosés. Choose a local option at Cassis’ many bars and restaurant, or book a wine tasting (see below).
Browse a Local Market – Things to Do in Cassis
The local markets take place in the Town Centre at Place Baragnon on Wednesdays and Friday mornings – expect fresh produce, clothing and household wares. Grab fresh fish in the morning at the Quai des Baux, and look out for a Farmer’s Market every Saturday. In the height of summer, a Night Market has a creative, artistic vibe.
Bronze yourself, Play or Take a Gentle Walk on the Little Beaches
Cassis has a few small beaches on offer. Pebbly Bestouan, with its great views of Cap Canaille. The central sand and pebble beach of Grande Mer. Or the rocky L’anse de l’Arène.
Drive Les Routes des Crêtes – Things to Do in Cassis
This 15km of coastal cliff road between Cassis and La Ciotat is stunning, but the drops can be sheer (so take special care with pets and children). We took the short drive, stopping at various viewpoints en route, before taking a stroll around La Ciotat and its old town and harbour, followed by luncheon. A very civilised day out for the whole family.
Budget Accommodation
Best Western Plus Hôtel la Rade has an excellent central location, just metres from Cassis fishing port and Bestouan beach. Considering the price point, the simple rooms are great value, especially if you consider the bonuses of free parking, plus a heated swimming pool that includes a waterfall and bubble pool elements. This is a real family favourite.
Luxury Accommodation
As discussed earlier, the five-star Les Roches Blanches is inimitable perfection. Carved into the cliffs, it’s like something from a sophisticated movie. The service is excellent, plus young and old receive lovely treats and gifts in their rooms. The two outdoor pools are heavenly, with loungers dotted around the cliffs. Expect stylish calming decor, you simply can’t beat it.
Cassis is a wonderfully romantic destination, but still relaxed due to the salt in everyone’s hair and calming sea views. It also works well for families trips. We made a road trip of it all, flying into Marseille for two nights, spending three nights in Aix-en-Provence before heading for Cassis. Enjoy!
Read our Guide to Aix-en-Provence
Browse all our Free French content
If you liked this article then please subscribe, join the conversation on Facebook, or check out the bonny photos on Instagram. For any queries or opportunities please email scots2travel@hotmail.com. Images and text copyright of Scots2Travel. Press overnight stay at Les Roches Blanches and XXX. Feature contains affiliate links. Check out our Privacy Policy here.
