Cassis
City Tours · Provence
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© 2016
The coastal road leading south from the port of Marseille opens up fascinating perspectives. However, it ends abruptly in the magnificent wilderness of the cliffs and gorges of the Calanques – right at the gates of Cassis.
The charm of this fishing village, perfectly nestled between the coves of the Calanques, has hardly been affected by its great popularity. While you are more likely to meet elegantly dressed Marseillais in the center than sun-tanned fishermen, Cassis is so well-equipped with bistros, bars, and boutiques that it is worth every detour.
Cliffs, Fjords, and Fine Wine
In the east, a 14th-century castle (now an exclusive hotel) crowns a spectacular rocky outcrop. The surrounding land is shaped by the vineyards of the Cassis Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC). It borders on a miracle to find a sanctuary like the Calanques National Park so close to the bustling city of Marseille. The bizarre landscape of fjords and clefts is best explored on foot or by boat.
Cassis, the ancient Portus Charsicus, has always been a magnet for artists. Poets like Mistral and painters like Matisse or Vlaminck were inspired by the unique light and the bizarre shapes of the Calanques. Some cliffs also tell an industrial story: for centuries, limestone was quarried here, finding its way as far as Genoa or the Suez Canal.
Our Wine Tip
Visit the Bodin winery on the edge of town. It is located within sight of the Calanques rocks and offers the perfect setting to taste the famous white wine right where it grows.
