Exploring the Charming Town of Cassis, FranceCharming Cassis - The Perfect Getaway in the South of France
After an incredible week of teaching photography in Provence (and a year's worth of portrait sessions, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, and weddings), I was SO ready for a few days of rest and relaxation before exploring the South of France on my own.
I wanted to be somewhere by the sea without any specific agenda, and just explore. After weeks of googling (and LOTS of indecision), I finally chose the charming port town of Cassis.
Cassis had everything I hoped for. Beautiful turquoise blue water, Provencal-style houses, cafes, and restaurants with pastel-colored shutters, quaint shops, and the loveliest little cobblestone streets just made for endless wandering. Needless to say, no shortage of things to photograph here! And of course, there's Cassis Wine.
Here are a few highlights, a list of things to do, where to stay, and helpful insider tips I learned along the way during my time in Cassis.
Port View - so colorful!
That water!!!
Every restaurant more charming than the next!
Meringue Desserts at the local patisserie.
Enjoying the cool water. It was HOT!
Can't resist a decorative door... and there were a LOT of them. That knocker!
Early morning before the tourist rush.
Kiddie SailingEvery morning, these miniature sized sailboats filled with little kids headed out of the port and sailed right past my apartment. They were all strung together, being pulled by the sailing instructor. I could hear their giggles a mile away. SO cute!
Things to Do in CassisWhile I really wanted this part of my trip to be restful, Cassis had a LOT to offer and I didn't have time to take advantage of it all. If you go (and when I go back), here's a list of Things to Do:
Where to StayBy the time I decided on Cassis, there were no hotel options left as July is the height of tourist season. But I totally lucked out and found the most beautiful apartment right on the sea! Villa Calanco.
If you ever visit Cassis, I highly recommend Villa Calanco. Your back terrace is literally right on the Mediterranean. I was SO happy just enjoying the view from every room, laying out on the terrace, breathing in that clean ocean air, and being lulled to sleep every night by the sound of the waves. The owner Stéfanie was so gracious, making sure everything was perfect. Check out Villa Calanco here: http://www.villacalanco.com/.
View from my bedroom at Villa Calanco.
Terrace View of Cap Canaille - The highest sea cliff in France. Had to break out the tripod for some sunset shots.
Travel Tips When Visiting CassisBest Time to Visit - May or September for the best weather and fewest tourists. June, July, August is the height of tourist season as Cassis is a popular holiday spot for Europeans, and it gets very busy. It's also very hot. That being said, I visited in July and enjoyed every minute!
Best Way to Get There - Fly into Marseille-Provence Airport. The quickest way to Cassis is to hire a taxi, Uber, or other car service to take you to your hotel/apartment. About a 50-minute drive from the airport. ~100€. If you're on a budget and don't mind a longer trip, there are less expensive train/bus options. Check out Rome2rio for an easy way to see all the options in one place. Website: https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Marseille/Cassis
Best Way to Get Around - Walk! Everything in the port area is walkable. Hire a car if you need to venture further out. Parking is not easy in Cassis, so I don't recommend renting a car unless your hotel/apartment comes with a parking space.
Best Place for Tourist Info - Office de Tourisme (Tourism Office), located right in the port, has loads of info. Website: https://www.ot-cassis.com/
For Solo Female Travelers - I felt very safe in Cassis. As with all solo travel, be aware of your surroundings. I did not go to the port alone at night as my apartment was about a 20-minute walk through dark streets.
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