Cassis Overview

This small fishing village is one of Provence's best kept secrets, at least from Americans. European tourists swarm the petit train, the quais, and the beaches to the West. However packed the port area is, you can always escape up the hill and into the centre-ville to the shade of the church and the peace of the central fountain, which retain the sleepy vibe of a pre-tourism era. Walk along the shore in any direction and you are guaranteed to spot pristine coves and the occasional nude sunbather (vive le France).Show off your own kibbles and bits if you must, so long as you can withstand the gawkers nearby.

• Orientation

Cassis is extremely walkable. Before you know it, you will have walked its circumference about 200 times. The main port is bounded by the marina (quai des Baux, St. Pierre, and JJ Barthelemy). Ave. Victor ...more

• Accommodations

Le Commerce, 12 rue St. Clair (☎ 04 42 01 09 10), Tucked away from the crazy quai des Baux, but so far as to diminish the rooms' ocean views, this hotel/restaurant offers a cheaper option for those who ...more

• Beaches

Presqu'il, The Presqu'il features stunning views of the other calenques along the coast. A small hike will take you to its edge, where you can survey the a long strip of the coast, and where the rich Cassis ...more

• Food

Le Grande Marnier, 12 quai des Baux (☎ 04 42 01 81 19), A creperie that specializes in Grand Marnier specialties for cheap. They'll serve up any crepe you can think of, and then add in some orange liqueur ...more

• Nightlife

Far from friends of the backpacker budget, the bars are expensive, don't offer happy hours, and close relatively early. The closer you are to the port, the more expensive they are. Bar de la Fontaine ...more

• Essentials

Tourist Office: Offers brochures, maps, and advice on housing (Quai des Moulins☎ 08 92 25 98 92 www.ot-cassis.com h Open Nov-Feb M-F 9:30am-12:30pm, 2-5:30pm. Sa 10am-12 ...more