Cassis is a dreamy little fishing town tucked into the cliffs of Provence, just a breezy hour from Marseille or Aix-en-Provence. With pastel harbourfronts, dramatic coastlines, and chilled local vibes, there’s no shortage of things to do in Cassis – whether you’re swinging by for a day trip or staying longer to soak up that salty-sweet Mediterranean life.

The port village of Cassis, South of France, Provence. Pastel houses and boats as seen from the water.
Cassis, South of France
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It’s small, but don’t let that fool you – Cassis packs in nature, culture, food, and wine like a seasoned pro. Boats bob in the harbour, gelato drips down your cone, and somewhere a cicada is singing backup.

I’m Hazel, your travel-blogger pal with a soft spot for Provencal villages, crumbly goat cheese, and cliffside views. I visited Cassis as part of a wider France itinerary, and can confirm it’s worth all the hype (and then some). Let’s dive into the best bits of this coastal charmer.

1. Cruise the Calanques by Boat 🚤

If you do just one thing in Cassis, make it a boat trip to the Calanques – those majestic limestone fjords that carve through the coast like nature’s cathedrals.

Turquoise water surrounded by steep limestone cliffs at Calanque d’En-Vau, near Cassis in the South of France, on a sunny day with a bright blue sky.
Calanque d’En-Vau, Cassis, South of France

The turquoise water, the towering cliffs, the secret beaches… it’s seriously WOW.

There are several boat tours leaving from the harbour. Tickets start around €17, and you can book them at the little ticket booth opposite the boats.

Descending cliff with trees and vegetation, as seen from the water at Cassis Calanques.
Person paddleboarding on deep blue water beneath white limestone cliffs and pine trees in the Calanques near Cassis, France.
Cassis Calanques

Kayak tours and e-bike tours are also fab if you’re feeling sporty. Or hike the trails for free views with a side of thigh burn.

2. Eat Pizza by the Port 🍕

The harbour is lined with restaurants, cafés, and gelato spots – some fancy, some chill.

One of the best budget-friendly moves? Grab a slice from the little pizza truck near the boat office and park yourself on a bench by the boats.

Woman in a red dress and sunglasses standing in front of a boat tour kiosk at the Cassis harbour on a sunny day, with white boats and terracotta-roofed buildings in the background.
Hand holding a folded slice of takeaway pizza in front of the Cassis harbour, with colourful buildings and boats in the background on a sunny day.
Pizza at Cassis Harbour

Cassis may be French, but the Italian vibes are strong – expect wood-fired pizza, lemon gelato, and a casual, dolce vita kind of vibe. Perfect pre-boat trip snack or sunset treat.

3. Sip Local Cassis Wine 🍷

Unlike the rosé-dominated Provence region, Cassis is all about white wine.

Outdoor café with red awnings and tables in a sunny square in Cassis, France, surrounded by pastel-coloured buildings with traditional shutters.
Two bottles of white wine from Cassis, France, displayed against a soft neutral background with delicate botanical wallpaper.
Cassis restaurants, and my local wine purchases!

The local AOC wines are floral, citrusy, and dangerously easy to sip under a parasol. Most restaurants offer local options, and you can visit vineyards like Domaine du Paternel for tastings too.

Visiting in May? Don’t miss the annual Cassis wine festival where all 12 wine producers strut their stuff. Psst: You can sometimes find bottles online at Yapp Brothers (UK) or Hourlier Wines (Australia), but they’re rare outside the region.

4. Bask on Cassis Beaches 🏖️

There’s something for every kind of beach bum in Cassis.

Pebble beach leading to turquoise water and steep limestone cliffs at Calanque d’En-Vau near Cassis, with sunlight reflecting off the sea.
Calanque d’En-Vau

Plage de la Grande Mer is the main one (right near the town), and Plage de Bestouan is just a short stroll with epic sea views and a lively summer scene.

For something a little more secluded, take a guided hike or boat to Plage de Port Miou or Calanque d’En-Vau – they take effort, but you’ll be rewarded with crystal-clear water and jaw-dropping cliffs.

5. Shop the Market & Boutiques 🛍️

Cassis is low-key shopping heaven. You’ll find artisan soaps, Provencal fabrics, local honey, handmade ceramics, and more.

Charming souvenir shop in Cassis, France, with postcards, baskets, and textiles displayed outside under a red parasol on a sunny cobbled street.
Display of Provençal goods in a Cassis shop window, including lavender sachets, honey, local wines, and artisanal kitchenware.
Indepedent shops in Cassis

The main food markets happen on Wednesdays and Fridays at Place de la République – perfect for picnic supplies or edible souvenirs.

Don’t miss the tiny boutiques around Place Baragnon either – ideal for stylish souvenirs and that one perfect sunhat you didn’t know you needed.

6. Drive (or Hike) to Cap Canaille 🚗

Cap Canaille is Europe’s highest sea cliff, and the drive up there is thrilling and scenic (read: slightly terrifying in parts, but worth it).

Limestone cliff rising out of the sea, large pebble stone beach in the foreground.
Cap Canaille (Image credit: Bouillabaisse)

The Route des Crêtes is the road you want – twisting, turning, and offering cinematic views back over the Calanques.

Feeling energetic? Hike it instead. There are multiple trails leading from the town or Calanques park, just make sure to bring water, snacks, and sturdy shoes – this isn’t a flip-flop kind of day.

7. Explore Cassis’ History 🏛️

For a dose of history, swing by the 17th-century town hall where bits of medieval flooring are still on display.

The town centre also features historic fountains, charming narrow streets, and the underrated Musée Municipal d’Art et Traditions Populaires.

Guided walking tours are available in the musuem too if you want the full medieval-fishing-village backstory.

8. Ride the Cassis Shuttle ‘Train’ 🚃

Driving in Cassis is a bit of a faff (parking fills up fast), so here’s a tip: park for free at Les Gorguettes and hop on the golden shuttle ‘train’ into town for just a couple of euros.

Gold and white shuttle train to Cassis, south of france.
The shuttle ‘train’ into the centre of Cassis

It’s on wheels, not rails – but it’s cute and comes with a tourist map full of local tips.

This is also a great way to avoid the mad summer traffic and gives you a relaxed start to your Cassis adventure.

Helpful Tips for Visiting Cassis 📝

🌅 Avoid the Crowds: Check the French school holiday calendar before you book – July and August get especially busy. Visit in shoulder season (May/June or Sept/Oct) for sunshine without the squeeze.

🚗 Smart Parking: Park for free at Les Gorguettes and hop on the €2 shuttle train into town. Central parking fills up fast and gets pricey.

🩴 Footwear Matters: Bring decent shoes if you’re planning to hike the Calanques or Cap Canaille – trails can be steep, rocky, and dusty.

🍷 Wine Wisdom: Local white wine is rare outside the region, so grab a bottle or two while you’re there. Domaine du Paternel is a favourite.

Outdoor café tables in Cassis covered with colourful Provençal tablecloths, set against a cream stucco wall with potted flowers and cobblestone flooring.
Stone entrance to a rustic French restaurant in Cassis, with a blue wooden door, chalkboard menus, and a blue sign reading “Les Belles Canailles.”


Map of Things to do in Cassis 🗺️

Use this map to explore all the best things to do in Cassis – from secret beaches to scenic viewpoints. Tap the icons for details, save it to your own Google Maps, and start planning your perfect Provencal escape.

FAQs About Visiting Cassis 💡

Quick answers for curious travellers:

What are the must-see attractions in Cassis?

The Calanques boat tour, Cap Canaille, Cassis harbour, the beaches, and a glass of Cassis white wine. Done.

How do I get to Cassis from Marseille?

You can drive (30–40 mins via A50), take a train to Cassis station (then a taxi or bus into town), or hop on a local bus. Avoid the crowds by checking the French school holiday calendar.

Can you hike to the Calanques?

Yes – and it’s stunning. Calanque d’En-Vau is the star, but bring proper shoes and water. Some trails can be steep and exposed.

What’s the best time to visit Cassis?

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are perfect. Fewer tourists, good weather, and those golden Provence sunsets.

What should I eat in Cassis?

Try bouillabaisse (Provençal fish stew), fresh seafood, tapenade, and gelato. The local wine’s a must, too.

Final Thoughts on Cassis ✨

here’s something irresistibly charming about Cassis – the way the cliffs dive into turquoise water, the clink of wine glasses at sunset, the scent of bouillabaisse drifting from the harbour.

Whether you’re here for an afternoon or a sun-soaked week, the best things to do in Cassis revolve around nature, food, and that iconic Provençal ease.

If you’re dreaming of a South of France itinerary with sea views, good wine, and a bit of adventure, Cassis more than delivers. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to before you’ve even left.

Colourful harbourfront buildings in Cassis, France, reflected in the calm water with small boats moored along the quay on a bright sunny day.
The port village of Cassis, South of France, Provence. Pastel houses and boats as seen from the water.

Related Reading for things to do in Cassis.

Below are some further articles related to this post on things to do in Cassis, France.

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