Cassis, France: A Seaside Gem

The French fishing village of Cassis, on the Mediterranean, gets less attention among Americans than other more renowned resorts like Nice,, St. Tropez, or Cannes. This is a distinct advantage for travelers who find that absorbing a culture is challenging when battling crowds. This is not to say that Cassis does not get tourists. Tourists abound in this town but tourists from all over the world which provides it with a cosmopolitan air that evokes its historical legacy when Phoenicians, Romans, Cathaginians, and other ancient peoples lived and traded on its shores.

Overview of Cassis

The town, dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, was rebuilt upon ruins in the 17th century. The narrow lanes bring the traveler back to the past and the backdrop of the pretty harbor facing the white limestone cliffs creates an esthetic easel. The active and bustling port of Marseille lies some fifteen miles to the northwest along the coast. The frenetic worlds of Marseilles and the calmer, more relaxed setting of Cassis, could not be more opposite.

Calanques, the Fiords of Southern France

The calanques are inlets and bays created out of the cliffs between Marseilles and Cassis in southwestern France. They may be viewed by boat or by hiking. Make sure that if you are hiking, you come prepared with hat, sunscreen, and fresh water, especially in the summer when temperatures can soar. Walk along the waterfront of Cassis to look for the various boat tours offered to the calanques which are a short distance away. The trip can be taken virtually all day and the boats take travelers to either 3, 5, or 8 calanques in less than two hours. Of course, if you want to drive the car to a hiking trail and walk down to a calanque, you will have the leisure time to relax, swim, or picnic.

Les Roches Blanches, a Perfect Hotel Hideaway

This is a 4 star hotel not to be missed in Cassis. It is located high on a hill overlooking the pretty harbor and expansive Mediterranean. The outdoor dining area, a terrace overlooking the bay, is a fabulous way to start the day off with delicious fruits and pastries for breakfast. The pool area never seems crowded, at least if you arrive early or later in the day. The landscaping around the pool cascades in winding paths, unfolding terraces and tropical vegetation. The pool is an infinity pool and as you lean on the side looking over the cliff, you feel like you are suspended directly over the Mediterranean. Lying out on comfortable deck chairs, well shaded if desired, is a wonderful way to relax after running around seeing the sites.

The service at Les Roches Blanches (the hotel means White Rocks in English) is highly efficient. The only drawbacks and certainly not dramatic enough to bypass a stay, are the tiny elevator where barely two people with luggage can enter, and the horrible parking. Suggestion....once you park, keep the car in the spot as long as possible. It is extremely tight and hard to maneuver. Oh yes, one more thing. The walk into town is about ten minutes and up and down a few hills. That's important to know if you anticipate any problems getting around on foot. The walk is scenic, bypassing a beach and pretty seaside homes.

Rates for a single and double room are approximately $95 and $135 respectively. If you would like a nicer room with view, it will cost $210-300. Stick with the lower price and enjoy the grounds and town. Have fun in Cassis.

French seaside town of Cassis

View from pool at Les Roches Blanches, Cassis

Outdoor dining at Les Roches Blanches

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