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Cassis

Bouches du Rhône department
Population: 8001 people (1999)

Not far from Marseille, Cassis is a small fishing port sheltered from the mistral, where life is peaceful. A postcard of joyful and sunny Provence, the clapoti of the water on the pod of boats, terraces where it is good to make a break between two discoveries... you are in Cassis !

Cassis is a village of Provence which attracts every year thousand guests, whether it is when summer is at its height, or during late autumn when the small port is quiet. A friendly village with colored façades to spend peaceful holidays in Provence.

History of Cassis

The history of the port of Cassis meets with that of Marseille and goes back credibly towards 600 Av JC. This place favourable to fishing but much less to agriculture, was doubtless as its big sister colonized by sailors. Among the XIIth and the XIVth centuries one can say that there were two Cassis, that of the seaside and that hung on the mountain which in the XIVth century protected itself behind its ramparts. In this time the very renowned vineyard of Cassis was standing, the wine which it produces is a marvel, taste it.

Holidays between Provence and the Mediterranean

One reaches the village of Cassis by a small road lined with vineyards and with pines. When one discovers the small port with sunny terraces and narrow alleys, it's magic. The village is coiled between two beautiful natural sites : the fabulous massif of Calanques and Cape Canaille. Nature is here generous, it offers to the guests a multitude of luxurious landscapes and numerous activities. From fishing to diving by relaxing on the beach. Walking and even famous sites of climbing.

Activities, quite unique landscapes, friendly village, restaurants where you will find the best of the products from the sea, you have only to find your accommodation in Provence, your hotel or a bed and breakfast and you will be ready to spend unforgettable holidays in Provence.

Author : Orianne Tison
Licence creative commons

Specialities

- The Stone from Cassis
The stone from Cassis is very renowned, it put a thousand years to form. Layers of sediments stayed on the cliff when waters came down gradually. This stone is used for example for the preparation of kitchen sinks. It was also used for the lighthouse of Cassis, the quays of Alexandria and in United States for the pedestal of the famous Statue of Liberty.

- The Wine from Cassis
The naming AOC was created in 1936, strong of the 178 ha of vineyards, Cassis is one of the formest A.O.C of France.
Vineyards produce an excellent white wine which is dry and fruity.

Marchés

- Market of Provence

Each Wednesday and friday from 8 am to 1 pm
Place BARAGNON

Monuments

La citadelle de Cassis en Provence - photo Thierry Riols

- The castle of Cassis

It takes care of the small port from the cliff, the ramparts protected the inhabitants of Cassis for a long time. Then the hours of peace came and houses got closer to the sea. For a long time Les Baux family's property, it is now in the private domain. The owners made here luxury bed and breakfasts.

- City Hall

Originally, built in the XVIIth century it is a Mansion. Richly decorated ceilings, beautiful stairs... allowed this building to be classified ancient patrimony.

- The Chapel of the City Hall

This chapel is situated on the 1st floor of the City hall, what is rather surprising. It dates from the XVIIth century, it is also classified ancient monument.

- The Chapelle of Port-Miou

It is a small chapel from the XVIIth century which has a big importance, it is dedicated to Notre Dame de Santé. One says she protected the inhabitants from the Big Plague of 1720.

A voir

Les calanques de Cassis petit port en Provence - photo Thierry Riols

- Massif of Calanques

The harbour village of Cassis benefits from 11 km of coasts which count the massif of Calanques classified in 1975. Quite unique landscapes. Every year thousand guests go for a walk on these paths which smell Provence.

Le panorama sur Cassis et ses calanques depuis le Cap canaille - photo Thierry Riols

- Cape Canaille

Cape Canaille was classified in 1989. This last one is the highest maritime cliff of Europe with its 399 metres which overhang a panorama on the village and on Calanques. If you climb you will be rewarded by a quite unique panorama and a sensation to dominate the world.

Activités Sportives

- Sentier sous-marin de Cassis

Encadrée par un moniteur diplomé, la randonnée sous-marine, par groupe de 8 personnes, avec tuba, palmes et combinaison permet de découvrir les richesses sous-marines de la baie de Cassis: nombreuses espèces animales et végétales sur fond rocheux ou sableux. Une balade unique à la découverte du monde sous-marin.

Plus de renseignements avec >>> Le Centre Cassidain de plongée

Events

Useful addresses

City Hall
Place Baragnon - 13260 CASSIS
Tél : 04 42 01 66 66

SNCF Train Station - 04 42 18 78 42

Post Office- 04 42 01 98 33

Local Police - 04 42 01 17 17

Site map

Plan Cassis Carte Provence

Access

Coming from Marseille or Aix en Provence take the A50 motorway, exit : Carnoux, then take the RD 41E

Distance from towns

Toulon > 44 km, Aix en Provence > 49 km, Salon de Provence > 83 km, Pertuis > 74 km, Lacoste > 104 km, Apt en Provence > 106 km, Grambois > 86 km, Mallemort > 102 km, Lauris > 85,5 km, Puyvert > 86 km, Lourmarin > 87,5 km, Cadenet > 81 km, Vaugines > 88 km, La Roque d'Anthéron > 82,5 km, Silvacane Abbey > 80 km, Villelaure > 79,5 km, Cucuron > 86 km, Ansouis > 82,5 km, Isle sur la Sorgue > 117 km, Buoux > 99 km, Bonnieux > 99 km, Cavaillon > 104 km, Rognes > 70,5 km, La Motte d Aigues > 84 km, La Tour d Aigues > 79,5 km, Menerbes > 116 km, Gordes > 118 km, Fontaine de Vaucluse > 119 km, Saint Rémy de Provence > 121 km, Mirabeau > 84,5 km, Vitrolles en Luberon > 91,5 km, Roussillon > 128 km, Avignon > 135 km, Cereste > 104 km, Marseille Provence Airport > 56 km, Marseille > 23 km, Manosque > 108 km, Arles > 120 km, Sault > 156 km, Pont du Gard > 184 km, Nimes > 153 km, Saint Tropez > 113 km, Cannes > 173 km, Nice > 201 km, Bandol > 28 km