About the Port
Tucked along the coast east of Marseille, Cassis is a small fishing village with roots stretching back more than two millennia. Pastel houses rise above a harbor lined with traditional sailboats and café terraces, while narrow streets hold boutiques, bistros, and wine shops pouring the region's crisp whites. Vineyards, fig and olive trees, and limestone hills frame the town, giving it a distinctly Provençal character.
Just beyond the harbor, the Calanques National Park unfolds in dramatic fashion, its towering cliffs and hidden turquoise inlets drawing hikers, climbers, and kayakers. Boat excursions to the calanques typically depart within walking distance of the town center, making it easy to pair a coastal outing with time spent wandering the old port. The combination of striking geology and unhurried village life makes Cassis a memorable stop along the French coast.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Cassis.
Take a Boat to the Calanques
Small boats depart from the harbor for tours past the turquoise inlets of Calanque d'En-Vau, Port Pin, and Port Miou, a scenic way to see the cliffs without hiking. Trips typically run about 45 minutes to an hour and are best booked ahead in high season.
Hike into the Calanques
Trails from town lead directly into the national park, winding through pine and limestone scrub to hidden coves perfect for a swim. The walk to Calanque de Port Miou is easy and short, while En-Vau requires sturdier shoes and more time.
Taste Cassis White Wine
The appellation's crisp whites, grown on terraced vineyards above town, pair naturally with the local seafood. Sample a glass at a harborside wine shop or bistro, or visit a nearby domaine for a short tasting.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Cassis
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2027 | Ponant Cruises | Le Ponant | 7 | $12,710 | |
| May 18, 2027 | Ponant Cruises | Le Ponant | 7 | $12,710 | |
| Jun 21, 2027 | Ponant Cruises | Le Bougainville | 10 | $8,490 | |
| Oct 3, 2027 | Ponant Cruises | Le Boreal | 10 | $7,340 | |
| May 5, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | Le Ponant | 7 | $13,320 | |
| May 12, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | Le Ponant | 7 | $13,320 | |
| May 16, 2028 | Emerald Yachts | Emerald Sakara | 8 | $7,262 | |
| Jun 19, 2028 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Ikon | 18 | $26,350 | |
| Jun 27, 2028 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Ikon | 10 | $13,998 | |
| Jun 27, 2028 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Ikon | 21 | $65,380 | |
| Aug 24, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | Le Bougainville | 5 | $4,180 | |
| Sep 10, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | L'Austral | 5 | $4,300 |