Cassis is a small fishing port east of Marseille, the usual base for seeing the Calanques - narrow limestone inlets with cliffs dropping into clear water that stretch along the coast toward Marseille. Most visitors see them by boat tour from Cassis harbour, since only a few calanques are reachable on foot without a serious hike. The town itself is a working port with a pastis-and-seafood harbourside that's worth an hour beyond the boat trip.
Cassis is a small fishing and seaside resort 23 kilometres east of Marseille in the Bouches-du-Rhône département of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Its principal draw for day-trippers is the Calanques National Park immediately to the west — a string of narrow, cliff-flanked sea inlets with turquoise water, accessible on foot or by boat from the Cassis port. The TER train from Marseille Saint-Charles to Cassis station takes 35 minutes and costs around €3.60 / approximately USD 3.90; the station sits 3 kilometres inland, connected to the port by a seasonal shuttle bus (€2 / approx USD 2.20) or a 45-minute walk.
The boat tour of the Calanques is the core activity and departs from the Quai Saint-Pierre in the port. Standard tours cover three calanques — Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau — in around 45 to 60 minutes; longer tours reach up to eight calanques and take up to 2.5 hours. The most spectacular is Calanque En-Vau, a slender creek flanked by white limestone pinnacles accessible only by boat or a challenging 2-hour hike from the Cassis side. Boat tour prices start from around €16 / approximately USD 17 per adult for the three-calanques option. Multiple operators line the quay and no pre-booking is required in low season.
Cassis's small town centre, a ten-minute walk from the port, has a pedestrianised market square — the Marché du Cours Barthélemy (Wednesday and Friday mornings) — several wine bars, and a museum at the Château de Cassis. The area around Cassis produces a small-volume but well-regarded AOC white wine, served widely in local restaurants; a half-bottle of Cassis Blanc can be found on menus for approximately €12–€16.
For hikers, the GR 98 trail between Cassis and Marseille crosses the Calanques ridge near Cap Canaille, one of the highest coastal cliffs in France at 416 metres, with extraordinary views east towards La Ciotat. Walking access to Calanque En-Vau in summer (15 June–15 September) requires a free permit from the Calanques National Park website due to fire risk.
Car drivers should park at the Cassis P4 or P3 car parks on the town outskirts and take the free shuttle to the port, as driving to the port is heavily restricted.
| Distance | 23km from Marseille |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 35 min by TER train from Marseille Saint-Charles to Cassis station; then shuttle or 3km walk to port |
| Getting there | TER train from Marseille Saint-Charles (35 min; €3.60 / approx USD 3.90); Cassis station is 3km from port — shuttle bus €2 / approx USD 2.20 in season, or 45-min walk |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Port de Cassis, Quai Saint-Pierre, 13260 Cassis, France |
How to get there
- TER train Marseille to Cassis (35 min; €3.60 / approx USD 3.90)
- Bus from Marseille (1h; from €1.50 / approx USD 1.65)
- Car (30 min; parking at Cassis P4/P3 then free shuttle to port)
Location
Port de Cassis, Quai Saint-Pierre, 13260 Cassis, France
43.2149, 5.5365 View on map
Highlights
- Calanque En-Vau — a narrow creek walled by white limestone pillars, the most dramatic of the calanques
- Boat tours from Cassis port covering three to eight calanques along the national park coastline
- Cassis AOC white wine — dry, mineral Marsanne blends served in quayside restaurants
- Cap Canaille cliff path above Cassis — one of the highest coastal cliffs in France at 416 metres
- Cassis port and old town market at Cours Barthélemy on Wednesday and Friday mornings
Tips for visiting
- Book the three-calanques boat tour directly from the quay on arrival — no pre-booking needed outside peak season (July–August)
- The Cassis TER station is 3km from the port; use the seasonal shuttle bus (€2) rather than walking in summer heat
- Arrive before 10:00 AM in July–August to secure boat tour spots before they sell out for the day
- Hiking into Calanque En-Vau in summer (15 June–15 September) requires a free permit from the Calanques National Park website — book in advance
- Cassis AOC white wine is a local speciality; taste it at a quay-side cave before buying a bottle to take home
- Car drivers should park at Cassis P4 or P3 on the town edge and take the free shuttle to the port — port-side driving is heavily restricted
When to visit
April to June and September to October are the best months — warm enough for boat tours without the July–August heat and overcrowding. The Calanques National Park applies summer access restrictions from mid-June to mid-September.
Accessibility
The Cassis port quay and town centre are largely flat and accessible. Boat tours involve boarding from floating pontoons which can be uneven; speak with operators directly about boarding assistance. The calanque hiking trails are rocky and largely inaccessible for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How many calanques can be seen in one day?
A standard three-calanques boat tour covers Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau in about 45–60 minutes. A longer 2.5-hour tour reaches up to eight calanques and is the most complete option for a day trip.
Can visitors swim at the calanques?
Swimming is possible at several calanques including Port-Pin. Boat tours do not include swimming stops; access for swimming requires arriving on foot or by private kayak, subject to seasonal restrictions.
Is Calanque En-Vau accessible on foot?
Yes, but it involves a 2-hour round-trip hike on rocky terrain and a summer permit (free, booked online via the Calanques National Park website). The boat tour is the simplest way to see it.
What is the best time of day to take the boat tour?
Morning tours (departing 9:00–10:00 AM) have the best light and calmer sea conditions. Afternoon tours are available but midday sun makes the open boats very hot in summer.
Are there beaches near Cassis?
Yes. Plage de la Grande Mer and Plage du Bestouan are small sandy beaches within walking distance of Cassis port and are suitable for a swim before or after the calanques tour.