Cassis - On the South Coast

An article posted on Conde Naste Traveler was forwarded to me; pretty good little story. It is about a little town on the Mediterranean coast near Marseille in the south of France. This little town is called Cassis. Now, before I go further, I have to comment about pronunciation. As my wife is French and her family grew up in Marseille, and still live there, I happen to know Cassis very well. She spent many summer days there and I have been there so many times I don't even know anymore. She and her family pronounce Cassis with a silent 's' at the end. Like: cassee

Almost all foreigners that I ever met pronounce the last 's'. I had one tell me that a local confirmed it that way. I don't know for sure, but I do know that however a Parisien pronounces is probably NOT how someone from the south would pronounce it.

So, about the article; here is the link: http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/500267?pageNumber=1

I am pretty sure I have written numerous times about Cassis in this blog. This story paints a nice picture of Cassis; and it is a nice place to visit. Except in July and August. Avoid it like the plague then; unless you enjoy traffic jams, no parking, towel2towel sunbathing on the rocks (as opposed to sand). In fact, if you want to go lay on the beach, don't come here. If you want to sit on a cafe terrace and look out at the port; then come here in any other month. Winter is a great time to visit! Cassis has a nice Christmas market too - maybe not 'offically' such a market, but you can get Santons and other typical trinkets of Noel known in the South.

There are adventures to be had here however. For starters, there are some excellent hiking trails that are not easy: GR 98 and 51 can be found at Port Miou which is found outside of Cassis on a road leading to nowhere. It leads to this port. Lots of pine trees shade the area, and the trails are right above the port. You can walk for an hour or 4 hours. The trails are marked with Red & White "trail signs".

What else? Take a boat trip. For divers - no problem. For fun though, go on a zodiac! They can be rented in Cassis (with captain/driver of course), or in Marseille to visit the Calanques and stop and swim. Those pictures of clear azur water sure are fun to swim in! Take a snorkel and mask! (picture from Wikipedia left shows the steep and rocky coastline known as the 'calanques)

Lodging: lots of choice. I personally know the Jardin d'Emile which most people don't like because the rooms are not too well insulated. But it is charming and in a quieter part of town. Just above it is the Mahogany which is better. I recommend staying outside the port center to have a little peace and quiet.

Rent a bike? Not here - too hilly anyway for most people's taste and too much traffic. Get on the train and c0me see us in another part of Provence.

Cassis is a great spot to spend 1 or 2 nights after a cycling tour in Provence. For couples, go deluxe and just relax by the pool with awesome mediterranean views! To me, Cassis is a destination and shouldn't be used as a hub to go out and visit the countryside and what I would consider far away towns like Aix. Too much time wasted in the car fighting traffic and searching for parking!

L