"Qu a vist Paris, se noun a vist Cassis, n'ai rèn vist!" These verses from the poem Calendal by Frédéric Mistral are today the motto of Cassis. They mean "Who has seen Paris and not Cassis has seen nothing" and show that the Cassidians are very attached to their city with its many assets. Cassis is located 20 km from Marseille and is framed to the west by the Calanques massif and to the east by the cliffs of Cap Canaille. The castle, which dominates the city and which was in the past one of the residences of the lords of Baux-de-Provence, the small fishing and sailing port, the many restaurants and cafes that surround it and the shade of mulberry trees give Cassis a special atmosphere and a charm. An atmosphere that can be discovered during the "Vendanges étoilées", an unmissable gastronomic and wine event in the region
Mythical creeks
The En-Vau cove is one of the most emblematic, one of the most beautiful for the turquoise color of the water, its pebble beach, its trees clinging to the cliffs and its idyllic postcard panoramas. Despite its difficult access, the beach is crowded in the afternoon, so leave early in the morning to enjoy it (especially since it then goes into the shade) and have a chance to park at Port-Miou. You can swim in the calm, crystal-clear, sheltered waters of En-Vau and go kayaking, ideal for exploring the creeks from the coast, which we recommend. Unusual: this beach is appreciated by wild boars who come here to take a dip and are not afraid of tourists when there are not many of them
The creek of Port-Miou is the most accessible from Cassis. What distinguishes it from the others is its marina where magnificent sailboats are lined up and its length, because it goes far inland. It has indeed been stretched over a kilometer and then becomes natural again as it approaches the sea. We can still see the traces of its past as a quarry where they extracted large blocks of white stone with dynamite that made the beauty of the buildings in the region. They were exported since the 18th century on boats directly from this small port to Algiers, until 1981 (for its lime production). You can take the old route of the GR98-51 hiking trail, which is prettier but more slippery because the rocks have been polished by visitors, or the new easier route. Geological curiosity: before arriving at Port-Pin, don't miss to make a detour to appreciate the "Trou souffleur" also called "la Narine de Neptune". It is a tiny hole located above a cavity through which the noise and the breath of the air caused by the agitation of the waves escape.
Just as popular as the cove of Port-Miou, located between this one and the one of En-Vau, the cove of Port-Pin is not very enclosed in the cliffs, open to the coast and bordered by a pine forest, as its name indicates, tiered by small Provencal walls, restanques. The landscapes are therefore different from those of the high creeks, the palette of blues declined by the transparent water is fantastic, we want to throw ourselves into it. We recommend this small beach of sand and pebbles for families because it is easily accessible, but go there early in the morning because it is crowded in summer..
Finally, one of the jewels between Marseille and Cassis is undoubtedly the Cosquer cave. Located at the Cape Morgiou, this site is unique in the world. This underwater cave is home to several dozen works painted and engraved between 27,000 and 19,000 years ago. Discovered in 1985 by a Cassidian diver, it took years to show the colorful paintings covering its walls: horses, sea birds, deer, felines, bison have remained in an exceptional state. Protected and for security reasons, it cannot be visited.
The wines of Cassis, AOC since 1936
The winegrowers of Cassis, dean of the crus of Provence, perpetuate an ancient know-how in an atypical place: this small fishing port, its steep topography, steep slopes on the side of the cliff, the rock and hot and dry summers! In short, here is a soil adapted to the culture of the vine. The Cassidian winegrowers have therefore adapted their grape varieties to give an identity to their wines characterized by a minerality brought by the limestone rocks, a subtle salinity deposited by the sea winds. A vineyard particularly adapted to the production of white wines, and white wines of reference of the south-east of France! In the glass, a light yellow color with luminous reflections, which exhale their sweet perfume of citrus fruits and white flowers, enhanced by mineral and iodine notes. The aromas are even more complex with a general note of honey. The mouth, round and lively, gives way to an intense freshness and a beautiful balance, characteristic of the wines of the Provencal city. These wines will perfectly accompany grilled fish, shellfish, the famous bouillabaisse and other anchoïades and aïoli. And it's a good thing because there are many restaurants in Cassis to enjoy these local specialties..
Long live the starred harvest!
Notice to epicureans! Cassis will host for the 12th year the " Vendanges étoilées": 3 days dedicated to gastronomy and AOC Cassis wines. Several famous star chefs or pastry chefs will host incredible cooking shows between September 23 and 25. Dozens of free shows will be performed by talented chefs and pastry chefs on Friday from 5pm, Saturday from 10am to 6:30pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. For three days, the Producers' and Artisans' Market will also host dozens of exhibitors who will present their specialties. A unique opportunity to discover the French terroir and to get advice on shopping (Friday and Saturday from 10am to 7pm, Sunday from 10am to 5pm). In short, an intense program for three days full of flavors and a great way to end the summer in the south of France.
Smart info
When is it? The region of Cassis, bathed by the Mediterranean climate, can be visited all year round. To attend the 12th edition of the Vendanges étoilées, go to the Provencal city from September 23 to 25, 2022.
How to get there. To get to Cassis, there are several possibilities: the D559, route de la Gineste, the A50 freeway from Marseille or Toulon or the TER from Marseille Saint-Charles (arrival at the SNCF train station 3.5 km from the center). Of course, you can also fly to Marseille (Marignane airport), before reaching Cassis.
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