“Anyone who has seen Paris but has not seen Cassis, has not seen anything” wrote famous provencal French poet Frederic Mistral about his beloved village.
The tiny fishing village is located between Marseille and the harbor of La Ciotat. Between two wonders of nature white limestone Calanques and red rock Cap Canaille -the highest sea cliff in France at 394 meters above sea level, Cassis is a genuine combination of Provence and the Mediterranean. The best time to visit the village is June, or September and October. (to avoid summer crowds). To get there, you can either arrive by train -via Marseille- or by car. Try to drive, the road down to the village is a dream trip. Narrow small roads surrounded by pine trees, terraced vineyards that stretch into the azure Mediterranean sea, the sound of the cicadas -during the summer - and that incredible southern light that you cannot find anywhere else.
View over Cassis
Cassis is still quite protected. Its colorful houses -pink, ochre or red-, its tiny cobbled stone alleys in the old part of the village, the square harbor with its small fishing boats, its welcoming cafés and touristic restaurants and its white sand beach make Cassis charming. A moment of happiness? get an ice-cream at L’Artisan Glacier - the best in town- and sit on the rocks by the lighthouse while admiring and listening to the Mediterranean Sea.
So where to Stay? Les Roches Blanches.
Built in 1887, les Roches Blanches, the namesake of the area limestone rocks, is a 1o minute walk from the harbor, on the way to les Calanques. The 5 star hotel offers breathtaking views of the majestic cliff of Cap Canaille and the infinite blue of the Mediterranean Sea.
Les Roches Blanches
In the 1920s, the mansion opened as a hotel, then it hosted Winston Churchill and Edith Piaf. Two suites have been named to honor their legendary guests. The hotel has been recently renovated by Parisian architect Monika Kappel. Les Roches Blanches recalls the Roaring Twenties atmosphere while keeping the Art Deco precious decor elements of the property. A laidback Mediterranean ambiance with the luxury French codes.
The site is unique in the area as the hotel overhangs immense rocks and the sea and faces Cap ... [+]
The site is unique in the area as the hotel overhangs immense rocks and the sea and faces Cap Canaille. Whatever the moment of the day, the light, the red colors of the Cap Canaille, the cerulean of the sea or the village of Cassis on your left are incredible. A slice of heaven with a direct access to the sea by stairs carved into the white rocks.
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The highlight of the hotel is definitely the splendid swimming pool with salt water which overlooks the sea on one side and the garden on the other. Sea, trees, umbrella pines and succulents are all naturally united.
Infinity pool at Les Roches Blanches
The hotel counts 36 rooms and suites and they have just added nine new suites in a new building adjacent to the existing hotel. Three restaurants: Le Loup Bar, Les Belles Canailles and Rocco overseen by new chef Alexandre Auger are exquisite. Mediterranean gastronomy or casual lunch and dishes to share you will have plenty of choice.
Laidback Mediterranean ambiance with the luxury French codes
A luminous and intimate Sisley Spa completes the hotel. Inside a complete relaxation given by opening onto the garden. Try one of their signature treatments.
What to see? Les Roches Blanches can organize any trip, whatever your desires are, if you feel like visiting the area. From a visit to the prominent MUCEM in Marseille, a boat day in Porquerolles Island or a visit to St Tropez via helicopter, but here are my highlights of what to do while staying in Cassis.
Les Calanques. Classified as a French National Park, Les Calanques -about 201 square miles- extends from outside the city of Marseille to Cassis. An exceptional wonder of nature, Les Calanques are visually majestic. The azure waters of the Mediterranean sea contrast with the tall white limestone cliffs. There are numerous hiking trails to discover the Calanques Port Miou, Port Pin, and one of the most beautiful, the Calanque d’En Vau. Also, experience Les Calanques by boat, it is spectacular.
Les Calanques
The Corniche des Crêtes. Drive along the Mediterranean shore by the picturesque road D141 called “routes des Crêtes” - about 15 kilometers- from Cassis to La Ciotat. This coastal road is incredible. It takes you up to Cap Canaille and offers unique views of Cassis and Les Calanques. Not to be missed.
The Camargo Foundation
The Camargo Foundation. The art foundation was created by American artist and philanthropist Jerome Hill (1905-1972). In 1939, he fell in love with the magic of the place and bought a house and lands around it. In 1967, he set up the foundation. Today it fosters creativity, research, and experimentation through its international residency program for artists, scholars, and thinkers. A very contemplative place on the edge of Mediterranean Sea.
The Vineyards. Cassis counts twelve wine estates. The beautiful landscape of Cassis vineyards is one of the very first Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée dated from 1936 (with Sauternes and Châteauneuf-du-Pape). Exclusively planted in the district of Cassis, it includes 210 hectares for a production of about 1 million bottles a year enjoying a microclimate that makes the wine excellent. Try the rosé from Domaine du Paternel and Clos Ste-Magdeleine .
