Cassis: Day Trips and Tours from Marseille

Cassis is a small but unforgettable port village in the south of France that dates back to ancient Roman times.

This charming fishing village boasts the 'fjords of France' — the mighty limestone calanques that create gorges of vibrant turquoise water.

A Cassis day trip from Marseille is less than one hour away from the city and is full of natural wonders, salty swims and quality wines.

How to get to Cassis from Marseille?

Cassis is situated to the east of Marseille and borders the Mediterranean sea. The coastline that runs through Cassis is part of the French Riviera.

From Marseille to Cassis by car

It is a simple 40 minute jaunt to Cassis from Marseille and follows the A50 until the D559 exit which takes you close to the village. From there, follow the signs for the port.

From Marseille to Cassis by bus

Bus excursions to Cassis cost under €2 and run several times a day. The bus departs from the Prado Castellane bus stop and you'll hop off at Augustin Isnard.

Guided tour to Cassis from Marseille

Day trips to Cassis can last anywhere between 5.5 and nine hours, although the majority last around seven. Usually, hotel pickups are not included and there is a predetermined meeting point in the city. Many tours meet at the Radisson Blu Hotel at the Vieux Port in Marseille.

For most tours, the day begins around 9 AM. Occasionally, there is the opportunity to take part in an afternoon tour which leaves the city around 1 PM.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Cassis from Marseille?

Itineraries vary on Cassis day trips, however, most have some factors in common.

You can expect to meet in the heart of Marseille and travel the 40 minute journey by bus or air-conditioned vehicle.

You'll have free time to wander the port, take a boat to see the limestone formations or simply devour the daily catch at a dockside restaurant.

Many tours will drive you to the clifftop of Cape Canaille for a photo opportunity and a chance to gain a different perspective of the bay.

Once the Cassis portion of your day trip is over, your tour may visit other destinations in the region such as Aix-en-Provence, Marseille or Bandol.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Cassis?

Day tours to Cassis are within easy reach of Marseille, and as such, many tours manage to add other destinations into the itinerary.

Day trip to Cassis plus Aix-en-Provence from Marseille

This day trip provides you with the opportunity to see the city of Aix-en-Provence where you'll see evidence of Roman civilizations in its architecture. You can amble through the market located in the heart of the city and purchase fragrant French cheeses and freshly pressed olive oil.

Continuing on the journey to Cassis, you'll make a stop at Cape Canaille, which is the highest maritime cliff on the continent. The cliff provides the perfect camera shot with panoramic views sweeping the bay.

In the village of Cassis, you can take an optional boat tour through the calanques. These are limestone formations that contrast the shimmering turquoise sea and are a must-visit on a day trip to Cassis.

Finally, you'll end the day in Marseille at the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, to gain a breathtaking view of the city from above.

Day tour to Cassis plus Bandol from Marseille

If the famous grapes are what bring you to Provence, then a wine tour and tasting of Cassis and Bandol is the most fitting choice for you.

You'll start in the village of Cassis with a relaxing wine tasting overlooking the deep blue Mediterranean sea. When it's time for lunch, make your way into the fishing village for a fresh seafood meal before continuing to the vineyards of Bandol.

The area of Bandol is known for its deep and fruity red wines, and you'll have the opportunity to try some of the best wines in Provence. Once you've had your fill of the tipple, you'll head back to Marseille where the tour ends.

Private tour to Cassis from Marseille

Private tours explore the picturesque fishing village of Cassis as well as the famous French city of Marseille.

Driving away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Cassis will provide you with a moment of tranquility. The ancient village has been inhabited since between 500 and 600 B.C.  

You'll have the opportunity to take a cruise to see the magnificent ocean inlets surrounded by limestone calanques.

When back in Marseille, you'll embark upon a sightseeing tour of the city and visit landmarks such as Notre-Dame de la Garde church.

How much does a tour to Cassis from Marseille cost?

Day tours to Cassis and Aix-en-Provence include round-trip transportation from a central meeting point in Marseille. Your driver will also be your guide and you'll pay around €130.

Wine day tours of Cassis and Bandol last 7 hours and cost €120. You can expect visiting and tasting fees, a wine expert and transportation from a central point in Marseille to be included in the price.

Private day trips to Cassis and Marseille include a local guide as well as hotel pickup and drop off and prices start around €317. Cruises in Cassis are at your own expense.

What will you see and do in Cassis?

Cassis Calanques

The main attraction in Cassis is its impressive calanques. These limestone formations date back over 120 million years and plummet over 400 meters deep. There are several calanques to see and you can enjoy a refreshing dip to cool off in any of them.

There are different ways to enjoy the calanques — through hiking, boat trips, kayaking or underwater diving. If you book a boat trip, you can choose how many calanques to visit, from three to nine.

Cassis Port

The port isn't just a starting point for trips to see the calanques but an attraction in its own right. The scenic harbor is filled with brightly colored buildings and fishing boats lining the water.

The port was built in the first century BC and was used by the Ancient Romans for fishing and mining limestone. Sit with a glass of wine at one of the many outdoor restaurants and admire the aged architecture from afar.

When is Cassis open over the year?

While Cassis is technically open all year, the village shuts down over the winter months when tourism is at its lowest after Christmas. During the months of January and February, you'll find most restaurants and hotels are closed.

What are the opening times?

You can take a trip out to see the calanques from around 9:30 AM to 6 PM, depending on the boat operator.

The Calanques National Park, which is the home of the famous calanques often experiences forest fires and occasionally has to close. You should check the official website before traveling.

When is the best time to visit Cassis?

While the summer months in Cassis are the busiest, they are also the best time to see the calanques. The water reaches temperatures of 22.5 degrees Celsius in August which is perfect for cooling off from the sweltering sun.

The weather in Cassis is pleasantly warm between May and September with temperatures that sit between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius.

Are there any tours to Cassis from other cities in France?

Yes, there are other tours departing from other cities in France:

• Cassis day tours from Aix-en-Provence

Travel tips

• Remember your swimming gear on a day trip to Cassis. The water is very inviting on a hot day and you can swim at any of the calanques.
• Boats depart regularly for the calanques from the port. You can choose to visit 3,5,7 or 9 of them and the prices vary depending on this.
• If you're planning to take a wine tour, note that the legal drinking age in France is 18.