Cassis is a fishing port nestled between two landmarks: to the west, the white cliffs of the Calanques National Park, created in 2012; to the east, the ochre mass of Cap Canaille, whose cliff is among the highest in France. Between them are colourful façades and terraced vineyards.
Choosing where to stay in Cassis means deciding between the village, where you can get everywhere on foot, and the hills, where you can enjoy a pool in exchange for a few journeys. This guide will help you decide, with places we have hand-picked one by one.
The town has few hotels: most accommodation consists of guest rooms, houses and villas. You can find our full selection on the Cassis accommodation page.
Which neighbourhood to choose in Cassis
Distances are short, but the terrain makes all the difference: a place two kilometres from the port almost always means needing a car.
- The village and port: lanes, terraces, a market and Grande Mer beach. Ideal without a car, but livelier on summer evenings.
- Nearby residential areas: less than a kilometre from the port, with houses that have gardens and often a view, though the walk back is uphill.
- The vineyards and hills: about two kilometres away, with country houses and villas with pools among the estates. Very peaceful, but a car is almost essential.
- The peninsula: west of the port, on the road to Port-Miou, for setting off on foot towards the Calanques; parking is difficult here.
For a weekend, the village wins; for a week in summer, a house with a pool on the heights is worth the daily trip. Here are our picks.
Stay in the heart of the village
These two houses let you leave the car behind, a real bonus when the centre fills up in July and August.
La Maryse de Cassis
A three-bedroom house on Rue Pierre-Puget, just steps from the port: you can head out for dinner on the quays or to the beach without getting behind the wheel. The shaded terrace and garden offer a peaceful corner, while private parking takes care of the car. Ideal for a family or two couples.
Casa sardine
A three-bedroom villa on Avenue de Provence, less than a kilometre from the port, with a garden, a terrace with a view and a fully equipped kitchen. Free private parking makes it easy to set off early for the Calanques or the Route des Crêtes, while the village is still within walking distance. A good base for a group of friends who enjoy cooking.
On the heights, facing the sea
Just a few minutes from the centre, the streets quickly climb and open up to views over the bay.
La Demeure Insoupçonnée
On Montée de la Chapelle, this house looks out over the sea, vineyards and Cap Canaille from its private terraces. Breakfast is served in your room, and the pool awaits when you return from the beach. The centre is within walking distance, but the uphill walk is noticeable on hot afternoons: a good choice for couples.
Among vineyards and hills, with a pool
About two kilometres from the port, Cassis takes on the feel of the Provençal countryside. These three houses focus on gardens, pools and quiet nights.
Mas du Perthus
This country house on Avenue Émile-Bodin has a saltwater pool surrounded by a garden. Each air-conditioned room has a fully equipped kitchen: a mix of guesthouse and rental, handy for a week-long stay. You'll need a car to get down to the port.
Villa Le Sud
At Clos des Olivades on Avenue des Albizzi, air-conditioned double rooms are arranged around a garden and pool. Free private parking makes trips to the beaches and Calanques trails easier. Ideal for couples alternating between hikes and pool time.
Côté vignes cassis
On Chemin de Boudard, an air-conditioned room overlooks a private pool, with a garden and terrace: it feels more like the privacy of a house than a guesthouse. This is the most discreet address in our selection, designed for two. Summer dates book up quickly.
What to see in Cassis
The day begins at the port, with its colourful boats and the château overlooking the bay, which is privately owned. Right beside it is Grande Mer beach; Bestouan beach lies to the west, towards the peninsula.
From the centre, allow half an hour to walk to Port-Miou, another 15 minutes to Port-Pin and about an hour to En-Vau, where the final descent is steep. Boat trips leave from the port and follow the cliffs without landing.
- The Route des Crêtes: it connects Cassis to La Ciotat along the top of the cliffs. It closes in strong winds and on days when the fire risk is very high.
- The vineyards: Cassis wine, mostly white, received its appellation in 1936; several estates offer tastings.
When to visit Cassis
Spring and September are the best times to visit, without the July and August crowds; in the height of summer, it's best to book early. The mild, quiet winter is ideal for hiking.
From 1 June to 30 September, access to the natural areas, including the Calanques and Cap Canaille, depends on the fire risk: the prefecture publishes a map the day before, and the Mes Calanques app reports closures.
In late June, the Fête de la Saint-Pierre honours the fishermen. Every September, the Vendanges étoilées brings together chefs and winemakers, and on the last Sunday in October, the Marseille-Cassis race finishes at the port.
How to get there and get around
TER trains connect Marseille Saint-Charles station to Cassis in about half an hour. The station is about 3.5 km from the port, with a bus connecting it to the centre.
In summer, leave your car at the free Les Gorguettes park-and-ride on the edge of town: buses run to the centre and Bestouan. You can get everywhere in the village on foot. Find other stops on our Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur page.
Cassis is part of our guide to where to stay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Also discover where to stay in Marseille, on the other side of the Calanques, where to stay in Aix-en-Provence, known for its fountains, and where to stay in Cannes, on the French Riviera.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions before a stay in Cassis.
What is the best neighbourhood to stay in Cassis?
For a first visit, the village around the port is the most convenient: restaurants, Grande Mer beach and boats to the Calanques are just a few minutes' walk away. Nearby residential areas, less than a kilometre away, are quieter and sometimes offer a view, though the walk back is uphill. For a pool and peace and quiet, houses among the vineyards, about two kilometres away, are a good fit for anyone with a car.
Can you visit Cassis without a car?
Yes. TER trains connect Marseille Saint-Charles to Cassis in about half an hour, and a bus links the station, about 3.5 km away, with the centre. You can get around the village on foot, and Port-Miou and Port-Pin are both within walking distance. A car is only useful if you're staying among the vineyards or driving along the Route des Crêtes.
How do you get to the Calanques from Cassis?
On foot, allow half an hour from the centre to Port-Miou, another 15 minutes to Port-Pin and about an hour to En-Vau, where the final descent is steep. Boat trips leave from the port and follow the cliffs. From 1 June to 30 September, access to the natural areas depends on the fire risk: check the prefecture's map, published the day before, or the Mes Calanques app.
When should you visit Cassis?
May, June and September offer the best balance: pleasant sea temperatures and fewer people than in July and August, when the village is very busy and parking becomes difficult. The mild winter is ideal for hiking. Every September, the Vendanges étoilées celebrates Cassis's food and wine, and on the last Sunday in October, the Marseille-Cassis race finishes at the port.
Where can you park when staying in Cassis?
The centre is not ideal for driving, especially in summer. The free Les Gorguettes park-and-ride, on the edge of town, is connected by bus to the centre and Bestouan. Several houses in our selection have private parking, including in the village, so you won't have to look for a space each evening: check before booking.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
5,022 places
