It’s impossible to come to Provence and not visit Cassis. At least that’s what the guide books say. And after looking at some of the beautiful photos and reading the description of this old fishing port, I could understand why the 90 km drive south was worth the effort. Knowing it was a tourist destination and that parking could be difficult, Kimberly and I set out early, and after over 8Euro in tolls on 3 different roads, we arrived in this charming spot on the Mediterranean.
Cassis for pebbly beaches and its calanques, narrow inlets framed by steep, limestone cliffs. The harbor features pastel-colored buildings, sidewalk cafes and restaurants. Local vineyards are known for producing white wine as well as the cassis syrup.
There was a market along the main streets and in the little square next to the duck pond, featuring all the goods we’ve come to expect in this village markets. And some a bit better quality, but priced for the audience for certain. Kimberly found a couple of good accessories and then we headed for the harbor. We had arranged for a boat excursion — just us and 60 other people — to visit 5 of the nearby calanques. It was great o be out on the water, and really the only way to see the calanques properly is from the water. There were many hearty souls out on kayaks, and many people had come into the little bays and lay in the sun on the cliffs overhead. It is possible to reach some of them along a difficult path at the top of the cliff; this whole area is a national park, so gets quite a number of hikers and others out for sporting activities.
After our boat ride, we headed for the Grand Plage — the beach right in the city — and along with hundreds of other vacationers swam in the sea and enjoyed the people watching. The Mediterranean was so salty you could float without even trying, and a beautiful shade of blue. It was so very refreshing on a very hot day.
Lunch along the little harbor, watching the boats come and go, a stroll through the village, and then the drive back to our magical spot in the Luberon completed a pretty perfect Wednesday.
Awesome. And I want that lunch.