Strolling around the old port of Cassis

Straight out of a Marcel Pagnol film, the old port of Cassis is a reminder of the gentleness and joie de vivre of Provence. In the mornings, the fishermen bring in their fish-laden pointus, small wooden boats painted in bright colours, to sell their freshly caught produce at the auction.

Old-timers sip their coffee on the terrace, while the sun rises behind Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliff in Europe. Whatever the occasion, the port of Cassis radiates tradition, know-how and character, making it the ideal place to enjoy a gourmet break on the terrace of one of the restaurants or take a stroll while watching the boats.

From the port, you can walk for a few minutes to see the town's lighthouse. At the mouth of the harbour, on the south side, it faces the Mediterranean Sea. The circular bench at its base gives you a great vantage point from which to observe Cap Canaille.

The port of Cassis is the best place to organise your excursions. The town's tourist office is located on the Quai des Moulins.

The tourist office offers a range of land and sea-based activities in the Cassis area.

• Excursions to the calanques;
• Visits to various beaches;
• Kayak trips, on your own or with a guide;
• Rides in a Mehari ;
• Electric mountain bike tours;
• Stand-up paddles;
• Visits to wineries;
• Adventure tours;
• And more.

There's something to suit all tastes and ages.

If you'd like to visit Cassis without having to climb its hills and staircases, the little train offers a 45-minute guided tour through the heart of the fishing village. Departing from the port, you'll pass through the heights of Cassis before descending to the Port Miou peninsula, where the panoramic views are a photographer's dream.

There's nothing more relaxing than a meal overlooking the sea in Cassis. Along the harbour, you'll find many colourful restaurants, whose menus change according to the vegetables grown by producers and the catch of the day. Here is our selection of the best fish restaurants in Cassis.

Le poisson rouge

Just a short walk from the old port, heading up towards the historic centre, Le Poisson Rouge specialises in seafood dishes. White fish ceviche, octopus a la plancha or catch of the day, the plates are deliciously decorated in a modern yet authentic setting.

Our recommendation: the grilled octopus will put everyone in agreement.

📍 Address: Imp. Farine, 13260 Cassis

⏰ Opening times: 7pm to 11pm, every day except Wednesday

The old inn

Did you think you couldn't get more Provençal than the port of Cassis? Then go and eat at La Vieille Auberge. In a warm, traditional setting, the chefs will treat you to the very best of Provence: fried mussels, grilled sardines and bouillabaisse. Enjoy your meal!

Our recommendation: grilled sardines, a typically Provençal dish.

📍 Address: 14 Quai Jean Jacques Barthélémy, 13260 Cassis

⏰ Opening times: noon to 2pm and 7pm to 10.30pm, every day except Wednesday

The House of Casalini

The House of Casalini hails from Tuscany, Italy. These artisan ice-cream makers have won several awards in the birthplace of gelato. Get ready for creamy Italian-style ice creams with authentic flavours like "honey & lavender", "Grand Marnier & cantuccini" or "pistachio from Bronte in Sicily".

📍Address: 10 Quai des Baux, 13260 Cassis

⏰ Opening times: 10am to 7pm, every day

The artisan ice-cream maker

The artisan ice-cream maker is the true ice-cream merchant as we like them. Here, all the ice creams are homemade, made on the spot by the expert hands of the craftsmen. The terrace is located behind the Gilbert Savon square, where you can enjoy crepes, waffles, or an aperitif.

📍 Address: 19 Rue Michel Blanc, 13260 Cassis

⏰ Opening times: depending on the season