Fall is fast approaching, and if you’re planning on flying overseas to Europe for some sun and culture, the Mediterranean is likely where you’ll be headed.
Sadly, the days of the Med being calmer and quieter in the off-season are long gone: from the trendy holiday islands of Mallorca and Santorini to the cruising hubs of Venice and Dubrovnik, the ancient basin now remains busy as late as October.
We’re not sure about you, but buzzing crowds, staggeringly high prices, and, more recently, anti-tourism protests are not our idea of fun.
That’s why this year, we’re going off-the-beaten-path for that dolce vita, somewhere there’s hidden coves yet to be spoiled by the masses, prices are reasonable, and there’s a postcardy Old Town exuding charm:
Cassis Is A Hidden Gem Of The French Riviera
Located on the southern coast of France, Cassis is a laid-back town lining the Mediterranean.
First-time visitors to the region unknowingly bypass when commuting between the bustling port cities of Marseille and Nice.
Though it’s undoubtedly popular, hosting a large number of visitors year-round, Cassis still mostly caters to a native crowd, unlike other neighboring destinations, where crowds of Americans, Brits and Germans are expected instead.
In a way, it feels more staunchly French, and that’s certain to appeal to culture buffs looking for a more authentic Côte d’Azur getaway than, well, the usual hotspots of Cannes and Saint-Tropez:
For starters, it is comparatively much smaller.
It is home to around 6,700 people and is centered around a compact Old Town and lively harbor that has barely seen the passing of the centuries.
It is historically a fishing settlement, but needless to say, in recent years, it’s converted into an up-and-coming coastal resort boasting a big selection of hotels and traditional restaurants.
The harbor is overlooked by a prominent historic château, towering over the pastel-colored houses that dominate the waterfront. Starting from there, several smaller streets are lined by souvenir shops and alfresco bistros.
An Unsung Foodie Hotspot
Speaking of food, Cassis is probably one of our favorite destinations for sampling Mediterranean French cuisine––seeing it’s a short drive away from Marseille, a European capital of gastronomy, that’s hardly a surprise:
For the best mussels in red curry sauce you might ever try, head over to the aptly-titled Le Poisson Rouge, and if tartar tuna is your thing, you can’t leave Cassis without paying O Rev a visit.
When you fancy mainstream Italian (with a French twist), La Nonna d’Oro is the place to go. For all your veggie foodies, pasta house Restaurant Calendal and its spinach and ricotta cannelloni are always a safe pick.
On average, you should plan on spending an average $54 per day on meals, based on estimates provided by Budget Your Trip.
Unique Coastal Nature
Cassis’ main attraction, however, is the breathtaking coastal nature that surrounds it:
Either way, the Calanques National Park is one of the main reasons why nature enthusiasts visit Cassis.
The town is well-served by bus line M01, which takes visitors straight to the entrance of the protected reserve.
The park is fairly big, and reception is poorer in some areas, so we strongly recommend you pre-download an online map or, better yet, take an actual printed map with you–your hotel front desk is bound to have loads of free ones available.
Out of all the calanques in the park, Sugiton is probably the most famous––and arguably the prettiest––as the innermost part is made up of secluded coves filled with crystal-clear waters, and there is even a nudist beach adjacent to the main swimming site.
It’s a half-hour drive from Cassis to the national park’s main entrance, though the closest calanque is Port-Miou, just over 30 minutes walking from the harbor itself.
If you’re the adventurous kind, this 3-7 hour Calanques National Park Sea Kayaking Tour leaving from Cassis is one for the books, and a memorable way to visit the French natural wonder––this fall, reservations start from a reasonable $83.84.
Cassis is also popular for its sandy beaches, that all feel noticeably quieter than Cannes’ celeb-frequented Croisette, or Nice’s Promenade des Anglais:
A five-minute walk from the harbor, you’ll happen upon the scenic Plage de la Grande Mer, a stretch of honey-colored sand hugged by serene, teal-colored seas, and if you’re team pebbly beach, Plage de l’Arène is a further 18 minutes down the azure coast.
Hotels In Cassis Are Reasonably-Priced (For Southern France)
We’ve saved the best for last: not only is Cassis more offbeat than other Riviera towns, it’s also cheaper to visit in the fall.
Within 150 meters of Plage de la Grande Mer, and conveniently-located near the main restaurant strip, The Originals Boutique, Hôtel Cassitel costs an acceptable $104 to book from mid-September, and it goes as cheap as $86 at the more modest Hotel des Calanques.
As for the best-reviewed hotel with the most attractive price on Booking.com, it’s the 3-star Hôtel Eden Cassis you’re looking for, equipped with an outdoor swimming pool and a lush garden––overnight rates start from only $133, with an additional $18 for optional breakfast.
According to Budget Your Trip, the median hotel price in Cassis is $149, making it a fairly affordable getaway for Americans crossing the pond this fall.
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