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Autumn is fast approaching, and if you’re planning to fly abroad to Europe for some sun and culture, the Mediterranean is probably your destination.
Sadly, the days when the Mediterranean was calmer and quieter in low season are long gone: from the trendy holiday islands of Mallorca and Santorini to the cruise hubs of Venice and Dubrovnik, the old basin still exists today. busy not until October.
We’re not sure about you, but bustling crowds, staggeringly high prices and, more recently, protests against tourism are not our idea of fun.
That’s why we’re going off the beaten track this year dolce vitasomewhere there are hidden coves that have yet to be spoiled by the masses, the prices are reasonable, and there is a postcard-like old town radiating charm:
Cassis is a hidden gem of the French Riviera
Located on the southern coast of France, Cassis is a relaxing town on the Mediterranean Sea.
First-time visitors to the region unknowingly pass the route while commuting between the regionsand the bustling port cities of Marseille and Nice.
Although it is undoubtedly popular and attracts a large number of visitors all year round, Cassis still focuses mainly on an indigenous audienceunlike other neighboring destinations, where large numbers of Americans, British and Germans are expected instead.
In a way, it feels unflinchingly French, and that’s sure to appeal to culture vultures looking for a more authentic Côte d’Azur getaway than, well, the usual hotspots of Cannes and Saint-Tropez:
For starters, it is relatively much smaller.
It is home to approximately 6,700 people and is centered around a compact old town and a lively harbor that has barely stood the test of time.
It has traditionally been a fishing village, but needless to say, in recent years it has been converted into an emerging seaside resort with a great choice of hotels and traditional restaurants.
The harbor is overlooked by a prominent historical monument castlehigh above the pastel colored houses that dominate the waterfront. From there there are several smaller streets lined with souvenir shops and open-air bistros.
An unsung foodie hotspot
Speaking of food, Cassis is probably one of our favorite destinations to sample Mediterranean French cuisine. Considering it’s only a short drive from Marseille, the European capital of gastronomy, this comes as no surprise:
For the best mussels in red curry sauce If you ever try it, head to the aptly titled Le Poisson Rouge, and if you like tuna tartar, you can’t leave Cassis without paying O Rev a visit.
When you like mainstream Italian (with a French twist), La Nonna d’Oro is the place to go. For all you vegetarian foodies there is pasta house Restaurant Calendal with its cannelloni with spinach and ricotta always a safe choice.
On average, you should plan to spend an average of $54 per day on meals, based on estimates from Budget your trip.
Unique coastal nature
However, the main attraction of Cassis is the breathtaking coastal nature that around it:
Either way, the Calanques National Park is one of the main reasons why nature lovers visit Cassis.
The town is easily accessible by bus line M01, which takes visitors directly to the entrance of the protected reserve.
The park is quite large, and Reception is poorer in some areasso we highly recommend downloading an online map in advance or, better yet, take one factual bring a printed map: your hotel reception will undoubtedly have a lot of free maps available.
Of all calanques in the park, Sugiton is probably the most famous––and perhaps the most beautiful––as the inner part is made up of secluded coves filled with crystal clear waters, and there is even a nudist beach adjacent to the main swimming spot.
It is half an hour’s drive from Cassis to the main entrance of the national park, but it is the closest calanque is Port-Miou, just over 30 minutes’ walk from the port itself.
If you are the adventurous type, it will take 3-7 hours Calanques National Park Sea Kayaking Tour departing from Cassis is one for the books, and a memorable way to experience the French natural wonder––this fall, reservations start at a reasonable $83.84.
Cassis is also popular for its sandy beachesall of which feel noticeably quieter than Cannes’ celebrity-frequented Croisette, or Nice’s Promenade des Anglais:
A five-minute walk from the harbor you will encounter the picturesque Plage de la Grande Merone piece honey-colored sand embraced by serene, teal colored seas, and if your team are a pebble beach, Plage de l’Arène is a further 18 minutes along the azure coast.
Hotels in Cassis are reasonably priced (for the South of France)
We’ve saved the best for last: Cassis is not only more unusual than other towns on the Riviera, it’s also cheaper to visit in autumn.
Within 150 meters distance Plage de la Grande Merand conveniently located near the main restaurant strip, The Originals boutique, Hôtel Cassitel costs an acceptable $104 bookable from mid-September, and it costs as cheap as $86 at the more modest ones Hotel des Calanques.
As for the best rated hotel with the most attractive price Booking.comit is the 3 star Hotel Eden Cassis you are looking for, equipped with an outdoor swimming pool and a lush garden ––overnight rates Start from just $133with an additional $18 for an optional breakfast.
According to Budget your tripthe average hotel price in Cassis costs $149, making it a fairly affordable outing for Americans heading across the pond this fall.
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The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
