Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, South of France (le Midi), France

Cassis Beaches

Overview

Cassis, a charming fishing port in the South of France, offers a unique coastal experience. Unlike other Riviera destinations, its appeal lies in a wonderful variety of beaches, from accessible town shores to wild, natural coves tucked into dramatic limestone cliffs. Visitors will find a mix of sandy and pebble surfaces, ensuring there is a perfect spot for every type of beachgoer looking to enjoy the Mediterranean.

In the heart of the village, Plage de la Grande Mer is the main, family-friendly beach, offering easy access right from the port. A short walk leads to the pebble shores of Plage du Bestouan, a favorite among locals for a slightly quieter scene. However, the true gems of Cassis are its world-famous calanques. The hike to the iconic Calanque d'En-vau rewards the adventurous with its picture-perfect, spectacular beauty. For those seeking a similarly stunning but more easily reachable cove, Calanque de Port Pin is a beautiful and popular choice.

Reaching the secluded calanque beaches is an adventure and a key part of the Cassis experience. While boat tours provide scenic views from the water, hiking the trails of the Calanques National Park allows you to truly immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscape. Kayaking is another popular way to explore these turquoise coves at your own pace. For a complete look at all the coastal spots, from hidden coves to the main shores, be sure to explore our full guide to the beaches of Cassis.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Are the beaches in Cassis sandy or pebble?

Cassis offers a mix of beach types. The main beach in town, Plage de la Grande Mer, is a combination of sand and fine pebbles, making it popular with families. Plage du Bestouan, another beach close to the town center, is primarily a pebble beach. The famous Calanques, such as Port Pin and En-Vau, have small pebble or rocky beaches at the end of the inlets.

Plage de la Grande Mer

Plage du Bestouan

Calanque de Port Pin

Calanque d'En-vau

Is Cassis a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Cassis can be a great destination for families. The main town beach, Plage de la Grande Mer, is easily accessible from the port, has supervised swimming areas in season, and offers amenities like toilets and nearby snack bars. For families with older children who enjoy hiking, the walk to the Calanque de Port Pin is manageable and leads to a beautiful, sheltered swimming spot.

Plage de la Grande Mer

Calanque de Port Pin

How do you get to the Calanques beaches from Cassis?

You can reach the Calanques from Cassis in three main ways: by hiking, by boat, or by kayak. Hiking is the most popular method, with trails starting from the edge of town near Port-Miou. The walk to Calanque de Port Pin takes about 45 minutes, while the more strenuous hike to the famous Calanque d'En-Vau takes about two hours. Alternatively, you can take a tourist boat from the main port for a scenic tour (though most don't allow for swim stops), or rent a kayak to paddle into the coves at your own pace.

Calanque de Port Pin

Calanque d'En-vau

Is it better to hike or take a boat to the Calanques?

It depends on your preference for activity and time. Hiking allows you to experience the stunning coastal trails and landscape of the Calanques National Park up close and spend as much time as you like at the beaches. However, it requires a good level of fitness, proper shoes, and can be challenging in the summer heat. Taking a boat tour from the port of Cassis is a quick and effortless way to see the dramatic cliffs and coastline from the water, but standard tours are for sightseeing only and do not stop for swimming. For a combination of both, renting a kayak allows you to access the beaches while enjoying the sea.

When is the best time to visit Cassis for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Cassis is during the shoulder seasons: May-June and September. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, the sea is comfortable for swimming, and the town and trails are less crowded than in the peak months of July and August. Visiting in late spring also means you'll see the landscape in bloom.

Can you swim in the Calanques and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the Calanques, and the water is known for being incredibly clear and turquoise. However, the water can be surprisingly cold, even in early summer, due to underground freshwater springs. The beaches are typically small and pebbly, and access to the water can sometimes be from the rocks. The stunning scenery makes it a memorable swimming experience.

How does Cassis compare to St. Tropez?

Cassis and St. Tropez offer very different French Riviera experiences. Cassis is a smaller, charming fishing village known for its dramatic natural landscapes, particularly the Calanques, and has a more relaxed, nature-focused atmosphere. St. Tropez is famous for its glamorous party scene, luxury beach clubs, high-end shopping, and large sandy beaches. While both are beautiful, Cassis is generally considered more tranquil and centered around outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.

Are the beaches in Cassis crowded?

Yes, the beaches in Cassis, especially the main town beaches like Plage de la Grande Mer and Plage du Bestouan, can get very crowded, particularly during the peak season of July and August. The small beaches within the Calanques are also extremely popular and can fill up quickly. To avoid the biggest crowds, it's best to visit in the shoulder season (May, June, September) or go to the beaches early in the morning.

Plage de la Grande Mer

Plage du Bestouan

People Also Ask

Is parking difficult near the beaches in Cassis?

Parking in Cassis is notoriously difficult, especially in the high season. The car parks near the town center and beaches, such as Parking de la Madie and Bestouan, are small and fill up very early in the day. A recommended strategy is to use the large, free 'Parking des Gorguettes' at the entrance to the town and take the regular shuttle bus down to the port and beach areas.

Which is the main beach in Cassis town?

The main beach in Cassis is Plage de la Grande Mer. It is the largest and most centrally located beach, situated right next to the port and at the foot of the castle hill. It's a mix of sand and pebbles and offers the most amenities, including supervised swimming in summer, nearby restaurants, and water sports rentals like kayaks and paddleboards.

Plage de la Grande Mer

Are there any quieter, more hidden beaches in Cassis?

While Cassis is popular, you can find quieter spots. Plage de l'Arène, east of the port, is a wilder, unsupervised pebble beach that is often less crowded due to its rockier nature. Similarly, Plage du Corton is a small pebble cove that can offer a more intimate setting than the main beaches. For a truly secluded feel, hiking further into the Calanques National Park beyond the first couple of coves is your best bet, though it requires more effort.

Plage de l’Arène

Plage du Corton

What should I bring for a day at the Calanques beaches?

For a day trip to the Calanques, you must be well-prepared as there are no facilities. Essential items include plenty of water (at least 1.5 liters per person), food and snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking sandals are crucial for the rocky trails. Water shoes can also be useful for the pebble beaches. Lastly, don't forget a bag to carry out all your trash, as there are no bins in the park.