Trets– Cassis–Trets 08/08/17 (9am/7pm)
It felt weird to wake up in an unknown house however, we slept quite comfortably… as opposed to our infltable camping mattresses. Our aim today was to visit Cassis. As suggested by E. (Marie´s friend) there are great walking paths and beaches on the “Calanques de Cassis“, and it is a good way to spend the day. A quick shower and breakfast, beach towels and in no time we were on the road road again!!!
Another day on holidays, another summer day, another hot day!!!
Our road ride got us a little lost for a while. I didn´t take my tank bag where I kept my maps so we were riding by GPS… Conclusion, we got lost and we spent most of the morning trying to find Cassis. I did the mistake of entering the A8 and we were riding back and forwards confused, to end up in Marseille accidently. I didn´t take any pictures as we didn´t want to lose time however I found Marseille ugly, dirty and a bit of a dodgy city, people also drive madly (like in most cities I guess). We were pretty much lost in the city centre, not knowing where to turn or where to go, until finally and after asking a few people, a local guy on a scooter (250cc at least) was kind enough to show us the right way. ( He also was mad on the road making it difficult for us to follow him). Uff, once out of chaotic Marseille we were back to the nice and scenic country side roads. We arrived in Cassis around 12pm, later than we wanted… of course, before anything, we were hungry already, so meal first.
Cassis is situated in the Mediterranean Coast, East of Marseille in the Cote-de-Azur department. It is a very picturesque town by the sea, famous for the outstanding “Calanques de Cassis” (Cassis cliffs), port and beaches making it a very touristic town.
We walked a bit near the port just admiring the town and taking pictures here and there when we found a company that offer boat trips around the famous “Calanques”. Instead of walking as suggested by E. we decided to book a boat trip as it could be interesting and maybe we would have time to enjoy the beach after.
The boat trip and the “Calanques de Cassis”!!!!
Quite affordable and a great experience that´s what I can say; there are several boats operating in Cassis so the waiting time isn´t long even if it is a quite popular attraction there. The trip lasts for about an hour and a half but it is well worth it. There´s a touring guide that also comments on the Calanques all the time. ( If you understand french you might find it amusing too). We took loads of pictures and it was hard to decide which ones to upload but here are a few:
NOTE: Click on the pictures for a better viewing, it is really worth!!!
Leaving the Port of Cassis
Leaving the Port to see the colossal Calanques De Cassis
Leaving Cassis by boat:
Leaving Cassis
Leaving Cassis
The Calanques de Cassis:
Approaching the Calanques
Ancient constructions
The amazing rock formation of the Calanques
Rock in detail
Look at the little cave and how clean the water is…
Impressive Cliffs
Here and there, people everywhere enjoying the great Calanques
A rock in the middle of the sea, one of many!!
Little bays and beaches in the Calanques:
I felt so jealous about the people on that beach… paradisiac!!
One of many Yatches, If you look closely on the right side you can also see people swimming and snorkeling
Leaving this bay in between the Calanques
Kayaking along the Calanques
She posed for the pic… or maybe to get aware of the boat passing by
A lot of sea activities are possible here, and it seems safe
Climbing, Jumping and diving into the water
Little boat
Trying to show how clean the water is but the picture doesn´t make justice
Way back to Cassis:
The Colossal cliff, just East of Cassis
returning to Cassis ( at the far end)
I could have uploaded a few more but I believe the pictures above give a pretty good idea about the “Calanques”. It is an amazing spot and much better in person. There are many little bays with little beaches and ports. It is all populated with people on the water swimming, bathing and doing all sorts of activities, either on the water or simply sunbathing in their boats, however it isn´t crowded, which is good. Definitely Cassis is a good place for holidays… maybe someday in the future!!!
It was still early so we had time for a sunbath and a swim on the beach. The sea in Cassis was a bit more wavy and not as hot as in Saint-Maxime, but with 22 degrees in the water it is still awesome.
Welcome Biker 