Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Twelve estates producing the Cassis appellation wines ribbon the hillsides; the tourist of-
fice (
Click here
)
has a list of suggested itineraries and estates you can visit to taste and
buy; most require advance reservation. On the first Sunday in September, the
Ban des
Vendanges
celebrates the grape harvest with a Mass, blessing of the vines, traditional
dancing, a joyous street procession and tasting alfresco.
CLIFFHANGERS
Europe's highest maritime cliff, the hollow limestone
Cap Canaille
(399m) towers above the southeastern side of
Baie de Cassis
(Cassis Bay). From the top, captivating views unfold across Cassis and
Mont Puget
(564m), the
highest peak in the Massif des Calanques.
Offering equally heart-stopping panoramas, the
Route des Crêtes
(Road of Crests, D141; closed during high
winds) wiggles 16km along the clifftops from Cassis to La Ciotat.
Sleeping
Le Clos des Arômes €
( 04 42 01 71 84;
www.le-clos-des-aromes.com
; 10 rue Abbé Paul Mouton; s/d from
€49/69; )
A short climb uphill from the portside madness, this charming garden
hotel is a bit worn, but spotless. Dining at dusk in the courtyard is a peaceful affair. No
lift.
HOTEL
Cassis Hostel €
( 06 85 65 10 92, 09 54 37 99 82; www.cassishostel. com; 4 avenue du Picouveau, Les
Heures Claires; dorm/d incl breakfast €29/80;
HOSTEL
)
On the hill above town, this place is
simple but has a kitchen, beautiful terrace and pool.
Eating & Drinking
Fleurs de Thym €€
( 04 42 01 23 03;
www.fleursdethym.com
; 5 rue Lamartine; 3-course menu €29;
lunch & dinner Tue-Sat)
Provençal specialties with an emphasis on seafood. The tiny,
quaint dining room spills onto a flower-filled terrace.
TRADITIONAL FRENCH
