Marseille and Cassis
Marseille, the oldest and second most populous city of France, it was founded by the Greek settlers of Phocaeus, who established a trading port 2600 years ago. A city of history and 21st century modernity, rich in monuments, impressive avenues and museums of international significance, its 111 neighborhoods and 16 arrondissements form a multi centred conurbation, many of the districts more like picturesque walkable villages. Easily accessible by TGV, plane or road, Marseille enjoys an exceptional climate with more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
Some of Marseilles ‘must see’ destinations include:
- The Old Port with the City Hall, cafés and restaurants.
- The 3 Fortresses of Entrecasteaux, St Nicholas and St Jean.
- The Mucem museum, part of the city modernity, created for the 2013 Capital of European Culture event. Freely accessible to discover its unique architecture.
- The Panier, the oldest suburb of Marseille, has a charming atmosphere, inviting a stroll through the tiny steep pedestrian streets to discover artisans shops, art galleries, cafés and historical buildings.
- The Corniche, Marseille coastal road with views of the Frioul Islands.
- The Palaces of Longchamp and Le Pharo.
- Churches, Cathedrals and the famous Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica overlooking the whole city.
- The Calanques (accessible by boat as a hike)
- Le Corbusier building La Cité Radieuse.
Worth exploring are the 57 kilometers of coastline are ideal for outdoor sports in any season. Stretching from the landscaped beaches of Prado to the Calanques National Park, and encompassing the Frioul islands, you’ll be dazzled by the contrasting turquoise water of the Mediterranean and its breathtaking limestone rocky landscapes, such as the Calanques, a protected national park covering 20 kilometers of coastline, exemplified by magnificent white cliffs that rise vertically from the sea, creating beautiful inlets and small fjords.
Then head east to the colourful former fishing port of Cassis, following the beautiful road of ‘La Gineste’. It is nestled in a beautiiful setting, fringed by the rocky inlets of the Calanques to the west and the magnificent and unique Cap Canaille to the East, the highest cliff in France, 399 meters high. Cassis is also one of France's outstanding wine-growing areas, one of the first French wine regions to be classed with an AOC label in the 30’s. The rosé and white wines of Cassis are now famous worldwide.
We suggest you the following in Cassis:
- Stroll in the village and enjoy the boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
- A boat ride to the Calanques (available all day long), departing from the port of Cassis.
- Drive along the Cap Canaille following the ‘Crest Route’ and enjoy stunning views of Cassis, the Mediterranean islands and the green backdrop of vineyards.
- Suggested wineries include: Clos Sainte Magdeleine www.clossaintemagdeleine.fr/ , Domaine La Dona Tigana www.domaineladonatigana.com/en/ , Château de Fontcreuse www.fontcreuse.com/
Yourchauffeur offers you a tailor-made visit and will advise you on the best places to visit in both Marseille and Cassis and not to miss a lunch break to enjoy the traditional Bouillabaisse or local specialties with the freshest fish and sea food of the Mediterranean.
