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An old fishing town close to Marseille, Cassis has breathtaking blue waters, beautiful cliffs and rock formations.
France » French Riviera

Why Visit
It has nice restaurants and some of the best white wine in the region.

History
The earliest evidence of occupation of the site dates back to 500 or 600 BC. It was found on the heights of Bau Redon. The Ligurians lived there by fishing, hunting and agriculture in a fortified settlement. Links to Massilia (Marseille), founded by the Phoenicians, suggest that there could also be a Greek presence in Cassis.

In Roman times, Cassis became part of the maritime route of Emperor Antoninus Pius. It is already a small village located around the beaches of the Arena and Corton. Its inhabitants live by fishing, coral and sea trade with North Africa and the Middle East.

From the fifth to the tenth century, the barbarian invasions lead the population to take refuge in the hills inside the castrum. In 1223 the fortified city became the possession of the Lordship of Les Baux de Provence. In the fifteenth century, Cassis it was then ceded to the County of Provence. René of Anjou gave it to the Bishops of Marseille who ruled it until the Revolution in 1789.

In the eighteenth century, Cassis exceeds its walls and is built around the port. After the Restoration, new activities are developed: cod drying plants, making the mats used in the production of olive oil, coral work, extension of the vine, quarrying (cement, lime, stone). Cassis stone, which was exploited since ancient times made ​​the reputation of this small fishing port around the world. In the twentieth century, these industries disappear, replaced by tourism and an increasingly thriving viticulture ("wines of Cassis" was one of the first three names to be protected designation of origin in 1936).

Museums - Archeological
There are several beaches in Cassis that one can visit.

The Plage Bleu (blue beach) It offers superb views of the bay, the town of Cassis and Cap Canaille and is on the Peninsula, on the other side from the calanque of Port Miou.

The Plage Pamplemousse is favoured by (male) gay visitors and nudists while the Plage de Bestouan is a medium-sized sand and shingle beach, also with superb views. It’s the only beach in Cassis with the Blue Flag Seal of Approval for the quality of its water and environment.

The Plage de la Grande Mer is right in Cassis town centre just south of the harbour and adjacent to a large pay-for car-park. This beach is particularly well set-up for families but, because it is so convenient, it can get extremely busy in the summer (this photograph was taken in the early spring).

There are also the Plage de Corton, the Plage de l’Arene.

Beaches
Musée du Cassis – The Municipal Museum is housed in an 18th century rectory in Place Baragnon. The museum’s permanent collection includes archaeological artifacts including items discovered from the Celto-Ligurian, Etruscan, and Roman periods, cultural exhibits representing local Cassidain and Provençal folklore and traditions, as well as a number of fine art paintings and portraits.

Religious Monasteries and Churches
The Romanesque style Saint Michel Church was built near the port just a short distance from the center of town between 1859 and 1867.