Pas de la Colle
The first plateau and trailhead to the summit.
Le Bistrot de Nino journal
Cap Canaille Route des Crêtes:the guide to the viewpoints above Cassis
Published on
The cliff above the harbour, the road along its ridge, the stops worth making and the best time for the light. Written from the quay.
In short
Cap Canaille rises 394 metres above the sea just east of Cassis harbour, one of Europe's highest sea cliffs. The Route des Crêtes (D141) runs about 15 km to La Ciotat: 30 minutes non-stop, 1.5 to 2 hours with viewpoints. It may close in strong wind or high summer fire risk, so check before leaving. Go early or late for the light, then come back down for lunch on the harbour.
The cliff
Cap Canaille:France's highest sea cliff
From our terrace, it is all you see: an ochre curtain closing the bay of Cassis to the east.
394 m
above the Mediterranean
≈ 15 km
of road between Cassis and La Ciotat
≈ 10 min
by car from the harbour to Pas de la Colle
Key figures
The summit stands at 394 metres, almost sheer above the water, among Europe's highest sea cliffs.
Its ochre layers of limestone, sandstone and pudding stone set it apart from the white calanques.
Why the light is spectacular
Facing west, the cliff glows orange then red in the late afternoon.
From the top, you watch the light fall over Cassis and the calanques.
The route
The Route des Crêtes:from Cassis to La Ciotat
The D141 follows the cliff edge for about 15 km: a road made for stopping.
Starting point and duration
Head towards La Ciotat, then follow the signs. Pas de la Colle is about ten minutes up.
Allow 30 minutes non-stop, 1.5 to 2 hours with a few viewpoints.
Which direction to drive
Drive from Cassis towards La Ciotat: the sea is on the passenger side and most pull-offs are easy to reach.
Back in the village, our guide to getting to Cassis and parking will help.
The stops
Viewpointsnot to miss
Four stops really worth it, in order from Cassis.
01 02 Cap Canaille summit
The bay of Cassis at your feet, 394 m up. Mind the edge.
03 Grande Tête
Slightly higher, facing the open sea and La Ciotat.
04 La Ciotat semaphore
Views over La Ciotat bay and the Bec de l'Aigle.
Never park on the narrow verge: use the lay-bys.
Panoramas
The best viewsabove Cassis
Over the calanques and the harbour
From the summit, the harbour, the village and the first calanques fit in one glance.
To explore them up close, our guide to visiting the calanques has all the options.
The open sea
Towards Grande Tête, nothing but blue to the horizon.
Timing
When to gofor the best light
Early morning: cool air, quiet road, crisp light on the village.
Late afternoon: the cliff glows, but come down before dark.
Avoid midday in summer: harsh light and full car parks.
Practical tips
Before you set off,good habits
A mountain road by the sea: a few precautions make all the difference.
- 01
Best season and times
Spring and autumn are ideal; in summer go early or late. See the best time to visit Cassis.
- 02
Closures: wind and fire risk
The road may close in strong wind and summer access depends on fire risk. Check the day before.
- 03
By car, bike or on foot
Car is easiest; cycling is for trained riders; trails start at Pas de la Colle.
- 04
Safety: unfenced cliffs
Stay back from the edge, wear proper shoes, bring water and a hat.
Our plan
A typical morning,from ridge to quay
A relaxed schedule that keeps the best light for the cliff and the best moment for lunch.
8 am
Leave the harbour
Quick coffee, then up the road.
8:30 am
Summit
Short walk to the edge, morning photos.
10 am
Grande Tête
Sea views, then back to Cassis.
12:30 pm
Lunch
A shaded table facing the cliff.
For the afternoon, see what to do in Cassis.
After the drive
Come down for lunchon the harbour, facing the cliff
Le Bistrot de Nino, 1 Quai Jean-Jacques Barthélemy: the largest terrace in Cassis, shaded, 80 to 100 seats, with Cap Canaille straight ahead.
Take a look at our sea-view terrace before you come.
Mediterranean cooking, fresh fish filleted at your table, a daily special. Dogs welcome.
Looking for a restaurant with a view of Cap Canaille? Book ahead in season.
Whole fish, filleted at the table
The catch of the day, presented whole and filleted before you.
Good to know
Your questions about Cap Canaille and the Route des Crêtes
How high is Cap Canaille and where is it?
394 metres, just east of Cassis harbour, between Cassis and La Ciotat.
How do I get there from Cassis?
Follow La Ciotat, then the Route des Crêtes (D141): about ten minutes to Pas de la Colle.
Is the road open all year?
Mostly, but it can close in strong wind, and summer access depends on fire risk.
How long should I allow?
30 minutes non-stop, 1.5 to 2 hours with viewpoints.
Where are the best viewpoints?
Cap Canaille summit, Grande Tête and La Ciotat semaphore.
When is the light best?
Early morning or late afternoon; avoid summer midday.
Where to eat before or after?
On Cassis harbour, at Le Bistrot de Nino, facing Cap Canaille.
Going further
Extend the outing by the harbour
Discover our Cap Canaille restaurant page, and our other guides:
Book
A table after the drivefacing Cap Canaille
Planning the Route des Crêtes? Write to us to keep a terrace table for lunch.
The cliff in the morning,the harbour at noon
Book a table on the largest terrace in Cassis and enjoy Cap Canaille from the shade.