La Grande Mer
A stone's throw from the harbour, the Grande Mer beach can be reached on foot from the village: handy for a quick swim between two visits.
The Bistrot de Nino journal
What to doin Cassis
A day or a weekend in Cassis? Between the calanques, the harbour, Cap Canaille and the beaches, the village is best discovered on foot and by sea — with a lunch break facing the water, at Le Bistrot de Nino.
The space of a day
What to do in Cassisin a single day
Cassis is a small harbour in the Bouches-du-Rhône, made for a day trip. The village can be explored on foot, between colourful lanes, lively quays and terraces facing the sea. In a few hours, you can string together a stroll on the harbour, the discovery of the calanques and a moment of relaxation by the water.
The secret to a fine day in Cassis: alternate the highlights in the open air with a real break at the table. Set on Quai Jean-Jacques Barthélemy, Le Bistrot de Nino has been a local institution since 1962, ideally placed to break up the day with a fresh-fish lunch facing the harbour, before heading off to explore the surroundings.
The must-sees
Discovering the calanquesof Cassis
The calanques are the first thing to do in Cassis. These turquoise-water coves nestled between the cliffs can be reached by boat from the harbour, on foot along the massif's trails, or by kayak for the more sporty. Port-Miou, Port-Pin and En-Vau are among the most famous, each with its own atmosphere and views over the Mediterranean.
In summer, the crowds are heavy and access to the trails may be regulated depending on fire risk: it's wise to set off early in the morning and carry plenty of water. A boat trip remains the easiest way to admire the calanques effortlessly, before coming back for a quiet lunch on the harbour.
To stay as close to the water as possible, discover our restaurant facing the calanques or our guide to visiting the calanques of Cassis.
The heart of the village
Stroll the harbourand the village lanes
Cassis harbour is the beating heart of the village. You wander between fishing and pleasure boats, colourful façades and shops, in a typically Mediterranean atmosphere. It's the ideal place to feel the pulse of Cassis, watch the comings and goings of the boats and enjoy the southern light at any hour.
Around the harbour, the lanes of the old centre invite a stroll, between shaded squares and small shops. It's also along the quays that you'll find the best terraces to sit facing the water.
To start the day at the village's own pace, nothing beats a morning at the Cassis market, a few steps from the quays.
Le Bistrot de Nino unfolds the largest terrace in Cassis here, shaded and open onto the sea: discover our restaurant on the Cassis harbour.
Taking the high ground
Cap Canailleand the route des Crêtes
To gain some height, head for Cap Canaille, one of the highest sea cliffs in France. The route des Crêtes linking Cassis to La Ciotat offers spectacular panoramas over the bay, the calanques and the Mediterranean, with several viewpoints to stop at. An unmissable outing to see Cassis differently, preferably at sunset, before heading back down to dine on the harbour.
Feet in the water
Beaches, covesand swimming
Cassis has several beaches accessible from the village, and the calanques' coves offer wilder swims in crystal-clear water. Bring good shoes for the sometimes stony access and a little shade for the hottest hours.
01 02 Le Bestouan
A little further on, the Bestouan beach is prized for relaxation and the clarity of its water, in the quiet spirit of Cassis.
03 The calanques' coves
For a wilder swim, the calanques' coves offer turquoise water, reached by boat or along the massif's trails.
The midday break
Lunch facing the seaat Le Bistrot de Nino
Between two visits, sitting down facing the sea is part of the pleasure of a day in Cassis. On the harbour, Le Bistrot de Nino celebrates fresh fish and Mediterranean cuisine, with whole fish presented then filleted in front of you at the table. A convivial, generous break, in the tradition of a true harbour bistrot passed down over three generations.
The large shaded terrace, seating 80 to 100, welcomes both a quick lunch and a more leisurely meal, and pets are allowed. Backed by many Google reviews, the restaurant is a reassuring address to break up the day before heading off again to explore the calanques or Cap Canaille.
Settle onto our sea-view terrace and let yourself be tempted by our menu from the sea.
You can also plan your lunch at the restaurant in Cassis before setting off on your walk.
Also worth a look
Plan your visit to Cassis
To plan your day in Cassis and prepare your break at the table, explore our different pages around the restaurant and its setting on the harbour.
Good to know
Your questions about what to do in Cassis
What can you do in Cassis in a day?
In a day in Cassis, you can stroll the harbour, discover the calanques by boat or on foot, enjoy a beach and take a lunch break facing the sea. On the harbour, Le Bistrot de Nino is well placed to break up the day with a fresh-fish meal before heading off to explore the surroundings.
How do you visit the calanques from Cassis?
The calanques of Cassis can be reached by boat from the harbour, on foot along the massif's trails or by kayak. Port-Miou, Port-Pin and En-Vau are among the best known. In summer, it's best to set off early and bring water, as access to the trails may be regulated depending on fire risk.
Where to have lunch between two visits in Cassis?
On the harbour, Le Bistrot de Nino offers a lunch break facing the sea, with fresh fish and Mediterranean cuisine. Its location on Quai Jean-Jacques Barthélemy makes it an ideal stop between a harbour stroll, the calanques and Cap Canaille.
Can you swim in Cassis?
Yes. Cassis has beaches accessible from the village, such as the Grande Mer near the harbour or the Bestouan, as well as the calanques' coves for a wilder swim. Bring good shoes for some stony access and shade for the hottest hours.
Does Le Bistrot de Nino accept pets?
Yes, pets are allowed on Le Bistrot de Nino's terrace. You can come with your companion for your lunch break, between two visits in Cassis.
Book
Book your tableat Le Bistrot de Nino
Planning a day in Cassis and want to have lunch or dinner on the harbour? Write to us to book your table on the largest terrace in the village facing the sea, or to ask your questions. We reply quickly.
What to do in Cassis and where to take a break, on the harbour
Cassis is one of the finest stops on the Mediterranean coast: turquoise calanques, a lively village harbour, Cap Canaille and the route des Crêtes, beaches and coves. The village is easily discovered on foot and by sea, over a day or a weekend from Marseille, Aix or La Ciotat.
A local institution since 1962, passed down over three generations and backed by many Google reviews, Le Bistrot de Nino welcomes you on the largest terrace in Cassis, shaded and open onto the sea. Between two visits, it's the ideal address for a fresh-fish lunch facing the harbour, before perhaps staying at La Maison de Nino, right above the restaurant.
A table awaits youon the Cassis harbour
Between calanques, harbour and Cap Canaille, book your break at Le Bistrot de Nino and savour the Mediterranean facing the harbour.