Why Cassis Should be on your 2015 Bucket List

Cassis, a small coastal village in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of the South of France, is located just 30 miles east of Marseille. If you are coming from Nice, it will take you at least two hours to get there, but I promise it's worth the drive. Whether you're an adventure-seeker, hardcore explorer, seasoned traveler, easy-going tourist, foodie or lazy sunbather— Cassis has something to pique your interest.

By now, most of you have seen (or heard) me gushing about Cassis, France. Whether it's a snip-it or two on my Instagram or my post reminiscing about its winding streets, it's pretty obvious that I'm all about Cassis right now... And you should be too! 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Cassis, France should be on your 2015 Bucket List. Trust me when I say, Cassis is going to be the next BIG, MUST SEE, trendy destination and you're going to want to get there before the bottom falls out!

My husband and I visited the South of France mid-October, and I have to admit that we got lucky. The weather was unseasonably warm (in fact it was 'a scorcher' by London standards!) so locals and non-locals were all making the most of the sun. You could just feel this quaint seaside town buzzing with life!

I will admit that the main reason I wanted to visit Cassis was to see the Calanques—more on that later, but go ahead and Google yourself a favor— but it turns out I fell in love before even leaving the dock.

Aside from what lies just outside of the main village, the port and harbor are the stars of the show here—totally swoon-worthy and definitely not to be missed!

There was a lightness in the air surrounding the harbor. Even though you can see some serious money in those waters, it didn't feel at all pretentious. Bright-colored buildings, beautiful sailboats, teal-blue water—what's not to love?

It's been a long time since Cassis was known for being a proper fishing village. In fact, the main thing it's reeling in these days are tourists and travelers exploring the South of France, but still, Cassis' roots are unmistakable.

I don't know why, but I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon the beach. I mean, who doesn't love the beach? And even better... Who doesn't love the beach in close proximity to restaurants and bars?

This tiny, coarse sand beach is the perfect excuse to catch some rays, take a swim in the bright teal waters and then retreat back to the port for a mid-afternoon snack.

Cassis was absolutely the highlight of our South of France tour. It genuinely took my breath away. Maybe it's fitting that James and I didn't find Cassis until the final day of our trip, otherwise we might not have seen any of the rest of the region!

Visiting at the very beginning of the off-season accounted for some of our fondness for the village because it felt less touristy and more authentic than it probably would have in the heat of summer.

I honestly believe that we will revisit Cassis in the future. Certain cities, places, countries, do that to you. I hope to come back and stay longer than five hours (more like a week), to explore the French Rivera, relax by the beach, swim or boat in the water, visit the local vineyards, go hiking around the Calanques, enjoy the local fare and just take in the overall pleasantness that Cassis has to offer.

Hopefully, it will be sooner than later.

So, to recap—

Why are you going to put Cassis on your 2015 Bucket List?

Between it's location in the French Rivera (being surrounded by other beautiful towns and villages in the South of France), the awe-inspiring Calanques, the quaint port and harbor, the ease of the beach, the relaxing vibe, the essence of Provence oozing out of every corner, Cassis has something to offer every traveler. 

Seriously, this place is a dream! Don't miss out on one of France's best kept secret!