Cape Canaille

On this 4-hour sightseeing excursion from Aix-en-Provence by air-conditioned minibus, you will drive along the coast to the little village of Cassis, a small fishing port nestled between the famous calanques (inlets) and majestic Cap Canaille. Stop for photos at Cap Canaille. Get a great introduction to everyday life in Provence and the Mediterranean away from the busy tourist resorts as you explore the Riviera town and admire the bluffs, cliffs and sheltered inlets (calanques) that have made the area so famous. Grab the chance to take a 45-minute boat trip (ticket not included) out to sea to sail to 3 of the calanques, where you will see up-close the limestone cliffs that rise and fall steeply into the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean.

Take a drive along the Gineste and the Crests roads to Cape Canaille to marvel at the exceptional view of the Bay of Cassis and the Gardiole mountain range, on this half-day tour from Marseille. The harbor in Cassis is the most beautiful feature of this ancient fishing port. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city of Marseille on the return trip, including a stop at the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde. From this hill you’ll have breathtaking views of the Phocaean city, the Frioul islands, and If-Castle. Drive along the Corniche Road, a visible indicator of the wealth of the merchants of the 19th century, who also built magnificent, ostentatious homes. See the 11th-century Saint-Victor Abbey that keeps guard over the entry to the old port.

Embark on a tour to several villages from Aix-en-Provence. Stop at several picturesque villages and admire the fantastic scenery. Depart from Aix-en-Provence by minivan and first drive to Cassis and Cape Canaille. Spend some free time strolling through the charming fisherman port of Cassis, before stopping to admire the views of the highest seaside cliff in Europe, Cape Canaille. Next, continue north to the Massif du Luberon, known for its many quaint villages. First, discover the village of Lourmarin famous for its Renaissance-style castle. Enjoy a photo stop in Bonnieux, followed by a visit to the colorful village of Roussillon, where the houses are painted with ochre. Stroll in the medieval village of Gordes, a scenic village perched on a steep hilltop. Afterward, be returned to the city center of Aix-en-Provence.

The Gineste and the Crests roads will lead you to the outstanding site of Cape Canaille from where you will appreciate the exceptional view on the bay of Cassis and the Gardiole mountain range. Cassis is an ancient fishing port and the harbor is probably the most beautiful part of the village. You will have the possibility to board on a 45-minute boat trip (ticket not included) to discover 3 Calanques, steep-walled coves with tiny harbors or beaches at the end. Free time for lunch (not included) on your own during the day. Panoramic tour of the city of Marseille on the way back, including a photo stop at Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica. From this hill, enjoy a breathtaking view on the Phocaean city, the Frioul islands and If Castle. Drive on the Corniche Road, a symbol of holiday and outward sign of wealth for merchants and bourgeois from the 19th century who built magnificent houses with many ostentatious splendid features. You will then reach Saint-Victor abbey (11th century) that keeps the entry of the Vieux-Port (Old Port).

Cassis France is just a 30-minute drive from Marseille and well worth a day tour. You’ll travel up to Cap Canaille, the highest maritime cliff in France, with a great panoramic view. Then, you'll be dropped off at the vineyards of Cassis, before exploring the mountains, and the ship-building town of La Ciotat via the scenic crest road. Next you can choose to do a bit of shopping or simply relax at a café on the docks with a glass of pastis or wine. You may take a boat from the harbor to the new National Park of the Calanques, considered to be a tourist must-see (optional). The limestone inlets with their clear blue water are extremely popular with visitors.

Enjoy a guided walk along Cours Mirabeau with rich architecture and charming cafés. See opulent 17th- and 18th-century architecture as you make your way to Vieil Aix (Old Town). Explore the areas and go into charming boutiques and craft shops to pick up a unique souvenir. Afterwards, break to tour independently and to get your own lunch at one of the Brunswick House Cafes. Before lunch, you may enjoy an optional visit to the Atelier Paul Cézanne (not included). Learn about this Post-Impressionist painter and native-son of Aix, view authentic artifacts, and see the studio where Cézanne created pieces like "Les Grandes Baigneuses."   Afterwards head back to the car and go for a short ride to cassis were you’ll enjoy the view of the gulf at Cape Canaille situated on the highest sea headlands in France were you’ll be amazed by the panoramic views of Mediterranean and the Gulf of Cassis. Explore the village of Cassis at your leisure until the departure time and go back to Marseille. Your private tour ends back at your terminal or your hotel in Marseille. You’ll return in the late afternoon.

First you'll be dropped at the highest point in Marseille, Notre Dame de la Garde, where you can enjoy spectacular 360° views of the city, coastline, and mountains. Discover the heart of the city by visiting The Old Port, the fish market which is the oldest district in France, and the Fort St. Jean. Then head to Aix-en-Provence to see its lively morning markets. Take a walking tour of the old town with its beautiful buildings, St. Sauveur Cathedral, and Cézanne's workshop. During the day, you'll have lunch in a typical Provencal restaurant for an optional additional charge.  On the way back, stop in Cassis to enjoy the staggering view from the second highest maritime cliff in Europe, the Cap Canaille. Drive along the Crest Road to join the city center of Cassis with its fishing and pleasure port. Conclude your day, with a boat ride to see the splendid rocky inlets called les Calanques.