Shore Excursion: Drive a Convertible to Cassis & Calanques

The Corniche Kennedy, officially known as the Corniche du Président-John-Fitzgerald-Kennedy, is an iconic boulevard in Marseille that stretches for approximately 3.7 km along the Mediterranean Sea. This picturesque path, which connects the Plage des Catalans to the Plages du Prado, is not only a popular tourist route, but also a popular walking spot for Marseille residents and visitors. History and Development Work on the Corniche began in 1848 and was completed in 1863, transforming a simple customs path into an urban promenade. The road was named in honor of John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963. The Corniche is famous for its long concrete bench, considered the longest in the world, which stretches for nearly 3 km.

The Calanque de Figuerolles, located near La Ciotat, is an enchanting natural site, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and turquoise waters. Nestled between puddingstone cliffs, it offers a small pebble beach, ideal for swimming and diving. Its name, derived from the Provençal meaning "fig tree garden", recalls the vegetation that once surrounded it. Accessible by a path of 87 steps, the cove is very popular during the summer, attracting many visitors eager to enjoy its idyllic setting. Activities such as scuba diving are particularly popular, especially to explore the seabed rich in biodiversity. The Calanque de Figuerolles has also inspired many artists, including the painter Georges Braque, because of its vibrant colors and unique atmosphere. In addition to its natural attractions, the cove is home to a restaurant, Chez Tania, which offers a breathtaking view of the landscape

Cassis is a charming little fishing port located between the majestic Cap Canaille and the famous Calanques, on the French Riviera. This picturesque village, known for its colorful houses and cobbled streets, offers an idyllic setting for visitors. The port of Cassis is particularly popular for its café and restaurant terraces, where you can enjoy local specialties while admiring the view of the Mediterranean Sea. There is no shortage of activities in this region, from swimming in the turquoise waters, hiking in the Calanques National Park, to boat trips to explore the surrounding coves. The port, which has long been a fishing center, retains its authentic atmosphere, attracting both tourists and nature lovers. Provencal markets and cultural events, such as the evening craft markets in summer, add to the appeal of Cassis, making it a true jewel of the Mediterranean

Marseille, founded by Greek sailors in 600 BC, is the oldest city in France. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it is known for its historic port and its cultural wealth, resulting from a history marked by successive waves of migration, notably of Italians, Armenians and Maghrebis. This diversity has shaped a unique Mediterranean identity, where Greek, Roman and North African influences blend. The city is also famous for its 111 districts, each with its own character and traditions. The Vieux-Port, the Panier district and the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica are emblems of its heritage. Marseille is also the sunniest of France's major cities, offering a Mediterranean climate conducive to outdoor life and vibrant cultural activities.

The Route des Crêtes, linking Cassis to La Ciotat over 15 kilometres, is an iconic panoramic route on the Côte d'Azur. It offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the Calanques massif, including Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliff in France at 394 metres. Very popular with motorists, cyclists and motorcyclists, it has viewpoints to admire nature. In high season, attendance can make access difficult, raising environmental concerns. To avoid the crowds, it is advisable to visit early in the morning or during the week.

The Calanques of Cassis, located between the charming port of Cassis and the Calanques massif, are spectacular geological formations, characterized by narrow coves and white cliffs plunging into turquoise waters. This national park, which stretches for approximately 20 km, is a true haven of peace for nature lovers and hikers, offering many marked trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. The most famous calanques, such as Port Miou, Port Pin and En Vau, are accessible on foot or by boat, allowing visitors to explore the wild beauty of the region. The diversity of fauna and flora, both terrestrial and underwater, makes the calanques a unique ecosystem to be preserved. In addition to hiking, it is possible to enjoy refreshing swims and water activities, making this destination a must for those discovering Provence

The cruise port of Marseille, located in the heart of the Mediterranean, has become a major player in the sector, positioning itself as the leading cruise port in France and the fourth in the Mediterranean. In 2023, it welcomed more than 4 million passengers, demonstrating its continued growth. Marseille benefits from a proactive policy to attract cruise passengers, with modern infrastructure and services adapted to the needs of companies and passengers. The port is a preferred departure point for cruises to various destinations, including Spain, Italy, and the Greek islands. However, despite its growing popularity, Marseille is often perceived as a gateway to Provence rather than a tourist destination in its own right. The excursions offered highlight the region's attractions, but the city struggles to stand out as a major destination, like Barcelona or Venice.

The Calanques National Park, located between Marseille and Cassis, covers approximately 20 km and was created on 18 April 2012. It is the first peri-urban national park in Europe, encompassing 8,500 hectares of land and 43,500 hectares of sea, with a rich biodiversity including approximately 1,000 plant species and 200 protected species. The calanques, typical geological formations, are characterised by limestone cliffs and coves with turquoise waters. They are home to a variety of marine flora and fauna, essential for the ecosystem. However, the park attracts between 2 and 3 million visitors each year, which poses challenges for managing attendance and preserving this fragile environment. Measures are in place to limit the impact of tourism and protect the biodiversity of this listed site, one of the most visited in France.

The Prado beaches in Marseille, located in the 8th arrondissement, stretch along approximately 3.5 kilometres of coastline, providing a popular seaside area for locals and tourists alike. This beach complex was developed from the 1970s onwards, using landfill from the metro works to reclaim the sea. Today, it covers an area of 45 hectares, incorporating sand and gravel beaches, as well as green spaces suitable for leisure. The Prado beaches are well served by public transport, including the metro and several bus lines. Visitors can also access them by car, although parking is often limited, especially in high season

The Old Port of Marseille, formerly known as Lacydon, is the historical and cultural heart of the city, having played a central role since its founding by the Greeks over 2,600 years ago. Once an important trading centre, the port is now a recreational area, surrounded by restaurants, cafés and shops, attracting both locals and tourists. The Old Port has become an iconic symbol of Marseille, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere, particularly thanks to its morning fish market and cultural events. The quays, recently redeveloped to encourage pedestrianisation, offer a pleasant setting for strolling and admiring traditional fishing boats and luxury yachts. Today, the Old Port is also the starting point for many excursions to tourist sites such as the Château d'If and the Calanques, among others.

Coming from the Catalans beach, we make a stop near the Auffes valley The Auffes Valley is a small fishing port located in Marseille, between the Catalans beach and the bay of Malmousque. This emblematic place, often described as a haven of peace, retains an authentic charm with its colorful huts and its typical fishing boats called "pointus". Its name comes from the Provençal word "auffo", which designates the alfa, a plant historically used to make ropes. In the 19th century, the valley was a center of rope production, which contributed to its name. Accessible by narrow stairs from the Corniche Kennedy, the Auffes Valley is a popular place for both Marseillais and tourists. It offers famous restaurants, especially for their bouillabaisse, and is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sea, although there are no traditional beaches

Coming from Marseille, We will make a photo stop, in this incredible cliff Cap Canaille with breathtaking views. It can happen in summer that the ridge road is closed due to strong winds and significant heat, or some Sundays in summer. In this case, this stop could not take place. Cap Canaille is a majestic massif located between Cassis and La Ciotat, culminating at 394 meters, which makes it one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. This natural site offers spectacular panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coves, attracting many hikers and climbers thanks to its limestone, sandstone and puddingstone cliffs. Historically, Cap Canaille has been a place of passage and inspiration for many artists, including painters who have captured its wild beauty. Its name comes from the Provençal "Cap Naio", which evolved into "Canaille" over time.

Cassis is a charming town on the Mediterranean coast, close to Marseille. Known for its spectacular scenery, the town is surrounded by white cliffs and turquoise-water coves, providing an idyllic setting for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. The picturesque little port of Cassis, lined with restaurants and shops, is the vibrant heart of the town, where you can stroll through narrow streets adorned with colorful houses. The town is also famous for its wine, especially the Cassis white wine, produced in the surrounding vineyards. Visitors can explore the calanques, which are unique geological formations, ideal for hiking, swimming and diving. Cassis attracts many tourists each year, especially in the summer, and its friendly and authentic atmosphere makes it a popular destination, Cassis is a true jewel of Provence, combining natural beauty, culture, an unforgettable experience

La Ciotat is a commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône department in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, located approximately 31 km east of Marseille. It is renowned for its cultural and natural heritage, particularly as the gateway to the Calanques National Park, famous for its landscapes and coves. The town is the birthplace of cinema, having hosted the first public screening of the Lumière brothers' films in 1895 in the Eden cinema, the oldest cinema still in operation. La Ciotat is surrounded by cliffs, including Cap Canaille, one of the highest in Europe at 394 metres. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking in the calanques and exploring the historic centre, full of craft shops and restaurants. Its beaches and Mediterranean atmosphere make it a popular destination for nature and culture lovers.

In case the road to. Are is closed, passage possible on request, thank you The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, often called "the Good Mother", is an emblematic symbol of Marseille, overlooking the city from a hill at an altitude of 149 meters. Its history dates back to 1214, when Pierre, a priest, built a first chapel there dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This chapel was enlarged in the 15th century, but it was in the 19th century that it was replaced by the current building, designed by the architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu and consecrated in 1864. The architecture of the basilica is in the Romano-Byzantine style, decorated with dazzling mosaics and an austere crypt. At the top, an imposing statue of the Virgin and Child, 11.2 meters high and weighing nearly 10 tons, watches over the city. This monument attracts millions of visitors every year, not only for its religious significance, but also for the exceptional panoramic view it offers over Marseille and the Mediterranean.

Passage near the Cathedral of La Major The Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, commonly called "La Major", is an emblematic monument of Marseille, located between the Old Port and the Joliette district. Its construction began in 1852 under the direction of the architect Léon Vaudoyer and was completed in 1893, after 41 years of work. This neo-Byzantine style building is remarkable for its impressive dimensions: 142 meters long, 60 meters high for the towers, and a dome culminating at 70 meters. La Major is unique in France, because it is the only cathedral built in the 19th century. It was built to symbolize the prosperity of Marseille, then the leading port in France, and can accommodate up to 3,000 people. Its architecture, which combines Roman and oriental elements, reflects the maritime history of the city and its openness to the world. The cathedral has been classified as a historical monument since 1906 and remains a must-see site.

During our journey between Marseille , the Route des cretes, and La Ciotat, we will stop in Cassis, to stroll through the narrow streets, have a snack, or lunch in the many restaurants, go shopping, buy souvenirs, discover the coves by the sea, in the tourist mixers. Cassis is a small picturesque, endearing port that is well worth a visit when you are passing through the Marseille area;

Towards the creeks of fuguerolles

Arret has cassis for laying lunch snack in the charming picturesque village of cassis, many restaurants shops glaciers, to stroll with friends or family before a return to Marseille