5 (198)
Marseille
Marseille: Cabriolet Tour to Cassis & La Ciotat
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Overview
Drive a Cabriolet from Marseille to Cassis and La Ciotat. This exciting car tour lets visitors experience the French Riviera in a unique and memorable way. Starting from the Cruise Port of Marseille, participants get to drive a convertible while following an escort in a van, ensuring safety and providing interesting facts about the area. With a maximum of 16 people, this tour offers a personalized and intimate experience.
What to Expect: The adventure includes a drive along the spectacular Route des Crêtes (if open), which offers breathtaking views of the coves of Cassis at 394 meters altitude. Participants will visit the charming village of Cassis and admire the Calanque de Figuerolles, a site famously painted by Pablo Picasso. Key stops include Corniche Kennedy, Cassis Port, and the Calanques National Park, showcasing the region's natural beauty and cultural richness. The tour is designed for cruise passengers and aims to return between 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm, accommodating various cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, NCL, Costa, and MSC.
The tour includes bottled water, all fees and taxes, and an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort. It excludes snacks and tips, allowing visitors to customize their experience. This unique excursion combines the thrill of driving with the beauty of the French Riviera, offering an unforgettable adventure through iconic landmarks and picturesque landscapes. 
Highlights
Drive a Convertible: Experience the thrill of driving a VW Beetle or Fiat 500 convertible.
Scenic Route des Crêtes: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Calanques of Cassis from 394 meters high (if open).
Visit Cassis: Explore the charming village and its picturesque port.
Calanque de Figuerolles: Admire the beauty of this cove, famously painted by Pablo Picasso.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed the tour for its stunning scenery and the unique experience of driving a convertible. However, some encountered issues with road closures and vehicle selection.
Visitors loved the scenic drives and beautiful views.
Many enjoyed the experience of driving a convertible along the coast.
The guide was praised for being informative and helpful.
Customers found the tour to be a unique and memorable way to see the French Riviera.
Some found the Route des Crêtes to be closed.
Some customers had issues with the vehicle they chose.
The Journey
Corniche Kennedy
The Corniche Kennedy, officially the Corniche du Président-John-Fitzgerald-Kennedy, is a scenic 3.7 km boulevard along Marseille's Mediterranean coast. Inaugurated in 1863 and later named in honor of JFK, it features the world's longest continuous bench (nearly 3 km), offering breathtaking sea views. It's a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike for leisurely walks and soaking in the coastal beauty.
Calanque de Figuerolles
Calanque de Figuerolles, near La Ciotat, is a picturesque cove famed for its turquoise waters and dramatic puddingstone cliffs. Accessible by a stairway, this idyllic pebble beach is perfect for swimming, diving, and sunbathing. Its Provençal name means 'fig tree garden,' a nod to its lush past. The cove's vibrant colors and unique atmosphere have inspired artists like Georges Braque. Enjoy the scenic beauty with a meal at Chez Tania.
Cassis Port
Cassis is a charming fishing port nestled between Cap Canaille and the Calanques National Park on the French Riviera. Known for its colorful houses and cobblestone streets, Cassis offers an idyllic setting. The port is lined with cafes and restaurants where you can savor local specialties while enjoying views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy swimming, hiking in the Calanques, or boat trips to explore hidden coves. The port retains its authentic atmosphere, enhanced by Provencal markets and cultural events.
Marseille
Marseille, France's oldest city, founded by Greek sailors in 600 BC, is a vibrant port city on the Mediterranean, rich in history and cultural diversity. Shaped by migrations of Italians, Armenians, and North Africans, it boasts a unique Mediterranean identity. Explore the Vieux-Port, the historic Panier district, and the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica. With the sunniest climate of France's major cities, Marseille offers a lively outdoor culture and a blend of Greek, Roman, and North African influences.
Route des Crêtes
The Route des Crêtes, a 15 km panoramic road connecting Cassis and La Ciotat, offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the Calanques massif. A popular route for motorists, cyclists, and motorcyclists, it features viewpoints to admire Cap Canaille, France's highest sea cliff at 394 meters. Visit early in the morning or during the week to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the natural beauty.
Calanques of Cassis
The Calanques of Cassis, between the port of Cassis and the Calanques massif, are stunning geological formations of narrow coves and white cliffs plunging into turquoise waters. Part of the Calanques National Park, this haven offers marked trails to breathtaking viewpoints. Accessible on foot or by boat, explore famous calanques like Port Miou, Port Pin, and En Vau. Enjoy hiking, swimming, and water activities in this unique ecosystem, preserving its exceptional biodiversity.
Cruise Port of Marseille
The Cruise Port of Marseille is France's leading cruise port and the fourth largest in the Mediterranean. It welcomes millions of passengers annually. It is a departure point for cruises to Spain, Italy, and the Greek islands. While attracting cruise passengers, Marseille is often viewed as a gateway to Provence rather than a primary destination, focusing on regional attractions.
Calanques National Park
The Calanques National Park, between Marseille and Cassis, is Europe's first peri-urban national park, established in 2012. It encompasses both land and sea, boasting rich biodiversity with approximately 1,000 plant species and 200 protected species. The calanques, with limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, are home to diverse marine flora and fauna. Managing the impact of millions of annual visitors is crucial to preserving this fragile environment.
Prado Beaches
The Prado Beaches in Marseille's 8th arrondissement stretch along 3.5 kilometers of coastline, offering a popular seaside area for locals and tourists. Developed from the 1970s using landfill, this beach complex features sand and gravel beaches, along with green spaces for leisure. Well-served by public transport, the Prado Beaches provide a convenient escape, although parking can be limited, especially during peak season.
Old Port of Marseille
The Old Port of Marseille, formerly Lacydon, is the historical and cultural heart of the city, central since its founding by the Greeks. Once a trading center, the port is now a recreational area with restaurants, cafes, and shops, attracting locals and tourists. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, the morning fish market, and cultural events. The redeveloped quays are perfect for strolling, admiring fishing boats and yachts. It is also a departure point for excursions to sites like the Château d'If and the Calanques.
Vallon des Auffes
The Vallon des Auffes is a charming fishing port in Marseille, between Catalans beach and Malmousque Bay. Retaining an authentic charm with its colorful huts and fishing boats, it is often described as a haven of peace. Named after the Provençal word for alfa, a plant used to make ropes, the valley was once a center of rope production. Accessible from the Corniche Kennedy, it features renowned restaurants, especially for bouillabaisse, and is ideal for relaxation by the sea.
Cap Canaille
Cap Canaille, a majestic massif between Cassis and La Ciotat, rises to 394 meters, making it one of Europe's highest sea cliffs. This natural site offers spectacular panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding coves, attracting hikers and climbers. Historically a place of passage and inspiration, its name comes from the Provençal 'Cap Naio.' Be aware that the ridge road might be closed in summer due to strong winds or heat.
Cassis
Cassis is a charming Mediterranean town near Marseille, renowned for its spectacular scenery with white cliffs and turquoise-water coves, creating an idyllic setting for nature lovers. Its picturesque port is lined with restaurants and shops in narrow, colorful streets. Famous for its white wine produced in surrounding vineyards, Cassis offers exploration of the calanques for hiking, swimming, and diving. The town's friendly atmosphere makes it a jewel of Provence, combining natural beauty and cultural experience.
La Ciotat
La Ciotat, located east of Marseille, is renowned for its cultural and natural heritage as the gateway to the Calanques National Park. As the birthplace of cinema, it hosted the first public screening of the Lumière brothers' films in 1895 at the Eden cinema. Surrounded by cliffs, including Cap Canaille, it offers hiking in the calanques and exploration of the historic center with craft shops and restaurants. Its beaches and Mediterranean atmosphere make it a destination for nature and culture lovers.
Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, 'the Good Mother,' is an iconic symbol of Marseille, overlooking the city from a hilltop. Dating back to 1214, the current building was designed in the Romano-Byzantine style by Henri-Jacques Espérandieu and consecrated in 1864. A statue of the Virgin and Child watches over the city from the top. The basilica attracts millions for its religious significance and panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean.
Cathédrale de la Major
The Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure, or 'La Major,' is an emblematic monument of Marseille between the Old Port and the Joliette district. Constructed between 1852 and 1893, it is a neo-Byzantine-style building remarkable for its dimensions. Built to symbolize Marseille's prosperity, this cathedral accommodates up to 3,000 people. Its architecture combines Roman and oriental elements, reflecting the city's maritime history.
Cassis
Cassis, a picturesque port near Marseille, is well worth visiting. Stroll through its narrow streets, enjoy a snack or lunch in one of the many restaurants, shop for souvenirs, and explore the coves by the sea. This endearing port is a must-see when visiting the Marseille area. Immerse yourself in the tourist atmosphere and enjoy the unique charm of Cassis.
Calanques de Figuerolles
Travel towards the picturesque creeks of Figuerolles.
Cassis
Stop in Cassis for lunch or a snack in the charming picturesque village, with its many restaurants, shops and ice cream parlors. Stroll with friends or family before returning to Marseille.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes bottled water, all necessary fees and taxes, and an air-conditioned vehicle. It does not include snacks or tips. The tour starts and ends at the Cruise Port of Marseille, making it convenient for cruise passengers. One driver per vehicle is recommended. Pick up from Cruise Port of Marseille, drop off at Cruise Port of Marseille, and meet up at Cruise Port of Marseille.
Hot Tip
Check the weather forecast before the tour. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection while driving the convertible. Consider bringing snacks, as they are not included in the tour.
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