Today we will go and visit the calanques located near Cassis. We begin with the scenic Route des Crêtes from La Ciotat overlooking the Mediterranean. The cliffs literrally plunge into the sea seen from the highest point of the road called Cap Canailles. Cassis is a picturesque little town located by the sea and a great base to visit many of the surrounding calanques. The cafes are filled with people coming from all over to visit. We have lunch on a small square before heading off to visit some of the calanques. From the harbour of Port-Miou we do a loop to 3 different sites. The view on the water is gorgeous, going from turquoise to dark blue depending on the light. You can either visit by boat or by foot. We decide that the best way for us is by foot to be able to take our time and enjoy the scenery.
Many boats come in and out of the calanques letting the visitors get a glimpse of each site. They are actually quite loud so we are happy to be walking on the path above the water with a light wind touching our faces. Pine forests line the paths and cliffs, it is as nature could take hold anywhere... The walk here is gorgeous. There is even a rowing club practising in the sea, luckily the water is calm. The walk takes us up and down to different viewpoints. I am quite suprised at how wild this area still is compared to most of the over constructed southern coast of France. It sure was a great idea to have put this region under protection!
Tonight we have dinner in Cassis. There is a place by the water that looks tempting. We are happy to be staying in the more simple town of La Ciotat though. In Cassis everything seems to be a bit overpriced due to its success…
