I'm planning a trip in June 2024 to Provence. We have a villa for 1 week in Rousillon. Will plan some day trips to sights we wanted to return to Pont du Gard, Avignon, Isle sur la Sorgue. Maybe try to get to Nimes. Last year we stayed in Nice -day trips near there and 1 week at a beautiful house in Eygalières near St.Remy. Did La Baux, Camargue, Arles, Aix, Avignon. We want to slow down after a week of sight seeing, market shopping and give my daughter a chance to check out some beaches, maybe do some hiking. We found an apartment rental in La Ciotat and one in Cassis. Not sure how those coastal towns compare? Saw one Forum post describe Ciotat as "gritty ". Is it worth a Sat-Wed. Stay?Should we stay in Cassis? Need some info.or descriptions.
Thank you so much for anything you can provide!
Lynn
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2703 posts
Ciotat has a large shipyard and cranes/cargo docks.
Cassis is pure magic in a charming seaside setting.
These two locations only compare in that they are on the Mediterranean coast. If I were to stay or visit, by a large margin, Cassis would be my choice.
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
For a first-time visitor, I think I would recommend Cassis, especially if you found accommodation you like.
I actually prefer La Ciotat as a town (less touristy, more interesting shops, more restaurants, lots of rough charm) but I think I might be the one who described it as slightly gritty and yes, the shipyard is in the middle of town.
Whereas the scenery in Cassis is hard to beat, hiking is incomparably better, and Bestouan beach has great views (there are other beaches too).
You can easily visit la Ciotat from Cassis, driving over the Route des Crêtes on the way there. It would be a fun outing for half a day, especially if you time it with market day (Tuesday and Sunday mornings).