Hello! My husband and I are going to be in Europe for six weeks (starting on Monday!) and are attempting to finalize our itinerary. We are staying in Arles for four nights, and would like to take a day trip to a beach. I think this will be our only chance to see the Mediterranean. What would be the best beach to go to using public transportation? I read that Cassis might be nice, and was also thinking of going to a beach in The Camargue, but I really have no idea what would be best. Any suggestions? Thank you so much!!
Posted by
Fox Island, USA
88 posts
In October, we stayed in Cassis one full day and over night and loved it. Wished we'd had time to stay longer. It's a quaint village with a harbor full of boats, a great Friday market and a nice small beach right next to the harbor. It is known for being close to the calanques (like inlets or fjords) that you can hike to (for swimming). Or you can hire a boat in the harbor to take you there for the views. After you get off the train in Cassis, you take a shuttle bus, with frequent departure times, which provides a short, ride down to the sea.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA
17 posts
It sounds like Cassis might be the kind of place we're looking for. Thank you for the tips!
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
On our first trip to France, we took a bus from Arles to Sts. Maries des la Mer in the Camargue, rented bicycles, and rode a path along the coast for a while.
It was a fun day trip, and we dipped our toes in the Med, but the beach was dirty and nothing special. (Camargue an interseting place, though!)
As you probably know, Provence is not really coastal. So if you crave a beach, you'll have to improvise. Never been to Cassis so I have no basis for comparison, but it sounds a bit more maritime.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Another vote for Cassis. I loved it!
Posted by
Jacksonville, FL, USA
8 posts
Cassis is wonderful. Its a great beach town that many French people prefer. The calanques are nice (water is very clear). For a beach though, I found the med cold. A great place to go nevertheless for scenery and culture. I'm trying to remember, but I think the "Ricard" family(pastis brand name) owns a large estate on top of one of the cliffs. Avoid driving if possible, car parking was scarce and expensive when I was there in '98.