We have about 6 hours in Marseille to run around. We want to go to Cassis and spent some time in the water. I have seen much information on boat trips to the Calanques but not much on swimming in them. We want to swim - but not hike! - since we have young kids with us. It is also my daughters 11th birthday. We do want to spend some time in Cassis town. Do any of the boats take you to a Calanque to swim (or jump off the boat for a few minutes) and not just drive through them? Perhaps a private boat? I am looking for any other suggestions for the area with our short time frame. Thank you!
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
I was in Cassis last month. The boats that tour the Calanques do not stop for a swim. Of the two beaches in town, at least one (if not both) is rock pebbles. How do you get 6 hours in Marseille? A cruise port stop?
How are you planning to get to Cassis? Renting a boat, with captain, from Marseille may be a better option. The Calanques are between Marseille and Cassis. You can maybe arrange for a half-day return trip to Cassis from Marseille, with a negotiated swim stop (maybe at the Calanque d'En Vau?). Just a suggestion...
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
Try contacting the Marseille Tourist Office for a list of private boats rentals to the Calanques from Marseille: http://www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/in-marseille/ For 6 hours as a cruise ship stop, you will have to plan carefully... getting to Cassis by car is complicated by a one-road access TO and very limited available parking IN Cassis. Plus traffic in & out of Marseille. Do not underestimate the time to just simply get in & out of the city and of Cassis. A private boat from Marseille, IMO, is your best bet... Google: excursion en bateau de Marseille Several results come up, including this one: http://www.visite-bateau-calanques-marseille-cassis.fr/ You would be specifically pricing the product called:
Location privée du bateau avec son capitaine A regular excursion may be possible, since a few companies operate out of the Vieux-Port. These bookings are referred to as Individuel - one person tarif on a scheduled regular group tour (your family is not the group). However, you will have a time constraint, as they leave on a fixed schedule, and these do not offer a swim stop. Good luck! BTW - theres a zoo in Marseille and the Chateau dIf can be of interest if your kids get to watch The Count of Monte Cristo on DVD (with Jim Caviezel) before you go.