We will be in France next June visiting a friend in Provence. We eventually have to make our way to London but are considering two options: train to Paris, spend 2 nights and then Eurostar to London or 2 nights in Cassis and then fly from Marseille to London. Have been to Paris several times but never to Cassis. While it seems like the answer should be go to Cassis, we really love Paris. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
Wow! What a choice! My husband and I visited Cassis for the first time last May and it's a lovely coastal city--especially nice if you like being near the water. As far as things to do, there is a boat trip to see the calanques and hiking. Cassis also has a great Friday market. I'm not so much a beach person and I also love Paris. As beautiful as Cassis it, I might be tempted to head for Paris.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1330 posts
I loved Cassis and since you will close to it, why not see it? Seems like you'll have good opportunities to return to Paris but may not be as close to Cassis as often. Cassis should be beautiful in June. I would choose Cassis.
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
Could you visit Cassis while you are in Provence and still go to Paris? i agree that Cassis is beautiful!
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10675 posts
Do you like sun? Do you like being closer to nature, fresh foods, a more relaxed atmosphere (though small Cassis does bustle)? Since you're from NY and on your way to London, why not sit back and enjoy Provence a little longer. Pure coincidence, I've lived in both places and love them both. New York's not bad either, wink.
Posted by
Nice, France
108 posts
Take this opportunity to discover Cassis and the splendid "calanques" around! YOu can book a boat trip to visit the calanques (inlets), between Marseille and Cassis they are spectacular. Make sure you see calanque d'En Vau, Sormiou et Morgiou. Check Cassis website and try and resist going there ;) http://www.ot-cassis.com/index_us.php
oh, and, Paris will still be an option for your next trip to France, but June is an ideal time to see Cassis!
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
Never been to Cassis, but I'm not much of a beach person. Paris, on the other hand, is one of the greatest cities on the planet, and I don't think that I could ever get enough of it. I'd head to Paris.
Posted by
Fox Island, USA
88 posts
I love Paris too and have been there several times but this is another vote to go to Cassis! I went there last October and loved it! We enjoyed browsing the Friday market, strolling the picturesque harbor, watching men playing petanque in the village square and hiking into two of the calanques. We swam in the second one we came to which is called Port-Pin... Clear blue water lined by cliffs. If we'd had more time we would have also taken a boat trip so we could have visited more calanques.
Posted by
Nice, France
108 posts
wonderful, the Calanque de Port Pin is a beautiful one. Pin is for Pine tree, and it is called after the many pine trees that surround the creek. If you start from Port Miou, you can follow the hike track for about 1/2 hour to reach Port Pin, really worth doing.
Cassis is not so much for beaches (not long, wide beach) but more for the scenery. If by any chance you enjoy scuba diving, it's one of the best spots on the coast between Marseille and Toulon if not THE best one.