Cassis in Provence

cassis

Cassis (13, Bouches-du-Rhône, Provence PACA) is such an attractive destination, being the heart of a small wine appellation and a port on the mediterranean coast and in Provence! Here  white, rosé and red wines are produced – not to be confused with the Crème de Cassis, which is a blackcurrant liqueur from Burgundy. The white wines tend to be crisp and flinty – from Clairette, Marsanne, Ugni blanc and Sauvignon blanc grapes. The appellation was one of the very first to have its status as a controlled and recognised appellation recognised in France – at the same time as Chateauneuf-du-Pape!

The appellation is small, there are only 12 small producers, and hence not much wine escapes the area.  Production is small as the terrain – limestone cliffs and numerous fjord-like inlets with grapes grown from the top of the cliffs right down to the water’s edge – Yet the wine is widely appreciated and is particularly good with the local seafood. The small town is delightful and en evening stroll along the busy harbour is a must! All this and the Provencal climate!

For wine lovers the larger and better-known appellation of Bandol lies about 25km to the east beyond la Ciotat, where rather different styles are available such as the rich reds from the Mourvedre grape.

Or explore the nearby City of Marseille, which was European City of Culture 2013 – just 25km away – and you can go by bus!

Apartment by the Port Cassis
Apartment by the Port Cassis

Accommodation in Cassis ranges from harbourside hotels to numerous B&Bs and self-catering such as the Apartment by the port (Appartement avec terrasse, sur le port, pieds dans l’eau).

Hotel Le Corbusier
Hotel Le Corbusier, Marseille

However venture west to Marseille and you can stay in a UNESCO World Heritage site hotel  a hotel in a building designed by Le Corbusier – Hotel le Corbusier located in the luxurious residential neighbourhoods of the 8th district, 2 minutes from the beaches of the Prado or the Stade Velodrome. Thanks to the Tunnel Prado-Carénage, in less than 10 minutes walk you are in the oldest District of the City! Le Corbusier was amongst other things an architect, designer and urban planner and one of the pioneers of modern architecture.

Nearby wine hotels: Hotel Le Mas du Lingousto or Hotel Abbaye de Sainte Croix

plane logoAirport: Marseille Provence Airport MRS (56km/37 miles)

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  • Post last modified:March 17, 2022