Cassis Attractions

The little port of Cassis, 22km/14mi southeast of Marseilles, lies on a semicircular bay, framed by mountains. It was once the haunt of painters, including Vlaminck, Dufy and Matisse; nowadays it is an important recreation center for the people of nearby Marseilles.

Of interest are the old settlement center with remains of 12th and 14th C. fortifications, a castle (1381) and the beautiful Fontaine des Quatre Nations.

In September 1991 a cave with important pre-historic painting was discovered. The entrance is under water.

The cave, known as Grotte de Cosquer, is not open to the public.