If you’re looking to journey from the bustling port city of Marseille to the charming fishing village of Cassis, the train is your best bet. It’s quick, affordable, and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you from Marseille’s Gare de Saint-Charles to the heart of Cassis.
Catching the Train
- Make your way to the Gare de Saint-Charles, Marseille’s main train station.
- Head to the ticket kiosks and purchase your ticket to Cassis. It will set you back around €6 per person. If you’re buying a ticket for a specific date and time, you won’t need to validate it before boarding. But if you opt for an open ticket, be sure to stamp it in the validation machine, usually found near the platform entrances.
- Check the departure boards to find out which platform your Toulon-bound train (the one that stops in Cassis) will be leaving from.
- Head to your designated platform and double-check the information board to make sure this train does indeed stop in Cassis.
- Hop aboard, find a seat, and settle in for the roughly 20-minute ride.
- Listen for the Cassis stop and disembark.
From Train to Town
- After alighting from the train, make your way through the underground tunnel that crosses the tracks.
- Emerge on the other side and look for the bus stop in front of the station.
- When the bus pulls up, hop on and buy your ticket from the driver.
- Find a spot to sit and enjoy the 15-minute journey to the final stop, known as Casino.
- When you arrive at Casino, disembark from the bus.
The Final Stretch
- To get from the bus stop to Cassis’ picturesque waterfront, turn left as you exit the bus and walk past the stop. Then, take a right onto Rue de l’Arène, which will lead you straight to the water’s edge.
Helpful Hints
- Buying your train ticket from the kiosks rather than the ticket office can save you precious time.
- Bus service in Cassis can be sparse in the evenings. Be sure to check the schedule online before your trip. You may find the last bus leaves as early as 8:25 pm. In that case, a taxi (call 04 42 01 78 96) might be your only option.
- If you’re planning to explore Cassis’ famous calanques (steep-walled inlets), consider booking a boat tour. These stunning natural wonders are best seen from the water.
- For a taste of local flavor, try a glass of Cassis’ signature white wine, made from Marsanne, Clairette, and Ugni Blanc grapes. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the fresh seafood dishes you’ll find along the waterfront.
- If you’re visiting in summer, be sure to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Cassis’ beaches. Plage de la Grande Mer and Plage du Bestouan are two of the most popular spots.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to embark on a memorable journey from Marseille to Cassis. Enjoy the ride and soak up the Mediterranean charm of this enchanting French fishing village.
