Cassis and Aix En Provence Sightseeing Tour From Marseille

Exploring the charming fishing village of Cassis and the elegant city of Aix en Provence is a captivating experience for visitors to Marseille. From strolling through Cassis’ picturesque harbor and admiring its pastel-colored houses to embarking on a scenic boat tour through the stunning Calanques cliffs, this sightseeing tour offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty and rich history. As the journey continues to Aix en Provence, travelers can enjoy the city’s architectural wonders, including the iconic Cours Mirabeau and the Baroque-style City Hall. But the true highlight might just be the breathtaking views along the Route des Crêtes panoramic drive.

Key Points

• Explore the charming fishing village of Cassis with its picturesque harbor, pastel-colored houses, and stunning natural scenery.
• Discover the elegant 17th and 18th-century architecture of Aix en Provence’s city center, including the Cours Mirabeau and iconic Fountain of the Four Dolphins.
• Set out on a panoramic drive along the Route des Crêtes, offering breathtaking views of the Calanques limestone cliffs and deep blue waters of the Mediterranean.
• Take an optional boat tour to admire the towering white cliffs of the Calanques and spot wildlife like cormorants, gulls, and potentially dolphins and seals.
• The tour is accompanied by a local guide and includes transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, with the Calanques boat tour as an optional add-on.

Cassis Village Exploration

The tour begins with a visit to the charming fishing village of Cassis, where travelers stroll along the picturesque harbor and explore the narrow streets lined with pastel-colored houses, boutiques, and cafes.

Guided by a local expert, the group will discover the unique character and history of Cassis, a beloved destination on the French Riviera.

Visitors can admire the stunning natural scenery, including the iconic Calanques, limestone cliffs that jut into the Mediterranean Sea.

With its relaxed atmosphere and stunning vistas, Cassis offers a delightful introduction to the Provençal way of life, setting the stage for the exploration of Aix en Provence that follows.

Aix En Provence City Center

After exploring the picturesque village of Cassis, the tour moves on to the vibrant city center of Aix en Provence. Travelers wander through the charming pedestrian streets, admiring the elegant 17th and 18th-century architecture that lines the squares and boulevards. The guide points out notable landmarks like the Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined avenue with outdoor cafes and boutiques, and the iconic Fountain of the Four Dolphins, a Baroque-style fountain dating back to the 17th century.

Aix en Provence’s highlights include:

1. Visiting the City Hall, a stunning Baroque-style building.
2. Exploring the local market, filled with fresh produce, flowers, and regional specialties.
3. Touring the Cézanne Studio, where the famous painter lived and worked.
4. Enjoying the lively atmosphere of the city’s many cafes and restaurants.

Route Des Crêtes Panorama

Departing from the charming village of Cassis, the tour winds its way along the Route des Crêtes, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Gulf of Cassis and its dramatic limestone cliffs.

This scenic coastal road provides unparalleled views of the rugged Calanques, a series of stunning inlets carved into the rocky shoreline. Travelers can gaze out over the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean, taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The Route des Crêtes is a highlight of the tour, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the natural splendor of this picturesque region. With photo opportunities at every turn, this portion of the journey is a true feast for the senses.

Calanques of Cassis Boat Tour

An optional boat tour allows visitors to explore the dramatic Calanques of Cassis, a series of breathtaking limestone inlets along the Mediterranean coast.

The tour offers the chance to:

• Admire the towering white cliffs that plunge into crystal-clear turquoise waters.
• Spot wildlife like cormorants, gulls, and occasionally dolphins and seals.
• Cruise through narrow, winding passages between the Calanques’ steep walls.
• Disembark at secluded coves and beaches accessible only by boat.

While not included in the tour price, the Calanques boat tour is a popular add-on that allows travelers to fully enjoy the natural beauty of this stunning coastal landscape.

Inclusions in the Tour

The tour includes a local guide who accompanies the small group of up to 8 travelers throughout the day. Plus, transportation is provided by an air-conditioned minivan, allowing for comfortable travel between the tour’s destinations.

On top of that, the tour grants access to explore the charming village of Cassis and the historic city center of Aix en Provence. While the cruise through the Calanques of Cassis is an optional activity, the included highlights allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural richness of these two scenic Provençal locations.

The local guide’s expertise and the convenient transportation ensure a well-rounded and seamless sightseeing experience for all participants.

Exclusions From the Tour

While the tour includes transportation and access to the main sights, it doesn’t cover certain expenses.

Specifically, the tour price excludes:

1. Lunch, food, and drinks
2. Hotel pickup and drop-off
3. Calanques of Cassis boat tour (paid directly on the spot)

Any other personal expenses not mentioned in the inclusions are also not covered.

Confirmation and Accessibility

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, allowing travelers to secure their spot on the tour. This small-group tour is not wheelchair accessible, and children under the age of 4 are not permitted to join. The tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide, catering to diverse language preferences.

Accessibility	Confirmation
Not wheelchair accessible	Received at booking
No children under 4 allowed	Secure spot on tour

The tour’s confirmation and accessibility policies ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants, while maintaining safety and comfort as top priorities.

Age Restrictions

For this small-group tour, children under the age of 4 aren’t allowed to participate. The age restriction is in place for safety and logistical reasons.

The tour involves walking through historic sites and navigating crowded areas, which can be challenging for very young children.

The transportation used, an air-conditioned minivan, may not be as accommodating for infants and toddlers.

The overall pace and duration of the tour, around 4 hours, could be taxing for young children.

The tour operator give you the best experience possible for all participants, which is why they’ve instituted the minimum age requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour in a Language Other Than English?

The tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide, so customers can likely book the tour in languages other than English. Travelers should check with the tour operator about language options when making their reservation.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotional Offers Available?

The tour does not mention any discounts or promotional offers. However, it does note that a child rate applies if booking with 2 paying adults. Guests should check the tour provider’s website or contact them directly for any potential special offers.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

While the tour itinerary is set, customers can customize their experience within the destinations. They can choose to take the optional boat tour of the Calanques or spend more time exploring Cassis or Aix-en-Provence according to their preferences.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear for the Tour?

No special equipment or gear is required for this tour. The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned minivan and access to the main sites. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring any personal items they might need during the day.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Extra Activities?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration or add extra activities. However, travelers can explore the Calanques of Cassis via an optional boat tour, which is not included in the tour package but can be paid for directly on the spot.

Recap

This captivating tour offers a delightful exploration of Cassis and Aix en Provence.

Visitors can stroll through the picturesque fishing village, marvel at the stunning Calanques, and discover the rich history and architecture of Aix.

The Route des Crêtes panoramic drive provides breathtaking coastal views, making this an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to enjoy the charm of Provence.