The area around Cap Canaille is great for hiking, but it’s worth visiting even if you just want to enjoy the views without getting too active. Getting there involves heading along the winding Route des Crêtes. If you don't have your own vehicle or would prefer to leave the driving along hairpin turns to someone else, you can join one of the many Cassis tours from Marseille and Aix-en-Provence that stop at Cap Canaille.
Route des Crêtes is closed on days when the fire risk is deemed high.
Expect long waits and congested traffic in the Cap Canaille area during crowded summer months.
Don’t get too close to the edges of cliffs in this area. Winds can be strong, and it can be easy to lose your footing.
Cap Canaille is located on the Bay of Cassis, just south of Cassis. It's about a 15-minute drive from Cassis without traffic or 40 minutes from Marseille, but the trip can take considerably longer in the summer months. Most people come by car or as part of a tour, and while you could walk from Cassis, the trip would take over an hour.
Although Cap Canaille is open year-round, the best time to visit is in late spring or early fall, when you're most likely to strike the perfect balance between great weather and fewer crowds. Summers can be hot and crowded, and the road to the cape is sometimes closed when the fire risk is too great. August, when many French people take their annual long vacations, is best avoided due to crowds.
If you're short on time or want to take in views without straying far from Marseille, visiting the Calanque de Sormiou is an excellent alternative to a Cap Canaille day trip. The Calanque offers great views and a narrow beach that leads into a clear inlet filled with cool water. It's a popular spot for dining, swimming, and rock climbing, making it a good destination on a bike trip from Marseille.
