Travel expert Simon Calder has named the charming seaside town of Cassis in southern France as one of his top picks for a budget-friendly autumn escape, particularly appealing for pensioners. The town offers affordable flights from UK airports starting at £43 from London, with average August temperatures reaching 28°C.
Location and Accessibility
Cassis is located 20 km east of Marseille. Visitors can take a 20-25 minute train from Marseille to Cassis, followed by a short bus transfer. The flight time from the UK is approximately 1.5 hours.
Top Attractions
According to TripAdvisor, the top attraction in Cassis is the Parc national des Calanques, which holds a 4.7 rating. Entry to the national park is free. One holidaymaker wrote: "I was not familiar with the calanques; there are several of them, and to visit them, there is a lovely walk that leads all the way to the sea." Another visitor commented: "A creation of breathtaking nature. These sea laces between two cliffs are superb and reveal small hidden beaches, accessible only on foot, by boat or kayak."
Another highly rated spot is the Port de Cassis, with a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor. The harbour is ideal for walking, with boats and numerous bars and restaurants along the waterfront. One visitor noted: "Always nice, friendly traders, very clean city, beautiful setting." Another added: "Very nice port, with lots of charm and many activities nearby."
Simon Calder's Endorsement
Simon Calder said: "I just came back from Côte d'Azur on Friday, and it was absolutely magical, particularly the lovely town of Cassis. Beautiful port, very close to St Tropez. It's just a gorgeous place, the food is great!" He also mentioned that a bus from Marseille costs £3 and offers "one of the greatest drives in the world."
Fellow travel expert Sam from theblondescout blog described Cassis as "one of the nicest surprises" while living in France. She said: "This small fishing town is colourful, quaint and next to one of the most extraordinary landscapes I have ever witnessed: the dramatic limestone inlets that make up the Calanques between Cassis and Marseille." She highlighted that Cassis is "very walkable and easy to get around" with "picture-perfect" streets and a favourite square at Place Baragnon.
Other Recommendations
Simon Calder also recommended the Algarve in southern Portugal as a beautiful and "very affordable" seaside region that remains relatively quiet during late summer and autumn.
