Travel expert Simon Calder has named the picturesque coastal town of Cassis in southern France as an ideal autumn getaway, particularly for retirees seeking an affordable and walkable destination. The town, located 20km east of Marseille, offers budget-friendly flights from UK airports starting at £77 from Liverpool, with average August temperatures reaching 28°C.
Walkable and Accessible
Cassis is highly walkable, making it perfect for pensioners. Visitors can take a 20-25 minute train from Marseille to Cassis, followed by a short bus ride. The town's compact size allows easy exploration on foot, with colorful streets and a vibrant French Riviera atmosphere.
Top Attractions
According to TripAdvisor, the top attraction is the Parc national des Calanques, rated 4.7. The national park is free to visit. One visitor commented, "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 said, "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." A third added, "A must in Cassis. Breathtakingly beautiful to experience the cliffs. An absolute highlight."
The Port de Cassis, rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor, is another highlight. It offers a pleasant walking spot with boats, bars, and restaurants. One tourist posted, "Always nice, friendly traders, very clean city, beautiful setting." Another said, "Very nice port, with lots of charm and many activities nearby." A third commented, "We had a cruise excursion here and it was one of our favorite places."
Expert Endorsement
Simon Calder shared his experience: "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 noted that a bus from Marseille costs £3 and offers one of the greatest drives in the world.
Travel blogger Sam from theblondescout described Cassis as "one of the nicest surprises" during her time in France, calling it "colourful, quaint and next to one of the most extraordinary landscapes I have ever witnessed: the dramatic limestone inlets that make up the Calanques." She emphasized that the town is "very walkable and easy to get around."
Other Recommendations
Simon Calder also suggested the Algarve in southern Portugal as a stunning and "very affordable" coastal destination that remains uncrowded during autumn.
