A Day in Cassis

Yesterday I finally made a visit to the small town of Cassis near Marseille. Manon, Jerrica, Jerrica's friend Virginie, and I all met up at the gare routière to catch the bus. We decided to split up when we got there because Manon and I wanted to hike the beautiful calanques and the others decided a day soaking up the sun on the beaches would be more relaxing. After Manon and I made a quick pit stop for food and wine supplies, we headed up on the hike to la Calanque de Port-Pin. :)

Cassis

La Plage in Cassis

The Port at Cassis

Another view of the port

Me in Cassis (with a goofy face)

Mind you the view on our entire hike was gorgeous. I can't even expain how beautiful, blue, and clear the water was. The hike was fairly easy for me after doing the hike on Mont St. Victoire or the Marseille Calanques. Once we got to the Calanque de Port-Pin, we decided to try and make it to the next calanque, the Calanque d'En-Vau. I had no idea that's what the name of the next calanque was so we kept asking people how long it would take to get there, and they would respond "En-Vau?" and I was so confused. But that's pretty normal for me in France. :) Anyway we heard many different answers that varied from a half hour to an hour. So we just decided to chill at the Calanque de Port-Pin because we had to be back for the bus and didn't want to stress ourselves on time.

View of the trail as we began our hike

Trail Markers

The beautiful first Calanque (which is more of a port)

The amazing second Calanque where we chilled and swam

Me with Calanque de Port-Pin (2nd Calanque) in the background

Manon and I with Calanque de Port-Pin (2nd Calanque) in the background

Swimming, Tanning, and Canoeing (the last of which we did not participate in)

Manon and I looking gorgeous at the Calanque de Port-Pin

On our way back into town....successful day! :)

After talking and soaking up the sun, we went for a swim in the chilly chilly blue water. We then had a little lunch and fell asleep. Around 5 or so, we woke up and started back on our 45 minute hike back to town. On the way we of course treated ourselves to amazing gelato. :) Manon got Cassis (which is black currant flavor but shares the name of the town) and Forêt Noire (which is Black Forest or cherries, chocolate and whipped cream). I decided to indulge and got Kinder and Noisette (which is hazelnut flavor). I really enjoyed Cassis (the town). It was similar to St. Tropez in that it was clean and friendly but it was nicer because there weren't giant shows of money or wealth or snobbery. Cassis is definitely one of my favorite towns in Provence (at least those that I've visited). :)

We made it back to the bus which took us to Marseille, then we took the Metro and finally, the bus back to Aix. Once we got back to Aix, I got a kebab sandwich and an orangina, which is one of my favorite meals here (and a meal which I will not be able to find in the States....sad face). Then we walked home and decided to wash up and play cards. Jerrica joined us and we played a game of Club Euchre and then Oh Hell. The entire day was great fun and I'm really happy to have those memories. :) One of the best beach days I've had here in France.

Today I go to the train station and get my tickets for Grasse and Nîmes. I also go get my grades (FINALLY!) so everyone, cross your fingers for me, please! :) Tomorrow I go to Grasse, the perfume capital of France. :) Then on Wednesday, Rebekah and her sister return from their Great European Adventure (they visited Paris, Rome, London, and Barcelona in 2 and a half weeks!) so I'm looking forward to that. And this weekend, I have travels to the Martigues and Nîmes planned. :) I love travelling and I'm looking so forward to all of my trips! :)