CLAiRITY

If you’ve been following along in my France road trip series, you know this trip was designed with the help of ChatGPT—my new favorite travel companion. Using AI, I created an itinerary that balanced history, culture, food, and a little adventure, without the overwhelm of juggling guidebooks and 20 browser tabs at once.

Today we’re diving into Cassis, a pastel-hued seaside town on the French Riviera. Famous for its colorful harbor, limestone cliffs, and the breathtaking Calanques, Cassis offered the perfect balance to the castles and cobblestones of the days before.

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The Itinerary at a Glance

• Thursday, May 22 → Bourges (cathedral + Old Town stroll)
• Friday, May 23 → Carcassonne (medieval fortress)
• Saturday, May 24 → Cassis (harbor + Calanques boat ride)
• Sunday, May 25 → Annecy (lakeside canals + mountain views)
• Monday, May 26 → Chantilly (castle + gardens + whipped cream)
• **Tuesday, May 27 → Back to CDG for my flight home)

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A Brief History of Cassis

Cassis has been a fishing port since Roman times, though today it’s better known for its cliffs (Cap Canaille is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe) and the Calanques National Park. This mix of history and natural beauty makes it one of the most charming towns on the Mediterranean.

Fun fact: Cassis is also famous for its crisp white wines—perfect with local seafood.

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Fun Cassis Trivia

• The town motto is “Qu a vist Paris, se noun a vist Cassis, n’a rèn vist” — “He who has seen Paris but not Cassis, has seen nothing.”
• Cassis is a protected AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) wine region.
• The pastel buildings lining the harbor are protected, so they always keep their iconic look.
• Winston Churchill once painted the cliffs of Cassis.

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Things to Do in Cassis (1-Day Itinerary)

Morning: Explore Cassis Harbor
Start with a stroll around the Vieux Port, lined with fishing boats and colorful houses. Stop for a coffee at one of the waterfront cafés while soaking in the Mediterranean sunshine.

Late Morning: Calanques Boat Ride
Hop on a boat tour to the famous Calanques—towering limestone inlets with turquoise waters. It’s the highlight of Cassis and a must-do for any visitor.

Afternoon: Cap Canaille Scenic Drive
Take a short drive up to Cap Canaille for panoramic views of the coast. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Marseille.

Evening: Sunset by the Harbor
Finish your day with seafood dining on the waterfront as the pastel buildings glow in the golden light.

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Where to Stay in Cassis (Mid-Range Hotels)

• Hotel de la Plage Mahogany – Overlooks the Mediterranean with a private beach feel.
• Best Western Plus Hôtel La Rade – Cozy with great sea views and a pool.
• Le Jardin d’Emile – Boutique charm close to the beach.
• Hotel Laurence – Budget-friendly with a perfect harbor location.

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Where to Eat in Cassis

• Chez Gilbert – Famous for bouillabaisse (traditional fish stew).
• La Villa Madie – A Michelin-starred experience if you want to splurge.
• Le Bonaparte – Lively, local seafood spot.
• La Défonce – Great for Provençal cuisine with a local twist.

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Amazon Travel Essentials for Cassis

Here are a few must-haves that made my seaside adventure easier and more enjoyable:

• Waterproof Phone Case (Amazon) #Ad – Protects your phone during Calanques boat rides.
• Quick-Dry Travel Towel (Amazon) #Ad – Handy if you dip into the turquoise waters.
• Sunscreen (Amazon) #Ad – Trust me, the Riviera sun is stronger than you think.
• Picnic Backpack (Amazon) #Ad – Perfect if you pick up wine and snacks for a seaside picnic.
• Swim cover up (Amazon) #Ad – Transition from the beach to the cafe

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Why I Loved Using ChatGPT for Cassis

Instead of piecing together random suggestions from dozens of websites, I asked ChatGPT:

• “What’s the best way to see the Calanques in Cassis?”
• “Suggest mid-range hotels in Cassis with sea views.”
• “What wine is Cassis known for?”

Within minutes, I had a plan that gave me history, natural beauty, and relaxation—without the stress. It really felt like having a personal travel planner who got my style.

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Closing Thoughts

Cassis was a dream. From sipping wine by the harbor to cruising the turquoise Calanques, this little seaside town was the perfect contrast to Carcassonne’s medieval walls and Bourges’ Gothic cathedral. Each day of this road trip felt like flipping to a new chapter in a storybook.

Next up: Day 4 in Annecy, where I traded the Mediterranean coast for the alpine beauty of France’s most romantic lake town. Stay tuned!

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