Private Full-Day Tour from Marseille or Aix-en-Provence
Calanques of Cassis, the Village and Wine Tasting Private Tour
A complete Provencal day combining sea, village life, and the legendary wines of the Cotes de Provence.
The Calanques of Cassis private tour takes you along one of the most dramatic coastlines in France, pairing a two-hour-plus boat excursion through nine limestone coves with a leisurely village lunch and an afternoon wine tasting at a celebrated Provencal estate.
This is a full-day private experience designed for travelers who want depth, not rushing. A professional driver-guide picks you up directly from your accommodation and accompanies you throughout, allowing the itinerary to flex around your preferences and pace.
The route also includes a stop at the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in southern France and a site of remarkable historical significance. The combination of natural landscape, culinary heritage, and sacred history makes this one of the most varied day tours available in Provence.
Tour Highlights
Explore all nine coves of the Calanques National Park on a 2h20 boat excursion included in the tour price.
Wander the colorful lanes and harbor of Cassis village, one of the most photogenic ports in Provence.
Enjoy a guided wine tasting of Cotes de Provence wines, including the region's celebrated rosé, at a top estate.
Visit the Gothic Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, whose construction spanned 237 years from 1295 to 1532.
Travel in a comfortable, recent vehicle with door-to-door pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.
Pass through the striking Esterel massif with its distinctive red rock and golden coastal scenery en route.
Benefit from a fully private format, allowing you to adjust the program at any point with your guide.
Itinerary
1
Departure and Esterel Massif
Your driver-guide picks you up at your accommodation and heads toward Cassis. Along the route, you take in the Esterel massif, a volcanic range known for its distinctive red and ochre rock formations rising above the blue Mediterranean.
2
Boat Excursion Through the Calanques
You board a boat at Cassis port for a 2h20 excursion covering all nine calanques — the dramatic limestone fjords that form the heart of France's first coastal national park. The sheer white cliffs, turquoise waters, and sheltered coves make this one of the most visually striking natural landscapes in Provence.
3
Village of Cassis and Lunch at the Port
Back on land, you have free time to explore the village of Cassis at your own pace — its market streets, fishing boats, and lively harbor. Lunch is taken independently at a restaurant of your choice along the port (not included in the tour price).
4
Wine Tasting at a Provencal Estate
Your guide drives you to one of the most respected wine properties in the Cotes de Provence appellation for a guided tasting of regional wines. The focus is on the area's signature rosé, though red and white wines from the estate are typically included.
5
Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene
The afternoon concludes with a free visit to the Basilica of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, a Gothic structure that took nearly two and a half centuries to complete. The basilica houses relics attributed to Mary Magdalene and remains an important pilgrimage site in southern France.
6
Return to Your Accommodation
Your driver-guide returns you directly to your accommodation, concluding a full day that has covered coastline, village culture, wine country, and medieval heritage in a single private experience.
What Is Included
Included
Private professional driver-guide throughout
Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off
Boat excursion through the 9 Calanques (2h20)
Wine tasting at a Cotes de Provence estate
Free visit to the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene
Not Included
Lunch at Cassis port
Personal travel insurance
Gratuities for the guide (optional)
Any additional tastings or purchases at the wine estate
Important Information
This is a fully private tour. All program elements can be adjusted in advance or on the day in consultation with your guide. Boat departures are subject to weather and sea conditions.
Duration
Approximately 10 hours, including all stops. Exact timing depends on agreed itinerary adjustments.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for the boat excursion. Bring cash or a card for lunch and optional purchases.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are provided at the time of booking. Please review the policy before confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
The tour is rated easy in terms of difficulty. The boat excursion requires stepping on and off a vessel at the port. Please contact the operator in advance if you have specific mobility requirements.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. The wine tasting is reserved for adult participants. Children are welcome on the boat excursion and village visit.
Reserve Your Private Day in Provence
Secure your spot on this private full-day tour combining the Calanques, Cassis village, Cotes de Provence wine tasting, and the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene. Itineraries are flexible and tailored to your group.
Yes, the 2h20 boat excursion covering all nine Calanques of Cassis is fully included in the tour price. No additional payment is required at the port.
Can the itinerary be changed to suit our group?▼
Yes. All programs on this private tour can be modified according to your wishes. You can discuss adjustments with your guide before or during the day.
What happens if the sea conditions prevent the boat trip?▼
Boat excursions in the Calanques are subject to weather and sea conditions. If the trip cannot proceed, your guide will suggest an alternative activity for that part of the day.
Is lunch included in the tour?▼
Lunch is not included. You will have free time to eat at a restaurant of your choice along the port of Cassis. Your guide can offer recommendations based on your preferences.
Where does the tour start and end?▼
The tour begins and ends at your accommodation. Your private driver-guide will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel or rental property.
What type of wines are tasted during the wine tasting stop?▼
The tasting focuses on Cotes de Provence wines, with a particular emphasis on the region's renowned rosé. Red and white wines from the estate may also be included depending on the property visited.
Calanques CassisProvence Private TourCassis Boat TripCotes de Provence WineWine Tasting ProvenceCalanques National ParkSaint Mary Magdalene BasilicaFull Day Tour ProvenceProvence Rosé WinePrivate Driver GuideCassis VillageEsterel Massif
This tour operates in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region of southern France, covering three distinct geographic zones. The Calanques of Cassis form part of the Calanques National Park, a coastal protected area stretching between Marseille and Cassis, renowned for its white limestone cliffs and clear turquoise waters. The village of Cassis sits at the eastern edge of the park on the Mediterranean coast, approximately 23 kilometers east of Marseille. The wine tasting stop is located within the Cotes de Provence appellation, one of the largest and most productive wine regions in France, centered in the Var department. The Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene is situated in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, a town in the Var department approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Cassis, within a valley at the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif. The tour is accessible from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and surrounding areas via private vehicle with door-to-door service.
Type: Private Full-Day Tour | Region: Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France | Sub-regions: Calanques National Park, Cassis, Cotes de Provence, Var | Activity Types: Boat Excursion, Wine Tasting, Cultural Visit, Village Exploration | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 10 Hours | Departure: Door-to-Door from Accommodation | Suitable For: Adults, Families, Couples, Wine Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers
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