The best traffic-free bike rides around Cassis

One of the most beautiful harbors on the French Mediterranean coast with many old colorful fishermen's houses on the north and west sides and therefore well protected from the Mistral.

beautiful view over Cassis

Spectacular views, new asphalt. Closed to motorized traffic on Sundays, making it perfect for cycling/hiking.

📖 La Ciotat, a port steeped in history… 🏺 Ancient origins The Gulf of La Ciotat has attracted people for millennia. Excavations at Ellianac and in the Terrevaine Cave reveal the presence of sedentary tribes as early as 3000 BC. In the 5th century BC, the town became a stopover for ancient navigators. 📜 Birth of a commune In 1429, a charter recognized La Ciotat as a commune in its own right. In the 16th century, the town expanded with the arrival of Genoese noble families, who came from Italy after political unrest. ⚓ A port focused on shipbuilding In 1622, shipyards were established. Despite a decline in the 18th century, they regained their dynamism in the 19th century thanks to Louis Benet, who gave the site an industrial dimension. In 1836, Le Phocéen, the first French steamship in the Mediterranean, was launched, followed by the Bonaparte in 1839. 🏛️ A rich and vibrant heritage La Ciotat is full of treasures: churches, chapels, old gates, typical squares, private mansions... Old La Ciotat captivates with its charm and warm Provençal atmosphere, where past and present coexist. ⚫ The invention of pétanque At the beginning of the 20th century, Jules Le Noir, a merchant suffering from rheumatism, played the game sitting in a circle marked on the ground. His friend Mr. Pitiot suggested playing "with your feet tanqués" (glued to the ground)... Pétanque was born right here in La Ciotat! 🎬 The birthplace of cinema In 1895, Louis Lumière stayed in La Ciotat. There, he developed the cinematograph and shot some of the first films in history: Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat Station, The Sprinkler Sprinkled… The first private screening took place on September 21, 1895, at the Palais Lumière, even before Paris! In 1899, the Éden Théâtre hosted the first public ticketed cinema screening, making La Ciotat a mecca of the seventh art. This cinema, still in operation, is now a listed historic monument. 🎞️ Today: Economically, La Ciotat is experiencing a revival thanks to the rehabilitation of the former shipyards, now focused on luxury yachting and maritime technologies. La Ciotat seduces with its authentic Mediterranean atmosphere. Its bustling streets, colorful markets, festivals, and vibrant port offer a quality of life appreciated by both residents and visitors. https://youtu.be/BQjh8z9ioEw

📜 Cassis, a village through the centuries 🗿 The origins... Cassis has been inhabited since prehistoric times! The underwater Cosquer Cave and the rock shelters around the village bear witness to this. The connection between man and this territory has never been severed since. ⛰️ The Celto-Ligurians As early as the 3rd century BC, the Celto-Ligurians settled in the region. They built fortified villages (oppida) on the hills. They traded with the Greeks of Massalia, attracted by the local riches: coral, sheltered coves, etc. Vines and olive trees may have already appeared, but the mystery remains! 🏛️ The Roman period In the 1st century BC, Cassis became a bustling town. Fishing and trade took place there, and above all, the famous Cassis stone, used in construction, began to be mined. The ancient port, mentioned under the name of Carsicis Portus, bears witness to a true maritime life. ⚔️ From the withdrawal of the lords Between the 5th and 10th centuries, invasions forced the inhabitants to leave the port and take refuge in a castrum, a fortified village on the hills. In 1223, Cassis came under the control of the lords of Baux de Provence. ⛪ The time of the bishops In the 15th century, Cassis joined the County of Provence. King René then entrusted the city to the bishops of Marseille, who retained control of it until the Revolution. The crozier on the city's coat of arms still recalls this era. ⚓ Port, trades, and expansion From the 18th century onward, Cassis opened up around its port. Cod, coral, olive oil (thanks to the famous scourtins), stone are all cultivated here... and vines are increasingly common. 🍇 From wine to tourism In the 20th century, the old industries declined. Cassis wine gained in renown (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée in 1936!), and tourism became essential. 🌞 Today Cassis seduces with its colorful alleyways, shaded squares, fountains, bowling greens... and its gentle way of life between the sea, cliffs, and vineyards. A village steeped in history, nature, and the Provençal art of living 🌊🍷🌿

today too much wind my days are hard with the bike it doesn't matter from time to time it's like that good luck to you all

It is worth deviating (a little) from the Route des Crêtes.

Along the A50, it really is, it can evoke the motorway. But it is never flat.