BEYOND THE PORT: SAVORING THE AUTHENTIC TASTE OF CASSIS
Contributor - Ximena Lascurain | Lifestyle Consultant • 9/18/25
In the summer of 2022, my family and I took a summer trip to Cassis, France. We rented an Airbnb and enjoyed a week tucked between dramatic limestone cliffs and the sparkling Mediterranean. The fishing village is often celebrated for its breathtaking calanques and vibrant port. But for those in the know, it's true soul is found on the plate and in the glass. To visit Cassis is to embark on a sensory journey into the heart of Provençal living, where the day’s catch dictates the menu and the local wine tells the story of the sun-drenched terroir.
This beautiful town represents peace and a slow-paced life, the flavors are bright, and every meal feels like a celebration.
THE CROWN JEWEL, CASSIS WINE
While Provence is globally famous for its pale rosé, Cassis holds a unique and significant title: it is one of the oldest Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) regions in France, designated in 1936. Unlike its neighbors, Cassis is renowned for its distinctive white wines.
Cassis whites are primarily a blend of Marsanne, Clairette, and Ugni Blanc grapes create a structured, dry white with remarkable acidity, often with notes of citrus blossom, white peach, and a distinct briny minerality—a direct reflection of its proximity to the sea. This makes it, arguably, the perfect pairing for seafood.
Cassis AOC is a tiny, artisanal producer. With only about 200 hectares of vines nestled between the sea and the cliffs, its wine is a rare gem. Most of it is consumed right here in town, meaning to drink a glass of Cassis Blanc in Cassis is a truly authentic and localized experience you simply can’t get anywhere else.
Where to Taste: Visit the Clos Sainte Magdeleine vineyard, whose breathtaking vines cascade down to the edge of the sea. For a tasting in town, seek out a cave like La Cave de Cassis on the Avenue du 11 Novembre for a selection from multiple local domains.
A CULTURE FORGED BY THE SEA
Cassis remains, first and foremost, a working fishing port. This heritage is the cornerstone of its cuisine. Forget elaborate sauces and complicated techniques; here, the magic is in the sublime freshness of the ingredients.
The undisputed king of Cassis cuisine is the Bouillabaisse de Cassis. While Marseille may claim the most famous version, Cassis offers a more intimate, arguably more rustic interpretation. This isn’t a simple stew; it’s a ritual. It involves multiple types of local rockfish boiled with tomatoes, saffron, and fennel. It’s served in two courses. First, a pungent broth with garlicky rouille spread on croutons, followed by the poached fish themselves.
Other must-try dishes include:
Charcuterie de la Mer: "Sea charcuterie" like oursillade (sea urchin roe) or poutargue (bottarga – cured mullet roe), a local delicacy.
Fruits de Mer: Platters of oysters, mussels, clams, and sea snails, best enjoyed at a port-side café with a glass of that local white.
Sardines Grillées: Fresh sardines, simply grilled and drizzled with local olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK: FROM THE PORT TO THE HILLS
On the Port:
For the classic experience, grab a table at one of the many restaurants lining the Quai des Baux. While they are touristy, the views are unmatched. For the best quality, look for places displaying the “Bouillabaisse de Cassis” certification.
Le Grand Large A gendary spot right on the water, perfect for a massive plateau de fruits de mer while watching the boats come and go.
Away from the Crowds
The real treasures are often found on the backstreets or just outside the center.
La Villa Madie I For a truly unforgettable splurge, this 3-Michelin-starred restaurant offers breathtaking cliffside views and sublime, inventive cuisine that reinterprets Provençal classics. An experience of a lifetime.
Nino Trattoria I A delightful and popular Italian-Provençal fusion spot on a side street, offering fantastic pasta and a lively atmosphere. Reservations are essential.
Le Clos des Arômes Tucked away in the old village, this gem offers a beautiful garden terrace and exquisite, creative dishes made with market-fresh ingredients.
The Sweet Finish
No meal is complete without the taste of Cassis’s sweet specialty. Cassis Berlingots. These traditional striped candies, hard-boiled sweets flavored with local fruits and herbs, have been made here since 1880. Grab a bag from Confiserie du Clocher to enjoy a piece of history.
A TASTE OF THE TRUE SOUTH OF FRANCE
Cassis offers more than just a meal; it offers a moment. It’s the taste of a crisp, mineral white wine as the sun sets over the calanques. It’s the sound of clinking glasses at a crowded port-side table. It’s the simple, profound joy of food that tastes unmistakably in its place.
In a world that often moves too fast, Cassis reminds us of the enduring significance of Provençal culture. To live well is to eat and drink with passion, surrounded by the beauty of the land and sea.
Santé et bon appétit!
Contributor — Ximena Lascurain | Lifestyle Consultant
From Mexico City, Ximena Lascurain brings to the Four Hundred Team a Latin flair. Growing up and attending Culinary School there, she has always been interested in the culture and gastronomy of her country. When she moved to NYC she attended the International Culinary Center where she certified as a Sommelier under the Court of Master Sommeliers. Prior to Four Hundred she worked in the kitchens of several Michelin star restaurants throughout Mexico, Spain and NY. What she enjoys the most when it comes to travel, is doing a lot of research. Specially when it comes to the "hidden gems" for local food and specialty coffee.