Marseille to Cassis by 2CV Citroën: Coastal Drive through the Calanques

Marseille•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; requires only light walking in Cassis

Overview

Climb into a classic Citroën 2CV and follow the Corniche from Marseille to Cassis, winding over Col de la Gineste and into views of the Calanques. This four-hour private drive blends coastal geology, Provençal culture, and pure vintage charm.

Marseille to Cassis by 2CV Citroën: Coastal Drive through the Calanques

Wildlife

Sightseeing Tour

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

The engine of the 2CV murmurs like an old friend as you ease out of Marseille’s Vieux-Port, roof rolled back and the salt breeze already drafting across your face. Buildings braided with sun and shadow slide past—the ochre façades of the old port give way to the clipped palms and blue tile of Corniche Kennedy—until the city loosens and the road launches you into the limestone ribs of the Calanques. The car is small, the view vast; cliffs lean over the sea, the Mediterranean pulling bright and stubborn beneath them.

Adventure Photos

Marseille to Cassis by 2CV Citroën: Coastal Drive through the Calanques photo 1

Adventure Tips

Bring a light windbreaker

The coast amplifies wind—carry a thin, packable jacket for comfort when the roof is down.

Charge your camera and phone

Scenic pullouts at Col de la Gineste and Cassis harbor are prime photo spots—extra battery or power bank is useful.

Wear non-slip shoes

Short stops in Cassis can involve cobbled streets and wet docks; steady footwear keeps footing sure.

Reserve morning or late-afternoon slots

Traffic and summer heat peak midday; mornings and late afternoons deliver quieter roads and better light.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Yellow-legged gull
Peregrine falcon

History

The Citroën 2CV was introduced in 1948 as an affordable, practical car for rural France; the Marseille–Cassis corridor has long been a maritime trade route shaped by fishing and salt commerce.

Conservation

The Calanques are protected as a national park with regulated access—stay on marked roads and trails and respect seasonal boat and anchoring restrictions to protect marine habitats.