Cap Canaille and the Route des Crêtes
Cassis, France
Among the highest sea cliffs in France, about 394 m above the bay of Cassis. The D141 Route des Crêtes to La Ciotat has several pull-outs; it closes on days of high fire risk or strong mistral.
Cap Canaille, between Cassis and La Ciotat, drops some 394 m sheer into the Mediterranean and is regarded as the highest sea cliff in France. The ochre rock face is made of sandstone, conglomerate and limestone from the Turonian stage of the Late Cretaceous, resting on grey marl, and it lies within Calanques National Park. Along the top runs the Route des Crêtes (Corniche des Crêtes), which the Cassis tourist office puts at about 15 km and which links Cassis with La Ciotat.
Along the road there are viewpoints with places to stop, and walking trails with views of the Bay of Cassis, the Calanques and the vineyards. Allow about half a day if you make several stops. Access is closed in strong wind, especially the mistral; it is restricted from 1 June to 30 September, and the road is closed to cars on Sundays (as of October 2026). Check the current status before you set off.
- Nearest town
- Cassis, France
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 43.2028, 5.5505
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Les CigalesCampsite2 km from Cap Canaille and the Route des CrêtesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Aux portes de CassisCampsite5 km from Cap Canaille and the Route des CrêtesTentsCaravansWi-Fi
- Santa GustaCampsite8 km from Cap Canaille and the Route des CrêtesTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Camping du GarlabanCampsite11 km from Cap Canaille and the Route des CrêtesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Les BaumellesCampsite12 km from Cap Canaille and the Route des CrêtesTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Parc MogadorCampsite21 km from Cap Canaille and the Route des CrêtesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cap Canaille and the Route des Crêtes?
Cap Canaille and the Route des Crêtes is in Cassis, France, at GPS 43.2028, 5.5505. It is about 18 km from Marseille.
Can you camp near Cap Canaille and the Route des Crêtes?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Les Cigales, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 25 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cap Canaille and the Route des Crêtes?
Cap Canaille and the Route des Crêtes is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Provence coast: Cassis cliffs to the red Esterel.
What is there to see near Cap Canaille and the Route des Crêtes?
Places worth a stop nearby: Calanques de Cassis (3 km), Montagne Sainte-Victoire and Bimont dam (38 km), Giens peninsula and Pesquiers salt pans (49 km) and Le Thoronet Abbey (64 km).
When is the best time to visit Cap Canaille and the Route des Crêtes?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)