Photos courtesy of Les Roches Blanches
Welcome to our new series: Destination France!
Each month we will share an in-depth feature on one of our favorite hotels or guesthouses from around France to help you feel right at home the minute you arrive.
A serene retreat to the mesmerizing rocky seaside awaits just 20 minutes east of the bustling city of Marseille. Cassis, famed for its dramatic cliffs and calanques (steep-sided coastal inlets), offers many of the French Riviera’s most coveted delights: pebble and sand beaches, vibrant markets tucked into quiet pedestrian streets, and sun-soaked terraces where vacationers sip chilled Provence rosé and savor locally caught fish.
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But the true jewel of this idyllic Mediterranean village is undeniably the Hôtel Les Roches Blanches – a refined sanctuary perched atop the iconic white cliffs just beyond the marina.
About Les Roches Blanches
Once a Belle Époque mansion, Les Roches Blanches was transformed into a hotel in the 1920s and has since welcomed the most discerning travelers and illustrious visitors to the iconic French Riviera including the likes of Winston Churchill and Édith Piaf.
The hotel is ideally situated within walking distance of the village yet just far enough removed to feel like a private retreat among the bucolic calanques. A timeless institution in Cassis, Les Roches Blanches evolves continuously, refreshed with careful renovations year after year, cementing its place as a fixture in the region’s unwavering, luxurious landscape.
Arriving at the Hotel
Guests arriving via the hotel’s private van – either from the nearby Cassis train station or Marseille airport – are greeted with gracious ease. Attentive staff whisk away the luggage, leaving guests to bask in the breathtaking scenery.
After checking in, it’s worth enjoying a cold drink at the hotel’s Sunset Lounge overlooking the impressive Cap Canaille across the bay. A chilled glass of rosemary iced tea or crisp Vermentino wine tastes better against the sparkling backdrop of the Mediterranean after a day of travel.
A Look at the Rooms and Suites
Upon arrival, a sweet treat from the hotel’s in-house pâtissière awaits in the room for a sensory indulgence that sets the tone.
With their graceful Art Deco aesthetic, the rooms are flooded with natural light. The color palette echoes the surrounding calanques, seamlessly blending the tranquility of the landscape into the interiors.
Bathrooms are outfitted with indulgent touches: Acqua di Parma bath products, French luxury skincare by Sisley (also the sponsor of the hotel’s featured spa), a rainfall shower, and a deep soaking tub.
For guests wishing to bask in the southern sun without leaving their suite, private terraces are the ultimate upgrade. Spacious outdoor areas offer plush lounge chairs, cozy sofas, and tables ideal for morning coffee or a sunset apéritif among friends.
The Villa Cala Bianca
For families or larger groups seeking a secluded, sumptuous hideaway, the hotel’s Villa Cala Bianca is a revelation. This four-bedroom haven boasts two heated swimming pools, al fresco dining areas, two full kitchens, a fitness room with a hammam, and private access to the sea.
While guests enjoy full use of the hotel’s amenities, the villa retains the exclusive charm of an independent residence, with ample space across multiple levels for relaxation and privacy.
Indulging in the Hotel’s Amenities
Les Roches Blanches features two stunning infinity pools – one that reflects a light turquoise reminiscent of the shallow Mediterranean shores, and one whose dark sapphire tiles mirror the deep sea, making the waters practically indistinguishable.
At the Sisley Spa, a massage or treatment enhances the indulgence of the day, where the cliffside relaxation lounge offers a blissful escape.
In the evening, visitors can embrace the local rhythm with a game of pétanque, a beloved Provençal pastime. A drink in hand with pétanque balls at your side and the sea breeze on your skin is the epitome of southern French leisure.
Dining at Les Roches Blanches
Culinary delights abound across the hotel’s three distinct restaurants, each offering a unique and soulful dining experience.
Les Belles Canailles, a tribute to regional terroir, delivers gourmet interpretations of southern classics. Both modern and authentic, the ever-changing menu highlights the finest local ingredients, best enjoyed while gazing out at the Cap Canaille.
Le Loup Bar, nestled beneath parasol pine trees overlooking the sea, brings a surprising twist to the Riviera. Centering on Nikkei cuisine – a vibrant fusion of Japanese techniques and Peruvian flavors – the dishes result in an exhilarating journey for the palate, enhanced by the freshness of local seafood.
For a lively evening with friends, Rocco is the place to be. Shareable antipasti, spirited live music, and an inviting menu of Mediterranean favorites create an ambiance that’s as festive as it is flavorful, offering a true taste of summer.
Exploring the Village of Cassis
Charming and intimate, this quiet seaside village comes alive in the summer months. Highlights include a stroll through the Marché de Cassis (held every Wednesday and Friday), watching locals play pétanque in the square; and savoring a traditional bouillabaisse (we recommend Chez Gilbert).
From the marina, boat tours offer an up-close look at the calanques, while nearby vineyards beckon with tastings of the region’s distinct wines. The hotel concierge can help arrange bespoke excursions.
For additional ideas for daytrips and vineyard visits around Cassis, browse our Marseille Itinerary.
Book Your Stay
Open from April to December, Hôtel Les Roches Blanches is a destination for travelers seeking a tranquil and luxurious escape to the French Riviera. A place that seems to be suspended in time above the majestic Mediterranean, this is where indulgence meets serenity.
Discover Hôtel Les Roches Blanches Cassis