Cassis - les Calanques - Cap Couronne France

Travelled: 97km

Stay: 1 night free/wild camp at Cap Couronne   43.32767, 5.05332 

Woke up to a beautiful sunrise. Headed down to Cassis from the Routes des Cretes early and went to have a look at the official Motorhome parking area, Gorgettes. This Aire was full with overnighters so we drove in town and managed to find a parking spot.  We took the bikes to the head of the trail to the Calanques (a narrow inlet, some with up to 500m limestone cliff face). Cassis is very hilly, so felt quite exhausted before even starting the trail! The first Calanques is Port Miou, where up to 500 yachts and boats moor. So it is quite long and narrow. We then we trekked up and down to the Port Pin Calanques, which offers a lovely little beach that is a very popular spot for bathing and picnicking. Onwards we went up and up to see the Calanques, En Vau, which has spectacularly steep limestone cliffs down to the aqua coloured water. We then doubled back and rode through the quaint and picturesque port, then back UP to Bluey. All this and it's only 11:30. Phew! The mistral winds are strong today (we were told that the Routes des Cretes was closed due to the wind, we were lucky to have gone there yesterday). 

We then drove down to Marseille. Camy took us through the centre. Lucky the traffic wasn't to bad as it is Saturday. We got caught in a one way street with only a narrow road as an option or a u turn for escape. A very kind man held off traffic for us as we tackled a u turn.  We then managed to find the Rimor dealer so we could by a replacement water cap that we carelessly left behind when we did our water refill. (it was bound to happen once). Then off to the shopping centre for more supplies and a bike for Mark, as the 20 euros  bike previously purchased had no brakes! No good for all that down hill riding! We then headed to an Aire in Carro, but it was wall to wall motorhomes. Another option we were told about was to go to the lighthouse, so here we are! There are a few signs saying 'motorhomes prohibited', but others are here, so we will see if anyone comes to ask us to leave or give us a fine! We had a walk out on the rocks near the lighthouse, where there are great views of Marseille. The mistral wind keeps blowing.