Jour 2 en Provence

We've been to Provence many times but never made it to the pretty port of Cassis. Today we put that right. It's just to the east of Marseille but a million miles away in style. I accept that it might be different in high season, but today it was relaxed, uncrowded and tranquil. We wandered the narrow side streets and strolled the port looking enviously at the yachts, before partaking of a not-so-light lunch. We chose a busy little place on the harbour side and sat on the terrace watching the world go by. Stuffed mussels and goat cheese salad started us off, beef in shallot sauce and filet of fish for mains, chocolate fondant and taste tatin to finish. Did I forget to mention the half bottle of delicious white wine? A Noisette (espresso) and we were ready for the afternoon - or what was left of it! We took a winding road that led seemingly straight up the side of a cliff and found ourselves overlooking Cassis and the Calanques, rocky inlets that line coast from Marseille towards Toulon. The water was azure and so inviting but as I knew from an earlier paddle, it's still very chilly. But the sun shone and the views were amazing. We came "home" via the supermarket, picking up salmon, small peppers stuffed with anchovy and some raspberry tartlets. Oh and more wine!