📜 Cassis, a village through the centuries
🗿 The origins...
Cassis has been inhabited since prehistoric times! The underwater Cosquer Cave and the rock shelters around the village bear witness to this. The connection between man and this territory has never been severed since.
⛰️ The Celto-Ligurians
As early as the 3rd century BC, the Celto-Ligurians settled in the region. They built fortified villages (oppida) on the hills. They traded with the Greeks of Massalia, attracted by the local riches: coral, sheltered coves, etc. Vines and olive trees may have already appeared, but the mystery remains!
🏛️ The Roman period
In the 1st century BC, Cassis became a bustling town. Fishing and trade took place there, and above all, the famous Cassis stone, used in construction, began to be mined. The ancient port, mentioned under the name of Carsicis Portus, bears witness to a true maritime life.
⚔️ From the withdrawal of the lords
Between the 5th and 10th centuries, invasions forced the inhabitants to leave the port and take refuge in a castrum, a fortified village on the hills. In 1223, Cassis came under the control of the lords of Baux de Provence.
⛪ The time of the bishops
In the 15th century, Cassis joined the County of Provence. King René then entrusted the city to the bishops of Marseille, who retained control until the Revolution. The crozier on the city's coat of arms still recalls this era.
⚓ Port, trades, and expansion
From the 18th century onward, Cassis opened up around its port. Cod, coral, olive oil (thanks to the famous scourtins), stone are all cultivated here... and vines are increasingly common.
🍇 From wine to tourism
In the 20th century, the old industries declined. Cassis wine gained in renown (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée in 1936!), and tourism became essential.
🌞 Today
Cassis seduces with its colorful alleyways, shaded squares, fountains, bowling greens... and its gentle way of life between the sea, cliffs, and vineyards. A village steeped in history, nature, and the Provençal art of living 🌊🍷🌿