From Cliffs to the Capital: Cassis to Chatou
We started our hike in Cassis, right at the edge of the Calanques—those striking limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically into the turquoise Mediterranean. This area is not only stunning but also legendary among climbers, with routes dating back to the early 20th century when mountaineering pioneers began exploring its rugged beauty. The white rock, sea views, and hidden coves make it a dream for both hikers and climbers alike. We hope to return one day with more gear and friends to try some of these incredible routes. (fingers crossed)
Action shots from midway down the cliff—this is how it was in the thick of the descent! That last pic shows the full scope of what we scrambled down, from top to bottom. A wild ride, but so worth it!
Our Cassis adventure wrapped up just the way I like it—with me treasure-hunting along the shoreline, as usual! This journey was definitely a highlight of the trip. A super sketchy 90-minute downclimb led us to a breathtaking hidden beach, nestled deep within a dramatic limestone canyon. Totally worth the scramble! Huge thanks to Nicolas for the amazing recommendation! <3
Couldn’t resist snapping a fleeting castle pic through the dirty car window—haha. Something about those unexpected glimpses of history always gets me!
An early morning stop in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse—a peaceful village tucked beneath towering limestone cliffs. Home to France’s largest spring and the source of the Sorgue River, its emerald waters look so refreshing - I wonder if this is a popular swiiming spot?
That classic moment when you wait patiently to snap a people-free pic… and get totally foiled at the last second. C’est la vie!
I just love this photo—though I’m not entirely sure why! I don’t usually gravitate toward this colour spectrum, but something about it really speaks to me.
Pérouges is a beautifully preserved medieval village near Lyon, all cobblestone streets and timeless charm. We noticed loads of people leaving with giant round treats that looked like pizzas—but up close, they smelled sweet! Cotty dubbed them ‘sweetzas,’ and we later learned they’re the local specialty: Galette de Pérouges!
Annecy, known as the ‘Venice of the French Alps,’ was a delightful stop. With its winding canals, pastel buildings, and mountain views, the old town felt like something out of a storybook.
Geneva—just a quick stop because it was vaguely on the way… and Cotty wanted to add another country to the list, haha. We did check out the famous Broken Chair sculpture near the UN, a striking 12-metre-tall wooden chair with a missing leg, symbolizing opposition to landmines and support for human rights.
In Beaune—such a pretty little town known for its wine and colourful tiled roofs—Cotty spotted an awesome firebug (nature win!), and then we made our way to Chatou to regroup and rest up before the final leg of the adventure!
