Van road trip: the Calanques of Cassis and the Bandol vineyards

Between limestone cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean and sun-drenched vineyards, this road trip takes you to discover Provence’s natural and viticultural gems.

By the Le Campeur editorial team · 2 September 2026

Get your van ready for an unforgettable escape between sea and vines. The Calanques of Cassis, a national park, offer breathtaking landscapes, while the Bandol vineyards invite you to sample their renowned rosé wines. Here are six must-visit stops to explore this wild and generous region, perfect for nature lovers and foodies alike.

Calanque de Sormiou

One of the wildest calanques, accessible on foot from Marseille, with turquoise waters and sheer cliffs. Perfect for a swim or a picnic by the sea.

Where to sleep nearby

Quiet parking by the sea Marseille Parking ★ 3.3 Uninterrupted sea views, free gravel car park 7 minutes by car. Bins on site, beachside atmosphere. › Beach parking with shower access Marseille Parking ★ 3.1 Direct beach access and showers, free 7 minutes by car. Bay views, sloping ground. › Parking near Decathlon Marseille Parking ★ 3.3 Large, easy-access car park, free 5 minutes by car. Public toilets, restricted to vans under 2.1 m. › Parking near Valmante primary schools Marseille Parking ★ 4 Spacious free car park in front of schools, 5 minutes by car. Quiet street during the day, long spaces (6 m). › Roadside parking Marseille Parking ★ 3 Close to Calanques hiking trails, free 31 minutes on foot. Van access possible, natural setting. ›

Calanque d'En-Vau

Often considered the most beautiful of the Calanques of Cassis, it stands out for its amphitheatre shape and fine sand. Reachable after a 1.5-hour hike from the Port-Miou car park.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Cassis Les Cigales Campsite ★ 3.6 2-star campsite 20 minutes on foot from Cassis, direct bus to Marseille. Shaded pitches and full amenities for 20-30€ per night. › Av. des Gorguettes, Cassis Motorhome area ★ 3.5 Free sloping aire near shuttles to Cassis and the Calanques, practical and well located. Marked spaces on the roadside. › Paid parking city center Cassis Parking ★ 3.7 Free overnight, mountain views, 10 minutes on foot from the centre. 2€ per hour during the day (9am-7pm). › Parking near Cassis peninsula Parking ★ 3.6 Free from 7pm to 9am, quiet residential street near the peninsula. 1€ per hour during the day. › Calanques parking Cassis Parking ★ 4 Wild parking in the Calanques, stunning sea views. Motorhome access possible, uneven ground. ›

Village of Cassis

This charming, colourful fishing port is the ideal starting point for exploring the calanques by boat. Enjoy a bouillabaisse or an artisanal ice cream by the waterfront.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Cassis Les Cigales Campsite ★ 3.6 2-star campsite 20 minutes on foot from the centre, direct bus to Marseille. Shaded pitches bordered by hedges. › Paid parking city center Cassis Parking ★ 3.7 Free overnight, 12 minutes on foot from the centre, mountain views. 2€ per hour during the day (9am-7pm). › Av. des Gorguettes, Cassis Motorhome area ★ 3.5 Free sloping aire, shuttles 100 m away for Cassis and Calanques. Two zones: marked spaces on the roadside. › Parking in Cassis Parking ★ 4 Free and quiet car park, 10 minutes on foot from the village. Slightly sloping but manageable. › Camping la Sauge Campsite ★ 3.1 Urban campsite 10 minutes from La Ciotat beaches. Spacious, shaded pitches, warm welcome. ›

Domaine viticole du Château de Pibarnon

Located at the tip of the Saint-Cyr peninsula, this estate produces organic Bandol wines in an exceptional setting. Visit the cellars and enjoy a tasting with views over the Mediterranean.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping de Ceyreste Campsite ★ 4.2 Quiet terraced campsite with coastal views, swimming pool. Steep access (7 km, 7 minutes by car). › Cemetery parking La Ciotat Parking ★ 4.5 Spacious, flat car park near a cemetery, quiet. 7 km (7 minutes by car) from the estate. › Camping Cassis Les Cigales Campsite ★ 3.6 2-star campsite near Cassis centre, direct bus. 14 minutes on foot, shaded pitches. › Av. des Gorguettes, Cassis Motorhome area ★ 3.5 Free sloping aire near shuttles to Cassis. 23 minutes on foot, practical for the Calanques. › Camping la Sauge Campsite ★ 3.1 Urban campsite near La Ciotat beaches, warm welcome. 6 km (6 minutes by car). ›

Calanque de Port-Miou

The only calanque accessible by car, it has a small marina and secluded coves. Ideal for a relaxing break before hitting the road again.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Cassis Les Cigales Campsite ★ 3.6 2-star campsite 20 minutes from the centre, direct bus to Marseille. Shaded pitches, rated 3.6 (571 reviews). › Av. des Gorguettes, Cassis Motorhome area ★ 3.5 Free sloping aire 100 m from shuttles to Cassis. Busy but practical, rated 3.5 (171 reviews). › Parking near Cassis peninsula Parking ★ 3.6 Free overnight (7pm-9am) on residential street. 9 minutes on foot from the centre, partially paved. › Paid parking city center Cassis Parking ★ 3.7 Free overnight, mountain views. 34 minutes on foot from the centre, 2€ per hour during the day. › Calanques parking Cassis Parking ★ 4 Wild parking in the Calanques, stunning views. 5 minutes by car, uneven ground. ›

Village of Bandol

At the heart of the vineyard region, this Provençal village combines wine-making tradition with a lively summer atmosphere. Don’t miss its weekly market and open cellars for tastings.

Where to sleep nearby

Parking at Madrague beach in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer Parking ★ 4 Facing the sea and Mediterranean port, free from 10pm to 8am. Toilets and flat beach access. › Van&Wood Campsite ★ 4.7 Farm campsite among olive trees and vines, rated 4.7/5. Modern facilities, 8 minutes by car. › Camping Le Rayolet Campsite ★ 4.4 3-star pedestrian campsite 500 m from the beach, heated pool. New facilities, 7 km from Bandol. › Free city centre parking Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer Parking ★ 4.3 Free town centre car park, 50 spaces. Supermarket nearby, 6 km in 7 minutes. › Centre AZUR Aire camping-car Motorhome area ★ 3.6 Secure aire in Sanary, 20€ per night. 5 minutes from Portissol beach, quiet. ›

See all spots on the map