Communication: Cassis

Local SIM Cards

France's main mobile providers include Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile. They hold good coverage throughout Cassis and the surrounding region.

Purchase & Use

Prepaid SIM cards at phone shops, supermarkets, or "tabac."
Bring your passport; registration is a French law.
Costs typically €10-€30 for a monthly bundle.

ESIM Options

For compatible phones, eSIMs present a digital alternative. You can purchase and activate an eSIM plan digitally before you arrive.

ESIM Providers

Many international providers offer eSIMs for France.
Airalo: eSIM provider for travelers.
Solis Wi-Fi: Portable WiFi device retailer.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Most hotels, guesthouses, and many restaurants and cafes in Cassis offer free Wi-Fi for their customers.

Connectivity

Look for signs or inquire with staff.
Mobile data coverage is strong throughout Cassis.
Public Wi-Fi networks in some town squares.

Postal Services

La Poste, the French national postal service, has an office in Cassis. You can send mail and parcels there.

Mail & Parcels

Post boxes are bright yellow throughout town.
Stamps are available at post offices and "tabac" shops.
They also offer some banking services.

Language & Translation

Language hints

French is the official language.
Many in tourist-facing roles speak some English.
English might be limited outside immediate tourist zones.
Even a small effort to speak French draws appreciation.

Translation Tools

Google Translate: Download offline French pack.
DeepL Translate: Often praised for accuracy.
Rosetta Stone: Language learning platform.
A phrasebook or dictionary app.

Phrases

Bonjour (bohn-ZHOOR) - Hello; Merci (mehr-SEE) - Thank you; S'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH) - Please; Au revoir (oh ruh-VWAR) - Goodbye; Parlez-vous anglais? (par-LAY voo ahn-GLEH?) - Do you speak English? A few words go a long way.

Business Hours & Schedules

Shops

Generally open from 9:00 AM/10:00 AM to 7:00 PM/7:30 PM, Monday to Saturday. Many smaller shops close for a lunch break.

Restaurants

Lunch service usually runs from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM/2:30 PM. Dinner service generally starts around 7:00 PM/7:30 PM. Most close between lunch and dinner.

Bakeries

Open early, typically around 6:30 AM/7:00 AM. They often close mid-day for a break and reopen in the late afternoon, or close entirely in the early evening.

Banking & ATMs

Banks generally open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Some branches may open on Saturday mornings.

Access

ATMs widely available 24/7 in Cassis town.
They are the most convenient way to withdraw cash.
Check for bank-specific hours.

Public Holidays

Public holidays ("Jours Fériés") in France can cause closures of banks, post offices, and some shops or restaurants. Public transport schedules may reduce.

Dates

New Year's Day (January 1), Easter Monday.
Labor Day (May 1), Victory in Europe Day (May 8).
Bastille Day (July 14), Assumption Day (August 15).

Seasonal Variations

Low Season

Many businesses operate reduced hours or close entirely.
Typically November to March (after Christmas until early spring).
Always check opening hours in advance.

High Season

In summer, some tourist-area shops might stay open later.
Peak tourist season falls in July-August.
More consistent operating hours.

Plan Accordingly

Verify hours for specific businesses, especially outside of peak tourist season, to avoid disappointment. Public holidays bring service changes.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Embracing local customs enriches your experience in Cassis.

Greeting Customs

Always say "Bonjour" (good day) when entering a shop, restaurant, or addressing someone. Use "Bonsoir" (good evening) after around 6 PM. Always say "Au revoir" (goodbye) when leaving.

Forms of Address

Use "vous" (formal "you") for strangers, elders, authority figures.
Use "tu" (informal "you") only with close friends or when invited.
A "bise" (light kiss on cheeks) common among friends and family.

Appropriate Attire

Smart casual clothing is common. French people tend to dress neatly; avoid overly sloppy attire.

Settings

Churches: modest attire (shoulders and knees covered).
Dining: smart casual or dressier for evening meals.
Beachwear generally for beach or poolside areas, not town.

Dining Practices

Wait for the bill ("l'addition"), as it will not be brought automatically. Signal to your server when you are ready to pay.

Dining Tips

Common to order wine for the table.
Do not snap your fingers or yell for attention.
Tipping is included in the bill.

Photography Etiquette

Generally, it is fine to photograph public spaces, landmarks, and landscapes. Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.

Considerations

Ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.
Be mindful of privacy when photographing people's homes.
Respect signs prohibiting flash photography in museums.

Social Sensitivities

Taboos

Avoid politics, religion, personal finances with strangers.
Keep your voice down in public places.
Maintain a reasonable personal space when conversing.

Inclusivity

France is generally progressive and open.
Same-sex marriage is legal in France.
Public displays of affection are accepted for all couples.

Queues & Conduct

Public Conduct

Respect queues: line up patiently and wait your turn.
Keep voices down in public places.
Be polite in all interactions.

Interaction distinctions

Local interactions improve with a few French phrases.
Addressing locals with respect is .
A smile and polite words go a long way.

General Courtesy

Small efforts in politeness and language greatly improve local interactions. Dress appropriately for your surroundings.

Accessibility Information

Cassis's unique geography presents challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Mobility Challenges

Cassis's terrain, characterized by hilly areas, narrow and sometimes uneven cobblestone streets, and pebble beaches, can pose significant challenges for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

Infrastructure

Newer public buildings, hotels, or attractions generally hold better accessibility features.
Older buildings in the historic center may have steps.
Narrow doorways or no elevators are common in older structures.

Accessible Locations

The immediate port area of Cassis is relatively flat and more manageable for mobility aids.

Access Points

Boat tours of the Calanques might have varying boarding accessibility.
Inquire directly with operators regarding ramps or assistance.
The train station in Cassis is small and may have limited features.

Visual/Hearing Support

Specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited in a small town like Cassis.

Assistance Points

Major transport hubs like Marseille Saint-Charles may offer some assistance services.
Guide dogs are generally permitted in public places.
Limited town-specific services.

Information Resources

Contact the Cassis Tourist Office in advance of your visit for detailed information.

Planning Ahead

They can provide specific accessibility details for accommodations and restaurants.
Research specific hotel reviews for accessibility notes.
Organizations like Mobility International USA offer general advice.

Communication