Cassis, Calanques and the Route des Cretes

So, now where we we? Oh, yes, on the road to the French Riviera.

After the whirlwind blast through Marseille (thanks, Ginger!), we were off to Cassis, known as the (relatively) poor Frenchman's St. Tropez. It is a charming little town, very welcoming and open, like Carmel, but with personality. There are two things to do in Cassis (not counting the ubiquitous Little Train) -- the boat trip to see the Calanques (bays carved from rock by glaciers) and a drive above the cliffs. We did both. The other thing to do is eat, and we did that, too. Our first night we had filet (Tom), and mussels (me), but the second night was a real stunner. Presqu'ile had been recommended to us (thanks, Richard!), so we made a reservation, and challenged the GPS to get us there. It worked, and we were one of two tables in the restaurant (a group came in as we were about done), and had a delightful meal. Our entree was a duck ragu in a flaky crust and salad, and our main course was merlue, which I think is perch, with spinach and mushrooms and shrimp sauce. Dessert was the real standout, though -- a napoleon type pastry filled with chocolate mouse and fresh raspberries, a raspberry sauce and creme fraiche ice cream. It was a beautiful as it was delicious. The next morning a quick trip into town for coffee and tartines (baguettes with butter and jam) and we were off to Nice.

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