The pick of Cassis’s mid-range hotels, La Rade gazes out over the ocean, a 3-min. walk from the pedestrian only quays. Its enviably tranquil position is also convenient for strolls west to plage du Bestouan and into the Calanques National Park beyond. In summer, the hotel’s locally sourced breakfast—think Cassis jams and Provençal saucisson—is served by the swimming pool. It’s not only the only sea view piscine in town, but heated too, which means it’s open year-round. The hotel terrace is justly popular with artists. Indeed, Sir Winston Churchill honed his painting skills at the Camargo Foundation (www.camargofoundation.org) artist residency just across the street.