An unforgettable day in Cassis , France
Some places instantly make your heart skip a beat, the moment you arrive. Our trip to Cassis France in 2009 was one of those magical destinations.
Nestled along France’s Mediterranean coast, this colorful fishing village welcomed us with sparkling turquoise water, weathered fishing boats, and warm terracotta rooftops that glowed in the afternoon sun. Everywhere we wandered, splashes of rich red—from café awnings and shutters to the little boats bobbing in the harbor—created a beautiful contrast against the brilliant blue sea.
Our visit lasted only one day and one unforgettable evening during our drive through Provence and the scenic vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but Cassis managed to leave memories that have stayed with us for years. This is the trip that inspired Steves wonderful wine collection.
We spent hours strolling the winding cobblestone streets, discovering tiny family shops overflowing with local cheeses, olives, fragrant herbs, and the day’s fresh catch from the Mediterranean. Naturally, I couldn’t resist wandering into the jewelry boutiques, where one delighted shopkeeper carefully wrapped a few treasures that still remind me of this little harbor every time I wear them.
Lunch found us at a sidewalk café overlooking the marina, where Steve had his favorite CROQUE MONSIEUR and quickly made a new friend—a sweet little brindle French Bulldog who leaned happily into every scratch behind the ears before settling in beside his owner. With the patience only a well-loved dog can muster, he watched every plate arriving at the table, quietly convinced his turn for a tiny taste would surely come.
While my illustrated Frenchie for the recipe card may wear a fawn coat instead of brindle, he’s inspired by that charming little café companion who made our lunch just a little more memorable.
The Croque Monsieur may look like a humble grilled ham and cheese sandwich, but the French have elevated it into something wonderfully indulgent. Layers of savory ham and nutty Gruyère cheese are tucked between buttery slices of bread, then toasted until crisp and golden.
Traditionally, it’s finished with a silky béchamel sauce and an extra blanket of bubbling cheese under the broiler—a simple café classic that’s rich, comforting, and unmistakably French.
While today’s recipe celebrates the classic Croque Monsieur, the meal we still talk about all these years later was Cassis’ famous Bouillabaisse. As one of the Mediterranean’s historic fishing ports, Cassis is known for seafood that comes straight from the day’s catch, and the rich saffron broth filled with fresh fish and shellfish was unlike anything we had ever tasted. Even now, it remains the finest seafood soup we’ve ever shared.
Perhaps that’s what travel is really about.
Not simply seeing beautiful places—but remembering the unexpected moments that become part of the journey: a friendly shopkeeper, a patient little French Bulldog beneath a café table, the scent of toasted bread drifting through the harbor, and a bowl of seafood soup so unforgettable that years later, one just the thought of it….. can still bring you back.
Every destination has a story… and every recipe begins with one.
FRENCHIE’S CROQUE MONSIEUR
Ingredients
For the Sandwiches
- 8 slices sturdy country-style white bread
- 8 slices Black Forest ham or Paris ham
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese sliced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ? teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg optional
For the Topping
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Make the Béchamel
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Spread Dijon mustard on the inside of four slices.
- Layer ham and sliced Gruyère cheese over the mustard.
- Top with the remaining bread, buttered side facing outward.
Toast
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Cook sandwiches for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
Finish Under the Broiler
- Place toasted sandwiches on a baking sheet.
- Spread a generous layer of béchamel over the tops.
- Sprinkle with grated Gruyère.
- Broil 2–4 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully browned.
Serve
- Serve immediately with:
- Mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette
- Fresh grapes or sliced figs
- A crisp apple or pear
- A glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape or a chilled Provence rosé
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
What is a Croque Monsieur?
Croque Monsieur is one of France’s most beloved café sandwiches. The name roughly translates to “Crunch Mister,” a nod to its wonderfully crisp, buttery crust. Unlike an ordinary grilled ham and cheese, it’s finished with a creamy béchamel sauce and extra Gruyère cheese before being broiled until golden and bubbly.
SOOT’s Tip
For the most authentic flavor, use a good-quality Gruyère cheese and hearty country bread. The béchamel may seem like an extra step, but it’s what transforms this sandwich from everyday comfort food into a true French café classic.
TAKE HOME A LITTLE FRENCH CHARM
From a patient little French Bulldog to sunlit harbor cafés, this ArtMuse Journey celebrates one unforgettable afternoon in Cassis.
Explore the collection inspired by this illustration in the Dog in the Kitchen™ store
