Best Day Trips From Marseille France
Exploring the Gems of Provence and Beyond
While Marseille captivates visitors with its vibrant port and historic charm, the surrounding region of Provence beckons with countless treasures. These carefully selected day trips from Marseille offer the perfect opportunity to explore the best of Southern France’s countryside, coastal towns, and historic villages.
Aix-en-Provence
Why you should visit?
Just a short drive from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence is a charming town known for its elegant 17th-century architecture, leafy boulevards, and vibrant markets. It’s the birthplace of the famous painter Paul Cézanne, and you can visit his studio to see where he created many of his masterpieces. Aix-en-Provence offers a quintessentially Provençal experience, complete with fountains, art galleries, and delightful cafes.
How to Reach?
Aix-en-Provence is about 30 km from Marseille. You can reach it by car in approximately 30 minutes via the A51 motorway or take a direct train from Marseille’s Saint-Charles station, which takes around 40 minutes.
Best time to Visit?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal times to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Cassis and the Calanques
Why you should visit?
Cassis is a picturesque fishing village known for its beautiful harbor, colorful houses, and stunning cliffs. The real highlight is the Calanques, a series of steep-walled inlets along the coast between Marseille and Cassis. These limestone fjords are perfect for hiking, boating, and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
How to Reach?
Cassis is located about 30 km east of Marseille. It’s accessible by car in 40 minutes via the A50 motorway. You can also take a direct train from Marseille’s Saint-Charles station, which takes about 20 minutes.
Best time to Visit?
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities in the Calanques.
Avignon
Why you should visit?
Known as the “City of Popes,” Avignon is famous for the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town’s medieval architecture, charming streets, and vibrant cultural scene make it a fascinating destination. The annual Festival d’Avignon, one of the most important contemporary performing arts festivals in the world, also takes place here.
How to Reach?
Avignon is about 100 km from Marseille. You can reach it in about 1 hour by car via the A7 motorway or take a high-speed TGV train from Marseille, which takes around 35 minutes.
Best time to Visit?
Summer (July) for the festival or spring and autumn for more relaxed sightseeing.
Les Baux-de-Provence
Why you should visit?
Perched on a rocky outcrop, Les Baux-de-Provence is one of the most beautiful villages in France. It’s known for its medieval castle ruins, narrow streets, and panoramic views of the Alpilles mountain range. The nearby Carrières de Lumières, an immersive art exhibition set in a former quarry, is a must-see.
How to Reach?
Les Baux-de-Provence is about 85 km from Marseille. The drive takes around 1 hour via the A7 and A54 motorways. Public transportation options are limited, so it’s best to visit by car.
Best time to Visit?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring this hilltop village.
Arles
Why you should visit?
Arles is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich Roman history, including a well-preserved amphitheater and ancient ruins. It’s also famous for its association with Vincent van Gogh, who created some of his most famous works here. Arles is a cultural hub with a strong artistic heritage, hosting events like the Rencontres d’Arles photography festival.
How to Reach?
Arles is about 90 km from Marseille. The drive takes around 1 hour via the A55 and N113. You can also take a direct train from Marseille, which takes about 50 minutes.
Best time to Visit?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal for avoiding the summer heat.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Why you should visit?
This charming town is known for its Provençal markets, Roman ruins, and being the place where Vincent van Gogh was treated in a psychiatric hospital and painted some of his most famous works. The nearby Alpilles Regional Park offers beautiful landscapes for hiking and exploring.
How to Reach?
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is about 80 km from Marseille. It takes about 1 hour by car via the A7 and D99. Public transport options are limited, so a car is recommended.
Best time to Visit?
Spring and autumn are the best times to experience the local markets and mild weather.
Lourmarin
Why you should visit?
Lourmarin is one of the most picturesque villages in the Luberon region, known for its Renaissance château, charming cafes, and art galleries. It’s also a great place to sample local wines and olive oils.
How to Reach?
Lourmarin is about 70 km from Marseille. The drive takes around 1 hour via the A51 motorway and D943 road. Public transport is limited, so a car is the best option.
Best time to Visit?
Spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Gordes
Why you should visit?
Gordes is a stunning hilltop village in the Luberon, renowned for its stone houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The nearby Sénanque Abbey, a working monastery surrounded by lavender fields, is a must-visit.
How to Reach?
Gordes is about 90 km from Marseille. The drive takes around 1.5 hours via the A7 motorway and D2 road. Due to its location, it’s best to visit by car.
Best time to Visit?
Summer (June to August) for the lavender fields or spring and autumn for pleasant weather.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Why you should visit?
Known as the “Venice of Provence,” L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is famous for its antique markets and canals. It’s a charming town to explore on foot, with numerous cafes, shops, and art galleries.
How to Reach?
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is about 85 km from Marseille. The drive takes around 1 hour via the A7 motorway. Alternatively, you can take a train to Avignon and then a regional train to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, which takes about 1.5 hours in total.
Best time to Visit?
Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the outdoor markets and canal-side cafes.
Camargue
Why you should visit?
The Camargue is a unique natural region famous for its wild horses, pink flamingos, and expansive salt flats. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The regional capital, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, is also worth exploring for its beaches and traditional Provençal culture.
How to Reach?
The Camargue is about 100 km from Marseille. The drive takes around 1.5 hours via the A55 and N568. Public transport is limited, so it’s best to visit by car.
Best time to Visit?
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
Things To Do In Marseille, France
Château d’If
Famous from “The Count of Monte Cristo,” this island fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into Marseille’s history as a prison for political and religious prisoners.
Calanques National Park
A natural paradise of steep cliffs, hidden beaches, and turquoise waters, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying the stunning coastal scenery near Marseille.
La Vieille Charité
This 17th-century architectural gem in Le Panier district now houses museums and cultural exhibits, showcasing Marseille’s rich history and diverse heritage.