Marseille Provence-alpes-cote Dazur, France Travel Guide
Aix-en-Provence is roughly 30 km (18.6 miles) northeast of Marseille. Travel time is usually 30-40 minutes by car or bus, and 35-TWO-THIRDS of an hour by regional TER train. Regular and frequent bus service (Ligne 50) departs from Marseille Gare Saint-Charles. TER trains also run frequently from Gare Saint-Charles directly to Aix-en-Provence.
An elegant city known for its numerous fountains, tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, and association with painter Paul Cézanne. Its historic center offers charm with the roads in, markets, plus premium boutiques.
Explore further into Provence with these distinct excursions.
Cassis is approximately 20 km (12.4 miles) to the southeast of Marseille. Journey the time period is usually 30-45 minutes by car or bus. The M08 bus departs from Marseille Castellane to Cassis. Numerous boat cruises to the Calanques depart from both Cassis and Marseille Vieux-Port.
Avignon is approximately 100 km (62 miles) north of Marseille. Travel time is a quick 30 minutes by high-speed TGV train, or around 1 hour 15 minutes by car. High-speed TGV trains run often from Marseille Gare Saint-Charles directly to Avignon Centre.
Beyond the immediate vicinity, Provence has historical and cultural explorations.
Approximately 90 km (56 miles) northwest. Travel time is around 50 minutes by regional TER train from Marseille Gare Saint-Charles. A UNESCO site with well-preserved Roman ruins and connections to Vincent van Gogh.
Approximately 70 km (43 miles) north. Journey the time period is approximately 1 hour by car. A perched medieval village offering panoramic views. Where you'll find the Carrières de Lumières immersive art show.
Approximately 80 km (50 miles) north. Travel duration is around ONE hour by car. Iconic hilltop villages in the Luberon region known for their beauty and stone architecture. Famous for lavender fields.
Arles boasts well-preserved Roman ruins, including a magnificent amphitheater, from Roman times theater, and ancient baths. It additionally owns a strong connection to Vincent van Gogh.
Les Baux-de-Provence is a "Most Beautiful Village of France." Gordes is a symbolic hilltop village in the Luberon. This area is known for its lavender fields, blooming end Of june to mid-July.
Marseille's location offers a logical starting point for longer regional explorations.
Add 2-A 3-day period to reach Nice and the French Riviera. Go by direct train along the scenic coast (Marseille-Toulon-Cannes-Nice). The train journey itself has beautiful sea views.
Add 2-3 days by taking a TGV train from Marseille to Avignon. From Avignon, a rental car allows exploration of the picturesque Luberon villages at your own pace.
Add 1-2 days to see the Camargue A Nature Park for the area. Accessible by car, or by train to Arles followed by local bus/taxi/bicycle. This vast, flat landscape has a distinct natural contrast to the Calanques.
These extensions invite you to expand your Southern France adventure, presenting diverse experiences beyond Marseille's immediate offerings.
Renting an apartment in a local neighborhood truly captures daily life.
Visit local markets regularly and explore niche museums and events.
Join local culinary classes or language lessons.
