Day Trips from Aix-en-Provence: Aix En Provence

Coastal Charms: Marseille & Cassis

Marseille, approximately 30 km southwest, takes 30-40 minutes by bus or train. The Mucem (Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean) is a striking cultural landmark.

Self-guided exploration by public transport is direct. Organized excursions often combine Marseille with Cassis for a full day. Find day trips to Marseille.

Cassis & Calanques Highlights

Cassis: A picturesque fishing village with colorful buildings and a charming port.
Calanques: Stunning limestone fjords with clear, turquoise waters.
Ideal for boat trips, swimming, and challenging hikes.
Accessible by direct bus (L068) from Aix Gare Routière.

Historical & Natural Wonders

Explore further into Provence for its historical cities and natural landscapes.

Avignon: Papal History

Avignon is approximately 80 km northwest, reachable by TGV (30 min) or bus (1 hr).

Sites

Palais des Papes: An UNESCO World Heritage site.
Pont Saint-Bénézet: The famous Avignon Bridge.
A common stop on multi-city Provence tours.

Arles: Roman & Van Gogh

Arles is approximately 75 km west, about 1 hour by direct bus.

City Highlights

Impressive Roman ruins, including an Arena and Theatre.
Strong connection to Vincent Van Gogh, who created many works here.
Home to Les Rencontres d'Arles, a photography festival.

Natural Escapes & Cultural Gems

Verdon Gorge & Lac de Sainte-Croix

Europe's grand canyon, with dramatic cliffs and a turquoise river.
Lac de Sainte-Croix is popular for water activities.
Requires a full day; best with a car or organized tour.
Sainte-Victoire Mountain: Hiking is accessible directly from Aix.

Luberon Villages & Grasse

Luberon Villages (Gordes, Roussillon): Charming hilltop towns.
Luberon: Best explored by rental car or small-group tour due to limited public transport.
Grasse (Perfume Capital): Visit factories for tours and workshops.
Camargue: A unique wetland with wild horses, bulls, and flamingos.

Historical Sites & Natural Parks

Les Baux-de-Provence:Stunning hilltop village with medieval fortress ruins.
Carrières de Lumières:Immersive art show near Les Baux.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence:Roman ruins (Glanum) and Van Gogh's monastery.
Pont du Gard:Ancient Roman aqueduct, UNESCO World Heritage site.

Camargue Park:Unique wetland with white horses and flamingos.
Gorges du Verdon:Europe's grand canyon, for stunning views and water sports.
Montagne Sainte-Victoire:Easily accessible from Aix for hiking with various trails.
Grasse:World's perfume capital for factory tours.

Tip for Exploration

Consider organized tours for destinations with limited public transport or when covering multiple sites in one day. Browse guided excursions.

Multi-Day Regional Exploration

Consider extending your trip beyond Aix to uncover broader French or Italian highlights.

Provence Circuit

A 3-5 day journey through Roman history, diverse landscapes, and charming towns.

French Riviera

Spend 3-4 days exploring glamorous coastal cities.

Italian Riviera

A seamless cross-border extension from Nice for Italian coastal charm.

Provence Circuit: Details

After Aix, dedicate several days to a dive into Provence's diverse regions.

Suggested Route

1-2 nights in Avignon (Palais des Papes, Pont du Gard, Châteauneuf-du-Pape).
Consider 1-2 nights in Arles (Roman sites, Camargue) or the Luberon.
Best done with a rental car for maximum flexibility.

French Riviera: Details

Head east from Aix to the glamorous French Riviera for a different coastal atmosphere.

Coastal Exploration

Direct TGV from Aix TGV station to Nice and other coastal towns.
Explore Nice's Promenade des Anglais, Cannes, and Monaco.
Focus on glamour and Mediterranean beaches.

Extended Travel Insights

Dordogne/Loire Valley:Explore prehistoric caves, medieval villages, or châteaux.

Travel time to Dordogne/Loire:Requires longer travel, possibly domestic flight or longer train.

Italian Riviera connection:Easy by train from Nice to Ventimiglia and Sanremo.

Distinct Landscapes:Italian coast offers a new experience.

Considerations:More planning for multi-country trips.

Options:Different cultural and geographical experiences.

Extended Trip Planning

For seamless cross-regional or cross-country journeys, pre-book high-speed rail.
Consider a rental car for maximum flexibility within Provence or specific regions.
Research local passes or combined tickets for attractions in multi-day destinations.
Book accommodation ahead, especially during peak season for extended trips.
Pack versatile clothing for diverse environments across regions.

Plan Your Day Trips

Choosing Your Excursion

1

Distance & Time

Assess travel time to avoid rushing. Some sites are full-day journeys.

2

Transport Method

Public transport covers many areas; a rental car offers flexibility for rural sites.

3

Activity Focus

Align your choice with interests: history, nature, food, or art.

Self-Guided Exploration

Greater flexibility with schedule and pacing.
Opportunity to discover unexpected spots.
Can be more budget-friendly by using public transport.
Requires more independent research for logistics.
Suitable for destinations with good public transport links.
Ideal for travelers preferring autonomy.

Organized Day Tours

Logistics are handled, simplifying travel.
Guides provide historical and cultural context.
Convenient for visiting multiple remote villages in one day.
Often include transport to sites with limited public access.
Can save time and effort in planning.
Consider tours for specific interests like wine or lavender.

Essential Day Trip Items

Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated and carry energy boosts, especially for outdoor excursions.

Comfortable Shoes

Cobblestone streets and hiking trails call for supportive footwear.

Sun Protection

Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are recommended year-round in Provence.

Before You Go

Always confirm opening times for attractions, especially during public holidays or the off-season. Some businesses may have seasonal closures.

Day Trips from Aix-en-Provence