Nearby Destinations: Marseille

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is approximately 30 km (18.6 miles) northeast of Marseille. Travel time is usually 30-40 minutes by car or bus, and 35-40 minutes 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 many fountains, tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, and association with painter Paul Cézanne. Its historic center offers charm with its streets, markets, and upscale boutiques.

Visitor Notes

Organized tours often combine Aix with other Provençal highlights.
Dedicate a half-day to a full day for exploration.
Stroll along Cours Mirabeau and explore Cézanne's studio (booking recommended).
Wander through the Old Town's alleys and enjoy a Provençal market.

Day Trip Highlights

Explore further into Provence with these distinct excursions.

Cassis & Calanques National Park

Cassis is approximately 20 km (12.4 miles) southeast of Marseille. Travel time is usually 30-45 minutes by car or bus. The M08 bus departs from Marseille Castellane to Cassis. Numerous boat tours to the Calanques depart from both Cassis and Marseille Vieux-Port.

Visit Notes

A full day is appropriate. Spend the morning hiking or boat cruising in the Calanques.
Explore Cassis village, its port, and relax on the beach.
Check fire risk restrictions in summer for park access.

Avignon

Avignon is approximately 100 km (62 miles) north of Marseille. Travel time is a quick 30 minutes by high-speed TGV train, or about 1 hour 15 minutes by car. High-speed TGV trains run frequently from Marseille Gare Saint-Charles directly to Avignon Centre.

Exploration Tips

A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its Palais des Papes.
See the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet (Avignon Bridge).
Plan for a full day of sightseeing.

Natural Escapes

Parc National des Calanques

Unique limestone fjords and secluded coves with clear turquoise waters.
A paradise for hiking, swimming, kayaking, and rock climbing.
Check fire risk restrictions during summer (June-September).
Access park's official website for daily updates on conditions.

Îles du Frioul & Château d'If

Archipelago with rocky coves, clear waters, and coastal walks.
Regular ferry services depart from the Vieux-Port for easy excursion.
Château d'If, a historic fortress, featured in "The Count of Monte Cristo."
Dedicate a half-day to exploring the islands and the château.

Day Trip Considerations

Transportation OptionsTrain, Bus, Car, Boat
Travel FlexibilityIndependent or Organized Tours
Park Access UpdatesCheck Official Websites
Iconic LandmarksPalace, Bridge, Islands

Activity FocusHiking, Swimming, History, Art
Best Time to VisitVaries by Activity
Local MarketsAix-en-Provence
Coastal SceneryCassis & Calanques

Day Trip Logistics

Careful planning for day trips from Marseille helps you maximize your exploration time and experiences. Consider early departures for popular sites.

Cultural Excursions

Beyond the immediate vicinity, Provence presents historical and cultural explorations.

Arles

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.

Les Baux-de-Provence

Approximately 70 km (43 miles) north. Travel time is about 1 hour by car. A perched medieval village offering panoramic views. Home to the Carrières de Lumières immersive art show.

Gordes & Luberon Villages

Approximately 80 km (50 miles) north. Travel time is around 1 hour by car. Iconic hilltop villages in the Luberon region known for their beauty and stone architecture. Famous for lavender fields.

Arles Exploration

Arles boasts well-preserved Roman ruins, including a magnificent amphitheater, a Roman theater, and ancient baths. It also possesses a strong connection to Vincent van Gogh.

Sights

Explore the Roman Amphitheater.
Visit the Roman Theater and baths.
Discover locations linked to Van Gogh's paintings.

Les Baux & Luberon

Les Baux-de-Provence is a "Most Beautiful Village of France." Gordes is an iconic hilltop village in the Luberon. This area is famous for its lavender fields, blooming late June to mid-July.

Regional Highlights

A rental car is best for exploring Luberon villages.
Experience the Carrières de Lumières art show.
Enjoy the scenic beauty of Gordes and nearby Roussillon.

Multi-Day Extension Tips

Marseille to French Riviera2-3 Days

Marseille to Avignon & Luberon2-3 Days

Explore Papal HistoryAvignon

Idyllic CountrysideLuberon Villages

Marseille to Camargue1-2 Days

Diverse ExperiencesCoastal Glamour & Wildlife

Regional Connections

Consider TGV trains for fast travel to major cities like Avignon and Nice.
A rental car helps for flexibility in rural areas like the Luberon.
Organized tours are available if independent travel feels complex.
The region offers a diverse range of historical and natural sites.
Expanding your journey broadens your experience of Southern France.

Longer Journeys

Marseille's location offers a logical starting point for longer regional explorations.

French Riviera Extension

Add 2-3 days to reach Nice and the French Riviera. Travel by direct train along the scenic coast (Marseille-Toulon-Cannes-Nice). The train journey itself presents beautiful sea views.

Highlights include:

Experience Riviera glamour.
Visit world-class art museums (Matisse Museum, Chagall Museum in Nice).
Relax on beautiful beaches.

Avignon & Luberon

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.

experiences:

Discover papal history in Avignon.
Explore more Roman heritage in Orange or Pont du Gard.
Immerse yourself in the idyllic Provençal countryside, including lavender fields (seasonal).

Camargue Regional Park

Add 1-2 days to see the Camargue Regional Natural Park. Accessible by car, or by train to Arles followed by local bus/taxi/bicycle. This vast, flat landscape presents a distinct natural contrast to the Calanques.

What to expect:

Encounter wild white horses.
Observe pink flamingos in their natural habitat.
See Camargue bulls and traditional cowboys.

Tailoring Your Extended Trip

These extensions invite you to expand your Southern France adventure, presenting diverse experiences beyond Marseille's immediate offerings.

Considerations:

Mix city exploration with countryside escapes.
Plan your route to minimize travel time between regions.
Account for seasonal changes, especially for natural sites.

Extended Stay Tips

Apartment Rental

Renting an apartment in a local neighborhood truly captures daily life.

Local Immersion

Visit local markets regularly and explore niche museums and events.

Skill Development

Join local cooking classes or language courses.

Seamless Travel

Regional networks and attractions provide opportunities for expanding your adventure. Consider a GetYourGuide multi-day experience to simplify planning. Explore Day Trips with GetYourGuide.

Nearby Destinations