11 Best Day Trips from Marseille
Hailing as France’s second biggest city, Marseille is a destination in and of itself. Cathedrals, museums, restaurants, sea, sun, calanques — the list is long. You certainly could spend days in Marseille, but another thing that makes this city shine is its proximity to other thrilling destinations. With a major train station and airport, Marseille is incredibly practical for travelers. From quaint villages to nature oases, there is a wealth of day trips from Marseille. Whether you’re traveling via train or car, here are some of the best day trips from Marseille.
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Cassis
Street markets, seaside restaurants and beach access all make Cassis a catch. If you’re looking for a hiking adventure, Cassis boats the beautiful calanques Port-Miou and En Vau. This Provençal town is a 15-minute train ride, under an hour by coach bus, or 30 minutes by car. In the summer time, it’s a great place to rent kayaks or canoes. P.S. It’s pronounced like the first name “Cassie.”
Aix-en-Provence
As much as I love Marseille, it’s true that it’s not known for its traditional French charm. Think Haussmannian architecture and quaint cobblestone streets. Well, you’re in luck because Aix-en-Provence is known for its warmly colored buildings, romantic architecture and weekly markets. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Marseille or 40 minutes by train. Important note: there are two Aix train stations (Centre and TGV). Be sure to book a train to Aix Centre as the TGV station is outside of the city. Some of my favorite things to do in Aix: visit Hôtel Caumont to see its art expositions or enjoy its gardens; wander its street markets; stroll le Cours Mirabeau; admire the fountain at La Rotonde.
Some of my favorite restaurants in Aix-en-Provence:
- Savory and sweet crêpes at La Crep ‘Sautiere
- The best falafel of your life at Tita
- Ethiopian food from Chez Ama
- Japanese and Korean food from Le Petit Kyoto
- Pastries from Maison Weibel
- Bakery goods from Béchard
Calanques
If you step foot in Marseille, please take the time to visit the calanques. These rocky inlets hugging the Mediterranean are sure to steal your breath. And technically, some of the calanques are in Marseille, so you don’t even need to leave the city 😉 Sugiton, Sormiou, Goudes, Frioul archipelago — so many choices for which calanque to visit. I wrote a post on how to best experience the calanques, depending on what you want to do (i.e. picnic, hike, swim, boat). And I also explain how get there by public transportation.
Niolon
Not even 30 minutes by train from Marseille, Niolon feels like a whole new world. In stark contrast to Marseille’s hustle and bustle, Niolon is a retreat to nature, to la Côte Bleue. Niolon is a great day trip from Marseille for its hiking trail through the Calanques and its beach access.
Gordes
A little over an hour by car, Gordes has earned the title of one of France’s most beautiful villages. And you’ll quickly see why. The bucolic village feel and epic views of the Luberon are sure to steal your heart. Even Emily in Paris filmed here!
Roussillon
About an hour and a half from Marseille by car, the town of Roussillon is a great place to get a deep breath of fresh air. Roussillon is known for its beautiful red colors, thanks to its ochre deposits. You can take a light hike through these quarries and marvel at the stunning Sentier des Ochres. Along the hike, there are markers explaining the history and uses of the quarry. I wrote a blog post about visiting Roussillon and other villages in the Vaucluse.
Avignon
Have a hankering to see the formal papal residence? You’re in luck because Avignon is just a 30-minute high-speed train ride from Marseille or a little over an hour by bus or car. Several stops that are a must during your day trip from Marseille: Palais des Papes and le Pont d’Avignon. There’s a French children’s nursery rhyme about Avignon’s famous “bridge” that is sure to get stuck in your head! I published a post on how to enjoy your day trip to Avignon.
Ready to explore Marseille and beyond? Take a peek at my France Field Guide, a 32-page resource chock full of travel tips, destination ideas, cultural tidbits and inspiration. (Grab a free preview here.)
Gorges du Verdon
This one is little farther out but so worth it. The Gorges du Verdon, or more precisely le Pont du Galetas, is under 2 hours by car from Marseille. Rent paddle boats and relish in the beauty of its turquoise waters. Here’s my blog post on what to do in the Gorges du Verdon.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
A little over an hour and a half, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie feels like turning back the clock a few centuries. Also named one of France’s most beautiful villages, Moustiers will always hold a special place in my heart. Hike up to La Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir, which is nearly a millennium old and is tucked in between the mountains. The village is known for its faïence, or earthenware, so be prepared to shop. Here’s my guide on how to best enjoy Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Château La Coste
About 45 minutes by car from Marseille, Château La Coste is the perfect escape into Provence. The domain offers art exhibits, outdoor sculpture park, a winery and several restaurants. Take a small group winery tour and finish the experience with a tasting of various wines. You will definitely need a car for this day trip from Marseille. Read my full guide on visiting Château La Coste.
Montpellier
Not even an hour and a half by train, Montpellier is also a quick trip from Marseille. This little “big city” will charm you with its restaurants, shops and vibrance — but all with a small-town feel. Stroll La Place du Comédie, one of its main squares, and be sure to visit the Place Royale du Peyrou for its impressive architecture. Read my Montpellier city guide here.
Marseille is a treasure chest; don’t skip this urban gem! But one of the great things about Marseille is its proximity to a wide variety of destinations. From Luberon villages such as Roussillon and Gordes to the sweeping calanques, these are some of the best day trips from Marseille.
