Marseille, a vibrant port city in the south of France, is not just a destination itself but also a gateway to some of the most beautiful and diverse regions in Provence and along the French Riviera.
🏠 Where to Stay in Marseille:
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port
- ✨ 5-Star: InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel
- 🏨 4-Star: nhow Marseille
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Hotel Marsiho by Happyculture
- 💸 Cheap: Residhotel Le Grand Prado
- 🏢 Apartment: Staycity Aparthotels Marseille Centre Vieux Port
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Les Appartements du Vieux Port
- 🏩 For Couples: Maison Juste
In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of exciting day tours you can take from Marseille, each offering its own unique blend of culture, history, and breathtaking scenery. From wandering through the lavender fields near Aix-en-Provence to kayaking in the turquoise waters of Verdon Gorge, these adventures showcase the best of what this enchanting region has to offer. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the hidden gems around Marseille!
💁 Best Guided Tours from Marseille:
- Provence Sightseeing Tour: Marseille and Cassis Calanques Cruise from €85 (⭐ 4.7/5)
- [link_getyourguide url=”/marseille-l292/marseille-cote-bleue-marine-park-4-hour-boat-cruise-t471213″ label=”en_marseille_daytrips” text=”Marseille Côte Bleue Marine Park: 4-Hour Boat Cruise”][/link_getyourguide] from €55 (⭐ 4.8/5)
- [link_getyourguide url=”/marseille-l292/from-marseille-half-day-sailing-trip-in-the-calanques-t420873″ label=”en_marseille_daytrips” text=”Half-Day Sailing Trip in the Calanques from Marseille”][/link_getyourguide] from €70 (⭐ 4.9/5)
- Best of Provence Day Trip: Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Les Baux from €120 (⭐ 4.6/5)
Best Day Trips from Marseille
1. Aix-en-Provence
Visit duration: 4-6 hours / Travel duration: 40 minutes (20 miles/32 km by train)
Provence Charm. Aix-en-Provence, often called the “City of a Thousand Fountains,” is one of the best places to visit near Marseille and a quintessential Provence town. Stroll along the Cours Mirabeau, a tree-lined boulevard bustling with cafés and street markets. The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, fountains like the Fontaine de la Rotonde, and historic sites such as the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, a masterpiece blending Romanesque and Gothic styles. Don’t miss the daily markets at Place Richelme for fresh produce and local crafts.
Art and Wine. Aix is Cézanne’s hometown, and visiting Atelier Cézanne gave me insight into his artistic process. If you’re visiting in summer, consider a wine tour from Marseille to the vineyards around Montagne Sainte-Victoire for great views and tastings of local rosé wines. The Saint-Sauveur Cathedral is another highlight, blending Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Budget Tip: A round-trip train ticket costs around €16 ($17). Walking in Aix is free, so save your euros for a coffee at Les Deux Garçons!
Insider Tip: Visit on a Tuesday or Saturday morning to enjoy the vibrant street markets selling Provençal goods like lavender sachets and olive oil.
⭐ Best Activities
- Provence Sightseeing Tour: Marseille and Cassis Calanques Cruise: Discover the breathtaking beauty of Provence with a tour from Marseille to Cassis, including a scenic Calanques cruise. Experience the stunning landscapes and charming coastal villages of this iconic region.
⭐️ Entrance to Hôtel de Caumont – Check availability of tickets
2. Cassis and Calanques National Park
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 45 minutes (19 miles/30 km by car)
Natural Wonders. Cassis is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the Provence region, known for its sandy beaches like Plage de la Grande Mer and its proximity to Parc National des Calanques. I joined a boat tour to explore the Calanques de Cassis, including Calanque d’En-Vau and Calanque de Port-Pin, where turquoise waters meet dramatic limestone cliffs.
Adventure Options. Hiking trails offer breathtaking views of Cap Canaille, France’s highest sea cliff. Alternatively, rent a kayak to paddle along the coast for an up-close experience of this stunning natural landscape.
Budget Tip: Take a regional TER train (€10/$11 one way) to Cassis and use the shuttle bus to reach the town center.
⭐ Best Activities
- Provence Sightseeing Tour: Marseille and Cassis Calanques Cruise: Discover the breathtaking beauty of Provence with a tour from Marseille to Cassis, including a scenic Calanques cruise. Experience the stunning landscapes and charming coastal villages of this iconic region.
- Marseille Côte Bleue Marine Park 4-Hour Boat Cruise: Embark on a captivating 4-hour boat cruise through the Côte Bleue Marine Park, departing from Marseille. Enjoy the serene beauty of the Mediterranean as you explore hidden coves and marine life.
- Half-Day Sailing Trip in the Calanques from Marseille: Set sail on a half-day adventure exploring the stunning Calanques National Park from Marseille. This sailing trip offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience along the French coast.
3. Avignon
Visit duration: 6-8 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (63 miles/101 km by train)
Historical Marvels. Avignon is home to the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes, one of Europe’s largest Gothic buildings. I spent hours exploring its grand halls and terraces (€12/$13 entry). The Pont d’Avignon, a half-bridge over the Rhône River, is another iconic spot worth visiting.
Budget Tip: Purchase a combined ticket for Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon (€14/$15) to save money on entry fees.
Cultural Experiences. The city’s vibrant arts scene comes alive during July’s Avignon Festival, but even off-season, its museums like Musée Calvet are worth exploring. Don’t miss sampling local wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape at nearby vineyards.
⭐ Best Activities
Best of Provence Day Trip from Marseille: Explore the highlights of Provence on this comprehensive day trip from Marseille, visiting Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Les Baux de Provence. Experience the rich history and scenic beauty of these iconic locations.
⭐️ Palace of the Popes & Gardens – Check availability of tickets
4. Arles and Camargue
Visit duration: 5-7 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour (55 miles/89 km by train)
Roman Ruins and Art. Arles is famous for its Roman monuments like Les Arènes amphitheater and the Roman theater. The city also celebrates Van Gogh’s legacy; I visited Fondation Vincent van Gogh to see works inspired by his time here (€9/$10 entry).
Wildlife in Camargue. Just outside Arles lies the Camargue Regional Nature Park, one of the most unique natural landscapes in France. I explored its wetlands by bike, spotting pink flamingos, white horses, and black bulls along the way.
Insider Tip: Combine your trip with a visit to nearby Aigues-Mortes for views of pink salt lagoons from its medieval ramparts. Visit on market days (Wednesday or Saturday) for vibrant stalls selling everything from Provençal fabrics to lavender products.
⭐ Best Activities
- History and Van Gogh in Provence from Marseille: Delve into the artistic legacy of Van Gogh with a tour through Provence’s historical sites. From Arles to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, explore the landscapes that inspired his masterpieces.
- Arles, Les Baux, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Tour from Marseille: Discover the cultural treasures of Arles, Les Baux, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence on this enriching tour from Marseille. Visit Roman ruins, medieval villages, and picturesque landscapes in one unforgettable day.
⭐️ Montmajour Abbey – Check availability of tickets
5. Nice
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 2 hours (123 miles/198 km by train)
Seaside Charm. Nice combines Mediterranean beauty with French sophistication. I loved strolling along the Promenade des Anglais, where locals jog or relax by the beach. The Old Town (Vieux Nice) is perfect for wandering through narrow streets filled with colorful buildings and lively markets like Cours Saleya.
Art Enthusiast’s Paradise. Don’t miss the Matisse Museum or Marc Chagall Museum (€10/$11 each), both showcasing works inspired by the Côte d’Azur’s light and landscapes.
Budget Tip: Take advantage of regional TER trains (€30/$32 round trip). Avoid taxis as they can get pricey!
⭐️ Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa – Check availability of tickets
Price Comparison Table
| Destination | Transportation Cost (Round Trip) | Entry Fees | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aix-en-Provence | €16 ($17) | Free – €10 ($11) | €16-26 ($17-28) |
| Cassis & Calanques | €10 ($11) | €25 ($27) | €35 ($38) |
| Avignon | €20 ($21) | €12-14 ($13-15) | €32-34 ($34-36) |
| Arles | €18 ($19) | €9 ($10) | €27 ($29) |
| Nice | €30 ($32) | €10 ($11) | €40 ($43) |
Unique Experiences
1. Verdon Gorge
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 2 hours (100 miles/160 km by car)
Outdoor Adventures. Known as Europe’s Grand Canyon, Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon) is one of the most beautiful spots in Provence for outdoor activities like kayaking along the Verdon River or hiking trails with panoramic views of Sainte-Croix Lake (Lac de Sainte-Croix). I rented a kayak (€20/$22) to paddle through turquoise waters surrounded by towering cliffs.
Scenic Villages. Nearby Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a charming hilltop village famous for its pottery workshops and lavender fields during summer months.
Budget Tip: Car rentals are essential for this trip; public transport options are limited.
2. Nîmes and Pont du Gard
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (75 miles/120 km by train)
Roman Heritage. Nîmes is home to some of France’s best-preserved Roman ruins, including Maison Carrée (a Roman temple) and Tour Magne (a watchtower offering panoramic views). The highlight for me was the Arena of Nîmes (Arènes de Nîmes), an ancient amphitheater still used for events today (€10/$11 entry).
Pont du Gard Excursion. Just outside Nîmes lies Pont du Gard, an impressive Roman aqueduct spanning the Gardon River (€9/$10 entry). I hiked along trails near the aqueduct before enjoying a picnic on its banks.
⭐️ Pont du Gard: Skip-the-Line – Check availability of tickets
Practical Tips for Exploring Around Marseille
- Transportation: Use regional TER trains for affordable travel around Marseille or rent a car for remote destinations like Verdon Gorge.
- Seasonal Considerations: Summer offers lavender fields in full bloom but also brings crowds; spring or fall provides milder weather.
- Packing Essentials: Bring sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, water bottles, and swimwear if planning activities like kayaking or swimming.
- Book Ahead: Popular tours like wine tastings or boat rides in Calanques fill up quickly—reserve your spot online.
❓ FAQs
What are the best day trips from Marseille?
The best day trips from Marseille include exploring the charming streets of Aix-en-Provence, the stunning Calanques National Park near Cassis, and the historical wonders of Avignon. Each destination offers unique experiences, from vibrant street markets to breathtaking natural landscapes.
How can I visit Nîmes on a day tour from Marseille?
To visit Nîmes, take a train from Marseille’s main station, which takes about 1.5 hours, and explore its Roman ruins like the Arena of Nîmes and Maison Carrée. A day tour allows you to also visit the nearby Pont du Gard, a magnificent Roman aqueduct.
Is it possible to take a day trip to St Tropez from Marseille?
Yes, you can take a day trip to St Tropez by driving along the coast or taking a train and bus combination, which takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours each way. St Tropez is famous for its sandy beaches, luxury yachts, and vibrant nightlife.
What makes Château d’If a popular day trip destination from Marseille?
Château d’If is a popular day trip destination due to its historical significance as a former fortress and prison, famously featured in The Count of Monte Cristo. A short boat ride from Marseille’s Old Port takes you to this intriguing island château.
Are there guided day tours available for exploring around Marseille?
Yes, there are numerous guided day tours available that cover popular destinations like Aix-en-Provence, the Calanques, and Avignon. These tours often include transportation and expert guides who provide insights into the region’s history and culture.
