If you’re staying in Marseille and want to explore more of southern France, you’re in for a treat. Marseille is not only a lively port city full of history, character, and Mediterranean charm, but also an excellent starting point for unforgettable adventures nearby. From historic cities and colorful coastal towns to peaceful hilltop villages, and breathtaking natural sites, there are plenty of wonderful day trips from Marseille to choose from. Ready to explore? Let us show you the best day trips from Marseille worth adding to your itinerary.
All mentioned places in this post are a maximum of 1.5 hours away from Marseille by car. Keep in mind that using other means of transport may take longer. Also, we visited them all personally, during our few months of living on the French Riviera.
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Transport On Day Trips From Marseille
The fastest way of getting to all the mentioned places near Marseille is by car, either yours or rented. If you don’t travel with your own car, you can easily rent the best one for your needs through the Rental Cars website.
Most of the places are also accessible by public transport, by trains or buses. You can search for the connections that might interest you on the rome2rio.com or sncf-connect.com website.
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details. For a wide selection and well-reviewed tour options from Marseille be sure to visit GetYourGuide or Viator.
Best Seaside Day Trips From Marseille
Cassis
Cassis is located about 30km from Marseille. It’s one of the most charming seaside towns in southern France, located between the dramatic limestone cliffs of Calanques National Park and the sparkling Mediterranean waters. Cassis is a place where a colorful port, charming old town, stunning natural scenery, and laid-back vibes come together beautifully. It’s a destination that truly impresses – no wonder that it became one of the most popular day trips from Marseille!
La Ciotat
La Ciotat is located about 35km from Marseille. Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, La Ciotat surprises with dramatic rugged cliffs, beautiful beaches, a lively port, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. This gem is also where cinema was born and where petanque was invented! It’s a place where Provençal charm meets Riviera scenery, without the crowds. La Ciotat can be your quiet getaway, perfect for a day trip from Marseille.
Bandol + Sanary-sur-Mer
The neighboring towns of Bandol and Sanary-sur-Mer are located about 55km from Marseille, and only 6km from each other. They are perfect for a peaceful one-day escape.
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful French Riviera getaway with nice beaches, scenic seaside walks, palm-lined promenades, and world-class rosé wine, Bandol should be on your radar. This small seaside town charms visitors with its relaxed vibe, picturesque port, scenic coastal trails, and nearby vineyards producing some of France’s most celebrated wines.
Sanary-sur-Mer is another pretty coastal town near Marseille that perfectly blends stunning scenery, rich history, and a taste of authentic southern France. With pastel-colored facades, traditional wooden fishing boats in the port, peaceful beaches, and relaxed vibes, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy in Sanary. It’s the perfect place to slow down, unwind, and savor the moment.
Toulon
Toulon is located about 65km from Marseille. It’s a laid-back port city on the Mediterranean coast that often flies under the radar of travelers exploring southern France. But those who decide to stay are rewarded with beautiful coastal scenery, colorful markets, rich maritime heritage, stunning beaches, and a wonderfully local feel. If you’re looking for a unique French Riviera destination without the crowds, Toulon might surprise you. It’s a great day trip from Marseille – don’t skip it.
Best Cultural & City Day Trips From Marseille
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is located about 30km from Marseille. It’s a vibrant city in the heart of southern France, known for its charming streets lined with pastel houses, countless fountains, and a rich artistic heritage. Aix perfectly blends history and elegance with an unmistakable Provençal charm. Here, every corner feels alive – from colorful markets filled with local produce to sunny terraces where you can sip a glass of wine. All of that makes Aix-en-Provence one of the most popular day trips from Marseille, attracting thousands of people each year. We’re sure that it will capture your heart too!
Arles
Arles is located about 90km from Marseille. It’s one of the most beautiful towns in southern France, where ancient Roman wonders meet remarkable artistic heritage and timeless Provencal charm. This is a place where gladiators once fought in a majestic amphitheater and where Vincent van Gogh found his inspiration. With several UNESCO World Heritage sites, charming medieval streets, and numerous locations connected to Van Gogh’s paintings, Arles offers an unforgettable journey through history and art. Believe us, it’s a must-do day trip from Marseille.
Avignon
Avignon is located about 100km from Marseille. Once the seat of the Popes in the 14th century, this UNESCO-listed city is full of medieval charm, remarkable landmarks, and vibrant Provencal life. From the iconic papal palace and ancient ramparts to a half-bridge that inspired a beloved French song, and lively squares filled with cafés, Avignon perfectly blends rich history with the relaxed lifestyle. It’s definitely one of the most unforgettable places to visit near Marseille.
Travel tip. If you have time, you can also visit Villeneuve-les-Avignon, a charming medieval town just across the river.
Nimes
Nimes is located about 120km from Marseille. It’s one of the most underrated cities in southern France, often called the Rome of France. If you love ancient history, charming towns, and a laid-back atmosphere, Nimes should be on your radar. Here, you’ll find a blend of impressive Roman heritage, elegant streets, and a warm Mediterranean feel that makes exploring a real pleasure. Nimes is compact, easy to explore, and full of memorable sights.
Discover more beautiful places on the French Riviera ❤️
Best Village Day Trips From Marseille
Les Baux-de-Provence + Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Villages of Les Baux and Saint-Remy are located about 85km from Marseille, and just 10km from each other.
Les Baux de Provence is one of the most enchanting medieval villages in southern France, located high on a rocky hill. It’s a place where medieval charm, dramatic views, and Provençal beauty come together perfectly. With its ancient castle ruins, charming medieval streets, and immersive art shows, Les Baux is a truly magical place that has rightfully earned its spot among the ‘Most beautiful villages in France’.
Saint Remy de Provence is one of the most picturesque towns in Provence. With its pretty streets, impressive Roman ruins, and landscapes that, again, inspired Van Gogh’s most famous paintings, this little gem offers a magic that’s hard to resist. It’s one of those places where everything feels beautiful, calm, and effortlessly French. It’s a delightful destination near Marseille you definitely don’t want to miss.
Gordes + Roussillon
Gordes and Roussillon villages are located about 90km from Marseille, and only 10km from each other. These two combined make one of the most scenic day trips from Marseille.
If you’re dreaming of a postcard-perfect Provençal village and stunning panoramic views, Gordes should be at the very top of your bucket list. Dramatically perched on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside, Gordes instantly captures visitors’ hearts. Add ancient stone houses cascading down the hillside, an iconic abbey set among lavender fields, and a fascinating open-air museum of dry stone huts, and you’ll quickly understand why Gordes is named one of the most beautiful villages in France.
In Roussillon, every building glows in shades of deep red, burnt orange, vibrant yellow, and soft pink, beautifully contrasted by lush green pine forests. It’s a sigh that will leave you speechless! Add to that Sentier des Ocres, a scenic walking trail that winds through dramatic rock formations and vibrant landscapes, and you’ll get a place near Marseille hard to forget. It’s not surprising that Roussillon is also listed among the most beautiful villages in France!
Lacoste + Bonnieux + Lourmarin
Lacoste, Bonnieux, and Lourmarin villages are located about 80km from Marseille, and only about 10km from each other. No matter if you choose to visit one, two, or all of them, this day trip from Marseille will surely be one of the most unforgettable.
Lacoste is one of Provence’s most atmospheric hilltop villages, one of our absolute favorites. It’s small, quiet, and wonderfully authentic. With its stone houses, winding cobbled streets, and castle ruins overlooking the surrounding countryside, it feels like a place frozen in medieval times. If you’re looking for breathtaking views, a peaceful atmosphere, and Provençal vibe far from the crowds, Lacoste will be a perfect choice.
With its postcard-perfect views, steep cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and surrounding vineyards, Bonnieux is one of the most charming hilltop villages in Provence that will instantly steal your heart. It’s the ideal destination for travelers looking for peaceful streets, magnificent panoramas, and authentic village charm that make Provence so magical.
Lourmarin is another picturesque village in the heart of Provence, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees. With its beautiful Renaissance castle, cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and cafes, and peaceful atmosphere free from mass tourism, it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the Provençal charm. Lourmarin is also officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Bormes-les-Mimosas
Bormes-les-Mimosas is located about 105km from Marseille. Hidden between the hills and the sea, this picture-perfect destination bursts with flowers, charm, and beauty. Bormes offers a perfect blend of cobbled streets, colorful facades, peaceful squares, scenic Mediterranean views, peaceful atmosphere, and a rich historical heritage. If you’re after a quiet escape, this hidden gem is the place you’re looking for. It might not be the closest day trip from Marseille, but definitely worth the effort.
Hyeres
Hyeres is located about 80km from Marseille.It’s one of the most charming and underrated towns on the French Riviera, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. Set between the Mediterranean Sea and the rolling hills, Hyères blends history, nature, and coastal beauty in the best possible way. Think medieval streets, scenic sea and mountain views, peaceful gardens, and easy access to beautiful islands just offshore. If you’re looking for a destination that feels authentic, relaxed, and diverse, Hyères will steal your heart.
Best Nature Day Trips From Marseille
Calanques National Park
Calanques National Park is located about 20km from Marseille, stretching along the coast towards Cassis. It’s one of the most breathtaking natural areas in southern France, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and turquoise waters. Whether you choose to hike scenic trails, take a boat trip, or relax by one of the secluded calanques, the landscapes here are truly unforgettable. It’s a perfect escape into nature and easily one of the best day trips from Marseille for outdoor lovers.
Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau in Camargue Nature Park
The Camargue region is located about 100km from Marseille, and it’s one of the most unique natural areas in France. Known for its wild landscapes of wetlands, lagoons, and salt flats, it’s home to famous white horses, black bulls, and especially flamingos. The Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau is one of the best places to experience this natural beauty up close, with walking paths that let you observe birds in their natural habitat. It’s a peaceful and fascinating destination, and definitely one of the most memorable nature day trips from Marseille.
Best Day Trips From Marseille – Summing up & Our TOP5
Marseille is a fantastic destination on its own, but one of the best things about visiting it is how many incredible places you can discover nearby. From historic cities and medieval villages to spectacular coastline and peaceful nature spots, these day trips from Marseille show just how diverse and beautiful this part of the country really is.
We hope this guide helped you find a few beautiful places to add to your travel plans. Enjoy your visit to the South of France and soak up every bit of its wonderful charm!
Wondering what are our TOP5 day trips from Marseille? Arles, Cassis, Avignon, Lacoste + Bonnieux, and the Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau.
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