Marseille is a vibrant port city and the perfect base for unforgettable adventures. Thanks to its excellent rail connections, you can easily escape the city and explore some of the most beautiful places in the south of France – all without renting a car! From colorful seaside towns and dramatic coastal landscapes to charming historic cities, there’s so many places waiting just a short train ride away. So if you’re looking for easy and scenic day trips from Marseille by train, you’re in the right place. Let us show you the best getaways you wouldn’t want to miss!
Note. All mentioned places are max 1.5 hours away from Marseille by train. Also, we’ve visited them all personally, during our 12+ months of living on the French Riviera.
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Day trips from Marseille by train
France is really well connected by trains. Below you can see a map of all train connections in the whole Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region. You can search for the connections that might interest you on the rome2rio.com or sncf-connect.com website.
Avignon
Once the seat of the Popes, 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 by train.
A trip by train from Marseille to Avignon takes only about 35 minutes. There are two train stations in the city: Avignon Centre located right next to the historic centre, and Avignon TGV located about 4 km outside the city center, serving high-speed connections.
Cassis
Cassis is one of the most charming seaside towns near Marseille, 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!
A trip by train from Marseille to Cassis takes about 1 hour. The town’s train station is located about 3 kilometres from the town’s centre. To reach it, you can choose to walk, catch a bus, or take a taxi.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant city best 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.
A trip by train from Marseille to Aix takes about 45 minutes. There are two train stations in the city: City Centre located right next to the historic centre, and Mediterranean TGV located about 15km outside the center, serving high-speed connections (you can easily take a shuttle bus to the Aix city center from there).
Toulon
Toulon is 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 by train – don’t skip it.
A trip by train from Marseille to Toulon takes about 1 hour. The town’s train station is located within walking distance of the old town and port.
Arles
Arles is 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 train getaway from Marseille.
A trip by train from Marseille to Arles takes about 1 hour. The town’s train station is located about 1 kilometre from the town’s centre, within an easy walking distance.
Discover more beautiful places on the French Riviera ❤️
Nimes
Nimes is 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.
A trip by train from Marseille to Nimes takes about 1.5 hours. The town’s train station is located within walking distance of the old town and port, only about 10 minutes on foot.
Sanary-sur-Mer + Bandol
The neighboring towns of Bandol and Sanary-sur-Mer are located only 6km from each other. They are perfect for a peaceful escape from Marseille. We recommend visiting Sanary first and then hopping on a train to Bandol.
Sanary-sur-Mer is a pretty coastal town 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.
A trip by train from Marseille to Sanary takes about 50 minutes. The town’s train station is located about 3 kilometres from the old town, with regular bus connections or about a 30 minute walk.
If you’re dreaming of nice beaches, scenic seaside walks, palm-lined promenades, and world-class rosé wine, Bandol should be on your radar too. This small seaside town charms its visitors with its relaxed vibe, picturesque port, scenic coastal trails, and nearby vineyards producing some of France’s most famous wines.
A trip by train from Marseille to Bandol takes about 40 minutes. The town’s train station is located about 15 minutes walk from the old town and port. The trip from Sanary to Bandol takes only 5 minutes.
Hyeres
Hyeres is 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 near Marseille that feels authentic, relaxed, and diverse, Hyères will steal your heart.
A trip by train from Marseille to Hyeres takes about 1.5 hours. The town’s train station is located about 2km from the village’s historic centre and 6km from the coastal areas.
Day trips from Marseille by train – Summing up & our TOP3
That’s it, our all ideas for amazing day trips from Marseille by train. As you can see now, Marseille is not only a destination on its own but also a fantastic gateway to some of the most beautiful places in southern France. You can easily explore coastal gems, history-filled cities, and charming towns – and all without the stress of driving!
We hope this guide was helpful, and now you’re one step closer to choosing day trips from Marseille by train well matched to your needs. Bon voyage and happy travels!
So what are our TOP3 day trips from Marseille by train? Avignon, Arles, and Cassis!
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