12 Best Day Trips From Marseille, France - Updated 2024

Trina Joy Cassey
Trina Joy Cassey 
Updated
| 5 min read

Located in Southern France, Marseille is a beautiful port city that functions as a commercial and trading hub in the region. Featuring a dramatic cityscape with quaint architectural wonders, Marseille has vibrant attractions that one must see in their lifetime. Dine in any of the restaurants in the Old Port of Marseille and gorge on delicious seafood fares. Marvel at the beauty of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde as well as the sweeping city views from its high-altitude location. An excursion can be tiring so a fitting accommodation is a must. While the hotels in Marseille are popular options, there are similarly quaint Airbnb vacation rentals in the city too. A day at Massif des Calanques is truly worthwhile. For a more in-depth guide on ideas for activities to do in this Southern France city, scroll through this list of the best day trips from Marseille, France.

1. Nice (from USD 110.0)

Set on the majestic French Riviera, Nice is the official capital of the French’s Alpes-Maritimes department. It is a city that is known for its breathtaking beaches, including the popular Baie des Anges, which is a favorite hideaway destination for tourists around the world. Also, it was the hometown of the famed painter, Henri Matisse, whose work is showcased in Musée Matisse. Plan a holiday in Nice and don’t forget to add Castle of Nice to your travel itinerary as it has the most magical views of Nice Bay.

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Nice The Original Old Town Food Tasting Tour

Duration: 3 hours

5 reviews

2. Cannes (from USD 596.11)

day trips from marseille | cannes

Cannes sits on the French Riviera, filled with stunning beaches, high-end shopping, and a vibrant film festival culture. Explore the picturesque old town of Le Suquet, with its charming narrow streets and panoramic views of the city. The renowned Cannes Film Festival takes place annually, so visit the iconic Palais des Festivals when you’re there!

Explore the stunning La Croisette, a bustling promenade with upscale boutiques, chic cafes, and luxurious hotels. Or, if you’d prefer, spend your afternoons relaxing on the golden sandy beaches and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample exquisite French cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants or indulge in local delicacies at the bustling food markets.

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Cannes: 6-Hour Private French Riviera Shore Excursion

Duration: 6.0 hour

50 reviews

3. Aix-en-Provence

The streets of Aix en Provence
Source: Pixabay

Aix-en-Provence is an urbane city that nests in Southern France’s Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It exudes elegance and sophistication that are reflected through the honey-colored architectural masterpieces scattered in the city. Aix Cathedral, Hôtel de Caumont, and Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte are a few testaments to its remarkable architecture. If you want to learn more about the city’s culture, visit Old Aix and make friends with locals. This vibrant area is filled with eateries where you can sample the best French specialties. Dive into the world of art at Musée Granet and be enchanted by its 12,000 art pieces that consist of sculptures, paintings, and ancient artifacts.

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4. Luberon (from USD 176.0)

A breathtaking massif on the southern side of France, Luberon is a charming area with stunning landscapes and picture-perfect sceneries. This destination will truly elevate any tourist’s experience of sightseeing in France. It is filled with natural beauty and the possibilities of outdoor adventures in Luberon are endless.

This village has lots of enchanting landmarks. Explore Lavander Museum and fall in love with the fragrant air from fields of violet blooms or stroll through l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Marvel at the beauty of nature while bathing in freshwaters at Fontaine de Vaucluse. Make the most of your visit by wining and dining in the gorgeous vineyard of The Domaine de la Citadelle.

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Marseille to Perched Villages of Luberon Full-Day Guided Trip

Duration: 11 hours 30 minutes

71 reviews

5. Cassis (from USD 107.3)

day trips from marseille | cassis

Make the most of your holiday and go on a side trip to Cassis, which is just roughly a 30-minute drive from Marseille. This Mediterranean port city has enchanting natural views that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Besides unforgettable sceneries, this commune is famed for its gorgeous beaches that showcase pebbly sands. Also, the cliffs in Cassis are a sight to behold, and ones that have the best views of nature. Pastel-colored houses dominate the harbor. Besides residential edifices, the harbor has restaurants and cafes that offer sumptuous seafood fares.

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From Marseille: Cassis and Aix-en-Provence Tour

Duration: 7.0 hour

123 reviews

6. Toulon

Toulon, France
Source: Pixabay

Toulon is one of the many port cities that nestles on the Mediterranean seas in France. Limestone mountains create a picture-perfect background to Toulon. It is a destination for beach-lovers as it is home to gorgeous sandy beaches and bustling harbors with quaint homes and lots of eateries. If you’ve always been fascinated by the nautical lifestyle, check out the exhibits at Musée National de la Marine. In the mood to score some souvenir items to mark your holiday in the city? Then, swing by Cours Lafayette. Are you into learning about Nice’s culture through performing arts? If so, book a ticket to Opéra de Toulon.

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7. Sault (from USD 160.0)

Nestled in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region’s Vaucluse department, Sault is a charming city that is famous for its vast lavender fields and scenic distilleries. It bills itself as the lavender capital of the world and it is the best place to score lavender products such as perfumes, soaps, and candles. It is characterized by purple rolling hills.

Besides lavender fields, Sault has other remarkable landmarks that will make a weekend getaway from Marseille, France, worthwhile. These include Les Gorges de la Nesque, Montagne d'Albion, and Mont Serein, to name a few.

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Lavender Tour Sault from Marseille

Duration: 10 hours

8 reviews

8. Arles (from USD 99.0)

Your Southern France escapade will not be complete without a visit to the charming city of Arles. Just like most cities in Southern France, Arles has a fair share of remarkable landmarks that one must see. The two-tiered Ales Amphitheater is a favorite tourist destination in the city. Other attractions include Abbaye de Montmajour and Château d'Estoublon. If you are more into nature than ancient edifices, Étang de Vaccarès, Parc naturel régional de Camargue, and Beach Piemanson should be the ones written on your to-visit list. You can not end your Arles holiday without swinging by Place du Forum, a bustling plaza that was featured in one of Van Gogh’s paintings.

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Arles and Camargue Small-Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon

Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes

38 reviews

9. Montpellier (from USD 86.71)

montpellier

A trip to Montpellier promises a delightful mix of history, culture, and a lively urban vibe. Get ready to be charmed by this dynamic city and create unforgettable memories. Explore the historic center, with its charming medieval streets, grand squares, and stunning architecture. Visit the iconic Place de la Comédie and marvel at the impressive Saint Peter’s Cathedral.

Discover the vibrant arts scene at the Musée Fabre, showcasing various artworks from various periods. Spend your evenings strolling through the picturesque Promenade du Peyrou, offering panoramic city views. Indulge in the local cuisine at traditional cafes and trendy restaurants, savoring the flavors of southern France.

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Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour

Duration: 3.5 hour

28 reviews

10. St Remy (from USD 925.0)

Explore the Bouches-du-Rhône department of France and fall in love with the commune of St Remy or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. A settlement that was built in 27 BC, St Remy is filled with rich cultural heritage, remarkable architecture, and history that is worth discovering. Adventure-seekers will surely dare to spend a day hiking through the scenic routes of Alpilles. Those who are into archeology must not miss a visit to the ancient Arena and the Theater. For foodies, Château Romanin is a restaurant and winery that must be on your travel itinerary. Your trip will end at Les Baux de Provence where you can admire a 10th-century fortress

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Arles, Baux-de-Provence, and Saint-Remy Tour from Marseille

Duration: 8 hours

1 review

11. Avignon (from USD 245.0)

Be mesmerized by the beauty of the river Rhône as you breeze through the streets of Avignon. In the 14th century, Catholic popes were seated in this commune. In the heart of the city, you’ll find the marvelous Palais des Papes, which is now a pilgrimage site for followers of Catholicism. While in Avignon, be sure to swing by L'Isle Sur La Sorgue Market. This bustling market has rare antique pieces and you just might score a valuable piece. Explore the Streets Of Arles and learn about the history of the city and see fascinating medieval architecture such as Pont d'Avignon.

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Private Tour: Avignon Half-Day Trip from Marseille

Duration: 5 hours

1 review

12. Monaco (from USD 66.0)

Monaco is a captivating little principality in France on French Riviera. It is a small region with an abundance of offerings waiting for its guests. From lush vegetation to views of the blue Mediterranean seas, nature-lovers will find Monaco a paradise to spend holidays in for life. Here, you’ll find the luxurious neighborhood of Monte-Carlo, where Place du Casino is located, as well as numerous designer boutiques. Musée Oceanographique on Le Rocher is also in Monaco. It is one of the oldest aquariums in the whole world and its exhibits of rare marine species are beyond compare. Jardin Exotique, Les Jardins Saint-Martin, Princess Grace Rose Garden, are a few of the most gorgeous parks in the city where you can unwind, meditate, and fall in love with nature. At night, check out Monaco Cathedral in all its glory or take a few risks at Casino Square.

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Monaco by Night eveningTour from Monaco Small-Group

Duration: 5 hours

12 reviews

Have an exciting getaway adventure in Southern France

Marseille is a charming port city in Southern France. It has remarkable architecture, iconic landmarks, and majestic natural wonders that are worth visiting. Plan an adventure on this side of the country and embark on exciting escapades that are one for the books. Use this list of the best places to visit from Marseille as your guide in planning an itinerary.

Frequently asked questions about the day trips from Marseille, France


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Trina, a preschool teacher, is a working mom and a devoted wife to an analyst programmer. She's also a writer, cook, and travel enthusiast. Trina firmly believes that travel is a valuable...Read more

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