22 Best Day Trips from Marseille: Lavender Fields, Calanques & Provence Gems
Are you planning your vacation in the south of France and wondering what are the best day trips from Marseille?
There are plenty of gorgeous places to visit waiting for you around, from Provence’s lavender fields and picturesque villages to the spectacular scenery of the Calanques National Park. Choosing between all these places is not easy.
Relax, we have what you need! In this post, you will discover the best day trips from Marseille. Get ready for the most incredible sites and walks of Southeastern France!
1 – Cassis
A short ride away from Marseille, Cassis is your destination if you seek to relax for a day while enjoying some of the best seafood restaurants around.
Explore the Calanques, canyon-like formations covered with Mediterranean vegetation, dominating a turquoise sea and sandy beaches.
2 – Saint-Tropez
Who does not already know about the elegant charm of Saint-Tropez, one of the most famous towns of the Côte d’Azur! Walk along the classy promenades and brace yourself for the spectacular marina.
Saint-Tropez welcomes celebrities and some of the wealthiest people in the world!
3 – Calanques National Park
Not far from the French towns of Cassis and La Ciotat, an exceptional scenery awaits the visitors in the Calanques National Park.
Walking or sailing to sites like En-Vau or Sugiton, you will never forget these breathtaking and wild pieces of the Mediterranean landscape.
4 – Aix-en-Provence
Looking to experience a memorable and complete day trip in the heart of a beautiful region? Aix-en-Provence is your destination.
This always sunny town blessed with a colourful architecture offers many cultural activities and walks.
Make sure to visit the cathedral and the Roman Forum!
5 – Avignon
Discover the “City of Popes”. Avignon hosts some majestic examples of medieval architecture.
Visit the Popes’ Palace (a UNESCO world heritage site), home of the papacy during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, or the famous twelfth-century bridge.
6 – Lavender Fields
A trip to the lavender fields of Valensole and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is an extraordinary and colourful journey.
Feast your eyes on the sight of this countryside while learning more about essential oils, natural cosmetics and the making of perfumes.
7 – Cannes
Few places can match the glamour of Cannes and its well-known seafront avenue, the Promenade de la Croisette.
Once a year, the town becomes the centre of the cinematographic world, and the most famous movie stars step on its red carpet. Cannes simply embodies elegance.
8 – Luberon Villages
If you are fond of dramatic views, leaving Marseille for a tour of Luberon villages seems like an obvious choice.
Localities like Gordes and Roussillon share the same characteristic: they stand on rocky hilltops. These villages offer breathtaking landscapes.
9 – Nîmes
The most Roman city among Roman cities around Marseille, Nîmes displays an impressing mix of ruins and well-preserved buildings, such as the amphitheatre or the temple known as the Maison Carrée.
If you are an amateur of Roman history, do not hesitate and visit these fabulous remnants.
10 – Monaco
Much more than a home for the wealthy,Monaco‘s old town is well worth a one-day visit.
Explore “the Rock” and wander by the Prince’s Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard. The cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum are top-rated attractions as well.
11 – Les Baux de Provence
Sitting atop of high rocky cliffs, the castle of Les Baux de Provence makes for an unforgettable visit. From there, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramas over the Provence region.
As you walk by the old cobbled streets, experience the charm and history of this attractive fortified village.
12 – Montpellier
About two hours away from Marseille, the French city of Montpellier has everything you could ask for a day trip, from the beauty of the central Place de la Comédie to the vibrant life of its old town.
Montpellier mixes the charm of a Southern city with exuberant architecture.
13 – Nice
Leave Marseille and head to Nice, a busy but yet very different French city. Wander by the Promenade des Anglais or explore the heart of the Roman centre, before walking up the Colline du Château (“Castle’s Hill”) to enjoy the most delightful view over the city.
14 – Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Mainly known for producing some of the finest French red wines,Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a lovely village. Make the most of your day trip by experiencing a complete wine-tasting tour. You will get to sample red wines and visit local chateaux. Santé!
15 – Béziers
A city of Roman and medieval heritage,Béziers is filled with historical jewels.
Visit the cathedral and the amphitheatre for a glimpse at the city’s millenary past, as well as other architectural masterpieces like the bridge over river Orb, a viaduct that is part of the famous Canal du Midi.
16 – Arles
Once a major city of the Roman province Gallia Narbonensis, Arles hosts many UNESCO world heritage sites.
Among the many remains of the Roman era, discover the central place and its obelisk.
Explore Arles’ first-century amphitheatre, a temple of bullfighting and a premier concert stage.
17 – Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
In the heart of the region known as the Alpilles (“the small Alps”), Saint-Rémy-de-Provence showcases a unique antique heritage.
On the hilltop of Saint-Rémy, you will find a funeral monument and a triumphal arch while enjoying an unexpected and spectacular point of view over the Provence.
18 – La Ciotat
La Ciotat is the perfect destination to taste the sweet lifestyle and delicious cuisine of Mediterranean France.
For the most active travellers, hikes to the fantastic Calanques National Park from La Ciotat are the thing to do!
19 – Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
The majestic abbey of Saint-Andre and its gardens give to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon a historical charm and a quiet atmosphere that contrasts with the vibrant life of Marseille, Nice or even Avignon.
Visit the Philippe le Bel tower and enjoy pleasant walks in this peaceful scenery.
20 – Uzès
There is a close historical link between Uzès and Nîmes, two cities founded during the Roman era.
A 50-kilometres long aqueduct to Nîmes, including the Pont du Gard, starts in Uzès. This extraordinary UNESCO world heritage site and the town’s medieval architecture contribute to the place’s charm.
21 – Aurel
In an inspiring region for many artists and especially painters, Aurel is a prime example of an enlightened and colourful countryside.
On a sunny day, you will feast your eyes with panoramas of lavender fields, Meditteranean plantlife and light-coloured village buildings.
22 – Pont du Gard
Built during the first century to provide water to the city of Nîmes, the Pont du Gard is an incredibly well-preserved aqueduct surrounded by blue waters and rocky banks, offering dramatic views.
This engineering marvel is an important symbol of the Roman heritage in Southeastern France.
Hope you enjoyed our selection of the best day trips from Marseille. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions. Happy trails ! 🙂
