Best One-Day Trips from Marseille: Explore Provence and Beyond
Aix-en-Provence
Explore the best of Aix-en-Provence in a day!
Avignon
Explore the best of Avignon in a day!
Cassis
Explore the best of Cassis in a day!
Arles
Explore the best of Arles in a day!
One-Day Trip from Marseille to Aix-en-Provence
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Marseille: 33 km (20 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes by car, 40 minutes by train
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the A7 motorway north from Marseille. Parking is available in several public lots in Aix-en-Provence.
- By Train: Regular trains run from Marseille Saint-Charles station to Aix-en-Provence TGV station.
Main Attractions
Cours Mirabeau A picturesque boulevard lined with plane trees, fountains, and charming cafes. It's the perfect place to start your day with a leisurely stroll and a coffee. Don't miss the iconic Fontaine de la Rotonde at one end of the street.
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral This stunning cathedral features a mix of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic. Inside, you'll find beautiful tapestries, a 15th-century triptych, and a serene cloister. The cathedral's peaceful atmosphere makes it a must-visit.
Atelier Cézanne The former studio of the famous painter Paul Cézanne, this museum offers a glimpse into the artist's life and work. The studio has been preserved as it was when Cézanne worked there, providing an intimate look at his creative process.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day with a walk along Cours Mirabeau, followed by a visit to Saint-Sauveur Cathedral.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes or bistros in the city center.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Atelier Cézanne and the surrounding gardens.
- Evening: Head back to Marseille in the early evening to enjoy dinner in the city.
Local Food
- Calissons: A traditional candy made from almond paste and candied fruit.
- Ratatouille: A vegetable stew that is a staple of Provençal cuisine.
- Aïoli: A garlic mayonnaise often served with fish or vegetables.
Local Tips
Aix-en-Provence is known for its vibrant markets, so try to visit on a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) to experience the local produce and crafts. For the best photo spots, head to the top of the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral tower for panoramic views of the city.
One-Day Trip from Marseille to Avignon
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Marseille: 100 km (62 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes by car, 1 hour by train
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the A7 motorway north from Marseille. Parking is available in several public lots in Avignon.
- By Train: Regular trains run from Marseille Saint-Charles station to Avignon TGV station.
Main Attractions
Palais des Papes One of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, the Palais des Papes was the residence of the popes during the 14th century. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers guided tours.
Pont d'Avignon Also known as Pont Saint-Bénézet, this famous medieval bridge is another UNESCO World Heritage site. Although only four of the original 22 arches remain, the bridge is an iconic symbol of Avignon.
Avignon Cathedral Located next to the Palais des Papes, this Romanesque cathedral features beautiful frescoes and a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral's bell tower offers stunning views of the city.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Palais des Papes, followed by a walk to the Pont d'Avignon.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the city center.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Avignon Cathedral and the surrounding area.
- Evening: Head back to Marseille in the early evening to enjoy dinner in the city.
Local Food
- Papeton d'Aubergines: A dish made from eggplant and tomatoes, often served with a tomato sauce.
- Côtes du Rhône Wine: Avignon is located in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône wine region, so be sure to try some local wines.
- Tapenade: A spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies, often served with bread.
Local Tips
Avignon is a compact city, so it's easy to explore on foot. For the best photo spots, head to the Rocher des Doms park for panoramic views of the city and the Rhône River. If you're visiting in July, don't miss the Avignon Festival, one of the most important contemporary performing arts events in the world.
One-Day Trip from Marseille to Cassis
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Marseille: 30 km (19 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 40 minutes by car, 45 minutes by bus
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the A50 motorway east from Marseille. Parking is available in several public lots in Cassis.
- By Bus: Regular buses run from Marseille to Cassis.
Main Attractions
Calanques National Park This stunning national park features dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and hidden coves. It's a paradise for hikers, swimmers, and nature lovers. Boat tours are available for those who prefer to explore by sea.
Port of Cassis The charming port is lined with colorful buildings, cafes, and restaurants. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere. Don't miss the local fish market in the morning.
Château de Cassis This historic castle offers panoramic views of the town and the sea. Although it's now a private residence, the exterior and the surrounding gardens are worth a visit.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day with a hike or boat tour in Calanques National Park.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants in the port.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring the Port of Cassis and the Château de Cassis.
- Evening: Head back to Marseille in the early evening to enjoy dinner in the city.
Local Food
- Bouillabaisse: A traditional Provençal fish stew.
- Pissaladière: A type of pizza topped with onions, olives, and anchovies.
- Rosé Wine: Cassis is known for its excellent rosé wines, so be sure to try some local varieties.
Local Tips
Cassis can get very busy in the summer, so try to arrive early to avoid the crowds. For the best photo spots, head to the top of the Cap Canaille cliffs for stunning views of the coastline. If you're visiting in September, don't miss the Cassis Wine Festival, which celebrates the local wine industry.
One-Day Trip from Marseille to Arles
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Marseille: 90 km (56 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour by car, 1 hour by train
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the A55 motorway west from Marseille. Parking is available in several public lots in Arles.
- By Train: Regular trains run from Marseille Saint-Charles station to Arles station.
Main Attractions
Arles Amphitheatre This well-preserved Roman amphitheatre dates back to the 1st century AD and is still used for events today. It's one of the most important Roman monuments in France and offers guided tours.
Saint-Trophime Church This Romanesque church features beautiful sculptures and a stunning cloister. The church's facade is particularly impressive, with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Bible.
Van Gogh Trail Arles is famous for its association with the painter Vincent van Gogh, who created many of his masterpieces here. The Van Gogh Trail takes you to the locations that inspired his work, including the famous Café Terrace at Night.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Arles Amphitheatre, followed by a walk to Saint-Trophime Church.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the city center.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring the Van Gogh Trail and the surrounding area.
- Evening: Head back to Marseille in the early evening to enjoy dinner in the city.
Local Food
- Gardianne de Taureau: A traditional stew made from bull meat, often served with rice.
- Brandade de Morue: A dish made from salt cod and olive oil, often served with bread.
- Fougasse: A type of flatbread that is often flavored with olives, herbs, or cheese.
Local Tips
Arles is a compact city, so it's easy to explore on foot. For the best photo spots, head to the top of the Arles Amphitheatre for panoramic views of the city. If you're visiting in July, don't miss the Arles Photography Festival, one of the most important photography events in the world.
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