20 not-to-be-missed excursions around Marseille

Activities

Breathtaking,View,Of,The,Calanques,National,Park,(belvedere,De,Sugiton)

Marie

Published on 05/08/2025

Marseille, a city of Mediterranean charm, offers much more than its famous creeks and Old Port. The Marseille region is full of exceptional excursions that will take you from the hilltop villages of Provence to the natural wonders of the Alpilles, via the sun-drenched vineyards of the Luberon. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff or an epicurean in search of authentic flavours, these 20 excursions around Marseille promise unforgettable discoveries just a few hours from the city.

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1. Calanques National Park

Calanque,De,Sormiou,At,Sunrise,,Cassis,,Marseille,,Mediterranean,Sea,Calanque

A veritable natural treasure, the Parc national des Calanques stretches over 520 km² between Marseille and La Ciotat. These spectacular limestone cliffs plunge into breathtakingly beautiful turquoise waters. The calanques of Sormiou, En-Vau and Port-Miou offer breathtaking panoramas, accessible on foot via hiking trails or by boat for the luckiest visitors. In summer, don’t forget to check access conditions, as some areas may be closed to prevent the risk of fire. These crystal-clear coves are one of the most beautiful nature excursions around Marseille.

2. Cassis

Just a 25-minute train journey from Marseille, Cassis has an authentic fishing port and unique vineyards. The vines planted in terraces on the limestone slopes produce exceptional white wines, particularly famous for accompanying bouillabaisse. Cap Canaille, Europe’s highest maritime cliff, offers spectacular views over the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect way to combine the pleasures of nature with the culinary delights of this charming Provencal village.

See also the Marseille guide :

3. Aix-en-Provence

Elegant and refined, Aix-en-Provence embodies the Provençal art of living par excellence. Its shady courtyards, singing fountains and 18th-century town houses create a unique atmosphere. Don’t miss Cézanne’s studio, where the master of modern painting created his last works, or the flower market on the Cours Mirabeau. A visit to Aix-en-Provence means immersing yourself in the authenticity of Provence, just 40 minutes from Marseille.

4. Salon-de-Provence

Salon-de-Provence, the historic capital of Marseille soap, continues to perpetuate its ancestral know-how. Traditional soap factories open their doors to reveal the secrets of making genuine Marseille soap. This city of Nostradamus combines a heritage of craftsmanship with historical discovery, with its Château de l’Empéri and cobbled streets. An authentic excursion just 45 minutes from Marseille to discover the traditions of Provence.

5. Alpilles Regional Nature Park

The Alpilles is an unspoilt natural setting in the heart of Provence. This natural park offers a host of hiking, horse-riding and cycling trails through typically Mediterranean landscapes. Centuries-old olive trees, towering cypresses and fragrant garrigue make up an authentic setting. Climbing is also possible here for lovers of outdoor sports. An ideal place to get away from it all, just 1h10 from Marseille.

6. Les Baux-de-Provence

Perched on a rocky spur in the heart of the Alpilles mountains, Les Baux-de-Provence is one of France’s most beautiful villages. Its cobbled streets wind their way between the pale stone houses to the remains of the medieval castle. The Carrières de Lumières offer a dazzling multimedia show, projecting the works of the great masters onto the walls of the old quarry. An excursion with a change of scenery, just an hour and 10 minutes away, that will transport you into the history of feudal Provence.

7. The Camargue

Just outside Marseille lies the Camargue, a wilderness unique in Europe. This nature reserve is home to exceptional wildlife: pink flamingos, black bulls and white horses roam freely in the salt marshes. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the capital of the Camargue, hosts the gypsy pilgrimage every May. The wild beaches of Espiguette offer miles of unspoilt fine sand. An unforgettable nature excursion just 1h30 from Marseille.

8. Port d’Alon cove

Located in the commune of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, this little-known cove offers a quieter alternative to the famous coves of the national park. Its crystal-clear waters and fine pebble beach make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy a family picnic. Access by car makes it easy to discover this unspoilt little paradise. A relaxing excursion just 47 minutes from Marseille to enjoy an exceptional natural setting.

9. Avignon

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Avignon is fascinating for its rich medieval heritage. The Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in the world, bears witness to the grandeur of the 14th-century papacy. The famous Pont Saint-Bénézet and the perfectly preserved ramparts complete this plunge into history. In July, the Avignon Festival transforms the city into an open-air theatre. To visit Avignon is to discover one of the most beautiful pages in French history.

10. Arles

Arles boasts an exceptional ancient heritage that is listed as a World Heritage Site. The Roman arena, one of the best preserved in the world, still hosts Camargue races and shows. The ancient theatre, Constantine’s baths and the Alyscamps bear witness to the splendour of Roman Arles. The city also inspired Van Gogh, who produced over 300 drawings and paintings here. A major cultural excursion just 47 minutes by train from Marseille.

Download the audio tour to discover Marseille on foot and on your own

Before setting off to explore the surrounding area, discover Marseille’s hidden treasures with our 3-hour audio tour, which will take you through 25 of the city’s most emblematic sites. From Notre-Dame de la Garde to the Old Port, via the Panier district and the Canebière, let yourself be guided through the narrow streets of Marseille to understand the soul of this thousand-year-old city.

11. Orange

Orange is home to one of Europe’s best-preserved ancient theatres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 37-metre-high stage façade is still impressive after 2,000 years. The Orange Triumphal Arch, another Roman jewel, celebrates the victories of the 2nd Gallic Legion. These exceptional monuments make Orange an essential stop-off point for understanding the region’s ancient heritage, just 1h15 from Marseille.

12. Vaison-la-Romaine

This exceptional ancient city boasts a remarkable archaeological heritage, with two excavation sites. The Roman bridge still spans the Ouvèze after 2,000 years, while the remains of the patrician houses bear witness to the splendour of the Gallo-Roman era. The medieval upper town, dominated by its château comtal, offers a striking contrast. A fascinating cultural excursion just 1h40 from Marseille for lovers of ancient history.

13. Nîmes

Although located in the Occitanie region, Nîmes is well worth a visit for its exceptional ancient heritage. The Maison Carrée is one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world, while the arena still hosts shows and bullfights. The Musée de la Romanité, with its bold contemporary architecture, stands in dialogue with the ancient remains. The Fontaine gardens complete this discovery of “French Rome”, just 1h12 by train from Marseille.

14. Toulon and La Seyne-sur-Mer

The military port of Toulon offers a unique maritime experience, with its sheltered roads and impressive fleet. The Mont Faron cable car offers exceptional panoramic views over the harbour and the islands of Hyères. The Mémorial du Débarquement en Provence tells the story of the liberation in 1944. La Seyne-sur-Mer completes this escapade with its beautiful beaches and naval heritage. A maritime excursion just 45 minutes from Marseille.

15. Hyères and Porquerolles

Hyères, nicknamed the “city of palm trees”, will win you over with its gentle Mediterranean lifestyle. The island of Porquerolles, accessible in 20 minutes by boat, offers beaches with turquoise waters worthy of the Caribbean. The botanical discovery trails reveal preserved Mediterranean flora. The Sainte-Agathe fort dominates the island with its military architecture. A magical island getaway just 1h15 from Marseille, where you’ll feel like you’re in the West Indies.

16. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Nicknamed the Venice of Provence, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a charming town with canals lined with centuries-old plane trees and historic paddlewheels. This quintessential town of antique dealers hosts one of the biggest antique markets in France every weekend. Lovers of art and antiques will unearth treasures in the many galleries. A cultural excursion 1h05 from Marseille that will delight bargain hunters and lovers of traditional crafts.

17. Roussillon

Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Roussillon’s colourful facades are set against a backdrop of flamboyant ochre. The sentier des Ocres (ochre trail) takes you through ancient quarries with their extraordinary colours, a veritable Provencal Colorado. The ochre eco-museum retraces the history of this industry, which made the region so rich. This excursion, just 1 hour 20 minutes from Marseille, combines geological discovery and village charm in an unspoilt natural setting.

18. Mornas

This perched medieval village dominates the Rhône valley from its rocky outcrop. The fortress of Mornas, a former stronghold of the Counts of Toulouse, offers exceptional views of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. The cobbled streets and the courtyard of the Platanes bear witness to the town’s rich historical past. An authentic heritage excursion 1h18 from Marseille to discover a village that has stood the test of time.

19. Aigues-Mortes

On the edge of the Camargue, Aigues-Mortes stands with its perfectly preserved ramparts in a landscape of salt marshes. This royal bastide, founded by Saint-Louis in the 13th century, retains the appearance of an authentic medieval town. The Salins du Midi are a breathtaking sight, with their mountains of white salt and colour-changing basins. The little salt train reveals this age-old industry. An excursion with a change of scenery, just 1h40 from Marseille.

20. The Gorges du Verdon

Just an hour and a half’s drive from Marseille, the Gorges du Verdon is Europe’s largest canyon, with breathtaking cliffs 300 metres high. The turquoise waters of the Verdon river provide an exceptional playground for kayaking, canoeing and water trekking. Lac de Sainte-Croix, with its milky blue waters, is the perfect place to extend your adventure with a variety of water sports. A spectacular nature excursion for lovers of the great outdoors.

In conclusion, the excursions around Marseille reveal the extraordinary richness of Provence. Between ancient heritage and hilltop villages, turquoise coves and lavender fields, famous vineyards and traditional crafts, every outing becomes an authentic discovery. These 20 destinations offer a full range of experiences, from the most contemplative to the most sporting, from the most cultural to the most gourmet. To explore Marseille before setting off to discover the rest of the region, take our 3-hour audio tour, which will reveal all the secrets of the city.

When is the best time of year for excursions around Marseille?

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal conditions, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for water sports, but beware of the heat and the closure of some of the calanques due to the risk of fire. Winter is mild and perfect for exploring the villages and cultural sites.

How do you get around Marseille?

A car remains the most practical way of exploring the region at your own pace. Some destinations, such as Cassis, Aix-en-Provence and Arles, are accessible by train. For the calanques, there are boat shuttles departing from Marseille’s Old Port. Organised excursions are a comfortable alternative for exploring several sites in one day.

What excursions can the family take with children?

The Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence fascinate young and old with their immersive projections. In the Camargue, you can watch horses and pink flamingos roaming free. The beaches of Cassis and the Hyères islands offer water sports activities for all the family. The little train at the Aigues-Mortes salt marshes is both fun and educational for children.