8 Best Day Trips from Marseille

The Frioul archipelago, known locally as Iles du Frioul, is a group of 4 islands just off the coast of Marseille. The boat from Le Vieux Port takes around 20 minutes and docks at Ratonneau, the largest and most popular island. There are many well-marked trails across the island, taking you from one secluded bay to the next. The smallest island of the 4, Chateau D'if, was the setting for much of Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo.

Delay your journey back to Marseille until after sunset to enjoy the stunning view of the city lights from the water. Linger at the beachside cafes and sample some fantastic local wines. Be sure to check the ferry timetables in advance.

Avignon dates back to the antiquity, but its famous ramparts and most of its historical buildings, including the Palace of the Popes, were built during the 14th century. Established on the south bank of the Rhône River, the entire Avignon Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The pedestrian historical center hosts a great choice of restaurants serving Provençal food and wines. The excellent preservation of Avignon makes it a must-visit if you’re passionate about history and appreciate the talent and skill of bygone artisans.

The Calanques National Park stretches 16 km along the coast between Marseille and Cassis. The superb panoramic views, beaches, and clear blue water of the creeks hiding between high cliffs are worth a day trip. The inlets are accessible both by land and sea from the Old Harbour, and the best time to visit them is obviously summer.

Kayaking and bicycle tours are easy to find if you prefer an active and eco-friendlier visit to this national park. The Corniche des Crêtes and Cap Canaille offer the most spectacular views. Walking the whole track takes about 3 hours. It's best to go early in the morning. Don’t forget your camera as the landscapes are spectacular.

For a dose of history and adventure, the city of Arles makes a fantastic day trip from Marseille. The train from Marseille-Saint-Charles station takes around 1 hour.

Arles Amphitheatre is a stunning Roman landmark that now hosts live performances throughout the summer. Watching a concert here will live long in the memory. Once home to Picasso, Van Gogh and Gauguin, this city has a proud connection to fine art, which can be best seen on a guided tour of the city.

Gordes offers quaint views and a maze of cobblestone streets to explore. Spend the day getting lost among the fountains, courtyards, and stone houses built into the hillside. Among several historic sights dotted in and around Gordes is the Chateau de Gordes, an imposing castle that blends architectural styles from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance era.

Just outside of the village is the fascinating Bories Village with its huts made entirely of dry stone. Gordes is set in the foothills of Vaucluse, about 80 km from Marseille. There’s no direct train to the village, so you'll need to rent a car or take the train to Cavaillon followed with a 30-minute bus ride to Gordes.

The spectacular Verdon Gorge, known as “Gorges du Verdon” in French, offers hikers a peaceful and varied landscape of deep canyons and turquoise-blue rivers to explore. You can embark on trails leading through ancient oak forests, past abandoned churches and villages, and winding up to breathtaking viewpoints.

One of the most popular trails is the Blanc-Martel. It runs between Point Sublime in Rougon and Châlet de la Maline. Expect to spend most of the day navigating the 14-km trail along mountainous terrain, including a few steep staircases to climb. Trails are marked for independent hikers, though guided trips are also available.

The elegant city of Aix-en-Provence is a captivating place to wander and shop, with its thriving food, handicrafts and flower markets set in picturesque squares and streets. It makes a beautiful couples' day trip from Marseille, which is around 18 km inland and can be reached by train in around 45 minutes.

Start in the Old Town to explore its labyrinth of narrow streets dotted with markets, boutiques and cafes. The finest local foods are on display at Le Grand Marche (The Big Market) that runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning. Try locally made temptations like Cavaillon melon, goat's cheese, olives, and wine. The markets also brim with local artisan goods, including lavender soap, textiles and earthenware.

The principality of Monaco is famed as a place where the rich and famous gather for a luxurious vacation on the French Riviera. Celebrities, sports stars, and aristocracy all come here to relax and visit opulent landmarks like the Monaco Opera House and the Monte Carlo Casino. You can even visit a royal palace, the Palais du Prince, home of Prince Albert II of Monaco. The hilltop views are especially beautiful.

For soccer fans, a visit to Stade Louis II is popular to watch AS Monaco play soccer or tour the stadium. The train from Marseille's Marseille-Saint-Charles station to Monte Carlo takes around 3 hours. You could even make it an overnight trip and experience some of Monaco's cool nightlife.