Best of Marseille

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Marseille

In the south of France, Marseille is a vibrant waterfront city and a prominent gateway to the alluring region of Provence. A multicultural crossroads, Marseille is France’s oldest (and second-largest) city, founded some 2600 years ago by the ancient Greeks (who named the settlement Massalia). You can delve into the past on visits to the fascinating Marseille History Museum, wander through the city’s landmark churches and cathedrals, and take boat trips along the photogenic coast. Be sure to set aside at least one afternoon for unstructured exploring in the picturesque lanes of the Panier district above the old port.

East of Marseille, a series of spectacular calanques (fjord-like coves along the coast) make a great setting for a day of hiking through rugged terrain overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean. You can leave the driving to us on a scenic trip along the winding roads leading to the top of Cape Canaille, the highest maritime cliff in Europe, and a great spot for panoramic views over the cliffs along the coast and the seaside. Other tours include day trips to the artsy town of Arles, the pristine wetlands of the Camargue, and the green boulevards of Aix-en-Provence.

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Marseille Essentials

Marseille's romantic port draws boaters in summer months

How Many Days Should You Spend in Marseille?

Historic, multicultural, and even a bit scruffy—a trip to Marseille in the South of France is a memorable feast for the senses. For a solid itinerary, we recommend at least two to three days so you can explore the city's famous port, its diverse neighborhoods, and the delicious food scene. Tack on more time for Marseille's ancient sites and modern museums, with possible day-trips to the Provençal countryside or Mediterranean coast. Check out some possible itineraries, ranging from 24 hours to a week or more.

Top Active Experiences in France

France is an active traveler's dream, with sandy beaches in the north, the towering Alps in the southeast, several river valleys across its heartland, and a rocky southern coastline dotted with inlets, caves, and coves. You can easily spend your time cycling through vineyards and from one chateau to another, riding horses in the surf, kayaking the famous Calanques, and hiking in the mountains. Or, if you're more of a city person, add a bike tour or vineyard stroll to your exploration of hubs like Paris.

Best Things to Do in Marseille

Marseille unites two very different worlds: the vibrant coastal French Riviera and the charming rolling hills of Provence. In addition, it's France's oldest city, founded by the Greeks in 600 BCE. So in just Marseille alone, you can enjoy a diverse trip strolling through the historic districts while nibbling on traditional food, discovering the renowned world of Marseille soap, sipping rosé among the lavender fields, and cruising or kayaking along the famed Calanques inlets.

Marseille Itineraries

Culture, Food & History of Provence - 6 Days

This six-day trip to France's famously beautiful Provence region allows you to experience its highlights. On top of touring the area's national parks and vineyards, you'll spend time in historic Marseille, plus travel around the Luberon massif, which is home to ancient hilltop villages. You'll also indulge in outdoor and gourmet excursions all while enjoying the amenities of the lavish hotels in which you'll be residing.

Escape to Provence: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Marseille & Paris - 6 Days

This 6-day getaway immerses you in the rhythms of Provençal life, starting among the stunning landscapes of the Verdon Gorge. Settle into the fairytale village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, then venture into the wild river canyon by canoe. Switch gears and head to the coast to discover the flavors of Marseille with a gourmet walking tour, then bid Provence farewell as you hop a train to Paris and toast your final night with a romantic dinner cruise along the Seine.

Self-Drive Culture, Wine, and Food Tour of Southern France - 8 Days

On this self-drive tour, you'll get behind the wheel and take off into the south of France, discovering the highlights of the famed Provence region in just over a week. The tour will take you from the nation's oldest city, Marseille, to the markets and cafés of charming Aix-en-Provence. It continues to the historic city of Avignon, on the Rhône River, as well as into the Alpilles Mountains and over the valleys of the Luberon region. At the end of each day, you'll hang your hat in some of the most charming hotels and B&Bs in all of France.

An ancient alley in the village of Lourmarin

Provence Road Trip: Food, Wine & Culture - 7 Days

Get behind the wheel in the South of France during this weeklong road trip through the Provence region. Starting in Marseille, you'll swim in the Mediterranean, tour cafés and vineyards in Aix en Provence, and explore a range of picturesque hilltop villages in the Luberon. At the end of each day, hang your hat on some of the most charming hotels in France while choosing between exquisite dining options.

Gourmet South of France: Aix-en-Provence, Marseille & Nice - 8 Days

Eat and drink your way through the South of France on this 8-day itinerary that blends culture and cuisine. Start in beautiful Aix-en-Provence, where you'll learn to cook Provençal fare and tour the hilltop villages of the Luberon. Head to the coast to stroll the colorful neighborhoods of Marseille, sample the best rosés in Cassis and Bandol, and visit the famous vineyards of Château de Berne. After exploring the forests and waterfalls of the Provençal Alps, hop over to the glittering Riviera for a gastronomic journey through Nice's bustling open-air markets.

"Like a Local" Tour in Provence and the French Riviera: 7 Days

Love getting off the beaten track and traveling like a local? This tour was tailor-made for you. Experience the best of the French Riviera, including the hilltop villages of Luberon, multicultural Marseille, charming Aix-en-Provence, and vibrant Cannes.

The hilltop-perched village of Gordes in Provence

Highlights of Provence - 11 Days

Vibrant Marseille, charming Aix-en-Provence, and historic Avignon: pay a visit to every quintessential locale in Provence on this comprehensive tour. With a perfect balance of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, this itinerary will check every box on your list of things to see and do in this lovely region of Southern France.

Spend a day strolling through Aix en Provence

Ultimate Provençal Road Trip - 5 Days

Perhaps no other region encompasses France's exceptional beauty better than Provence. During this 5-day self-drive itinerary, you'll experience the highlights with stops in emblematic cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence as well as traditional villages in the scenic countryside. Finish the adventure in medieval Avignon coupled with a wine tasting in nearby Chateauneuf du Pape.

Calanques National Park between Marseille and Cassis

Parks of Provence: Calanques National Park, Alpilles, & the Luberon Valley - 5 Days

On this quick itinerary, you'll spend five days seeing the highlights of Provence, including the charming village of Aix-en-Provence, the natural parks of Calanques, Alpilles, and Luberon, and a number of other historic and cultural sites. Take a cooking class, cruise around scenic coves on a boat tour, stroll down the streets of France's oldest city, and more: this trip plan takes you there.

Luxury, Art, & Food in France: Paris, Provence, & the French Riviera - 15 Days

If fifteen luxurious days in Paris and Provence sound perfect to you, look no further. With bespoke daily activities ranging from cooking classes to private sailing trips, there's no shortage of unforgettable experiences. Sample wine in Provence, soak in art and history in Marseille, and tour romantic Avignon and the old-world Luberon valley.

Highlights of France: Paris, Bayeux, Marseille & Nice - 9 Days

This diverse 9-day itinerary introduces you to four distinct and enchanting regions of France. Begin in iconic Paris to stroll elegant avenues and cruise down the Seine—then catch a train west to Normandy to explore the medieval history and D-Day beaches of Bayeux. Continue to Provence, where you'll discover the ancient port of Marseille and the colorful market town of Aix-en-Provence, then hop over to the sun-soaked Riviera to end your adventure on a gastronomic tour of Nice.

Lavender fields along the Moustiers road

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille & Verdon - 9 Days

Take a dive into nine days of adventure with this expedition. Start off by exploring Marseille and the French Mediterranean coast, then head inland to the Provençal Alps and Verdon Gorge. You'll ride horses, raft down rivers, climb along the canyonside, and more before you return to Marseille.

French Panorama: Paris, Marseille & Nice - 10 Days

Spend ten days taking in some of the top treasures in France from north to south. You'll start off exploring Paris with local guides to see both its star attractions and secret spots, then head to the historic city of Marseille. Continue to the famed French Riviera and the seaside city of Nice to end your trip in the sun.

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille & Verdon - 10 Days

Take every manner of transport on this 10-day adventure trip. You'll cruise along the coast of Marseille, ride horses up to Sainte-Croix Lake, visit lavender fields, and tackle the Verdon Gorge by foot, river raft, and via cordata climb to take in the wild face of Europe's largest gorge.

Enjoying the lavender fields of Provence

Family-Friendly Tour of Provence - 10 Days

The southern French region of Provence is an ideal destination for an active-yet-relaxed family trip. All ages will enjoy the combination of good food (including cooking classes), ancient and medieval history and culture, and fun outdoor activities like biking and boating. Starting in the millennia-old city of Marseilles and ending in gorgeous Aix-en-Provence, you'll visit many picturesque villages and natural areas en route for a taster (quite literally) of the south of France.

Pure Provence Road Trip: Marseille, Avignon, Verdon Gorge & More - 12 Days

France is known the world over for its romance, but there might be no other region that encompasses its quintessential beauty—the cities, villages, hills, and beaches—quite like Provence. This is where the countryside meets the coast, where the Alps meet lavender fields, and where the French Riveria runs from Marseilles to the Italian border. Experience it all on this luxurious 12-day driving tour.

Avignon's Pont Saint-Bénézet in the Southern Rhône valley, gateway to Provence

Rhône Valley Family Tour: Lyon to Marseille - 12 Days

This self-drive 12-day itinerary highlights the best of the Rhône Valley, from north to south. Perfect for the whole family, you'll start in food forward Lyon, then work your way through the colorful countryside of Provence and down to Marseille on the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, you'll taste full-bodied wines, marvel at ancient Roman ingenuity, and enjoy the majestic beauty that is southern France.

Sunset in the Verdon Regional Nature Park

Provençal Alps Adventure: Marseille, Verdon, & Aix-en-Provence - 12 Days

Tackle 12 days of excitement with this adventure trip. After exploring France's oldest city, Marseille, you'll head out to the Verdon Gorge region. Hike along its edges to discover the wild animals and plants, then descend into the Gorge via climbs and canyoneering to experience it from all angles. You'll end your trip in Aix-en-Provence, home to some of Cézanne's favorite landscapes.

France Road Trip: Ultimate Self-Drive Tour of Provence - 15 Days

As one of France's first wine regions, Provence has been making wine for more than 2,000 years. Taste the fruits of all that historic expertise and more on this 15-day road trip. You'll stay in six different cities in the region, exploring everything from soapmaking to Sauternes, and modern museums to Roman ruins, as you take in all that Provence has to offer.

Views across the Seine to the Eiffel Tower

Paris, Aix, Marseille & Nice - 14 Days

Embrace "la belle vie" on this relaxed, two-week French itinerary. After five dreamy days in Paris—pastry tasting in the Marais, touring the Louvre, and boating down the Seine—you'll strike out towards Provence and the sun-soaked Riviera. Stroll the colorful streets of Aix-en-Provence, sail to hidden coves and beaches in Marseille, and taste your way through Nice on a foodie's tour of the city's bustling markets.

France Family Vacation: Paris, Loire Valley, Provence & the French Riviera - 14 Days

This 14-day family tour of France starts in Paris, where you'll walk the city's historic streets, enjoy a tasting of delectable pastries and chocolates, and visit the delightful Monmarte neighborhood. Then, it's off to Amboise for castles, canoeing, and a visit to a working cheese farm! Explore the hidden coves of Calanques National Park, rent a bike at Château de Berne, and walk the promenade in Nice. End with a visit to the vibrant city of Marseille, with its open-air markets and historical sights.

Shopping at the food market in Aix-en-Provence

Cultural & Culinary Trip from Paris to Provence - 11 Days

There's no need to choose between cultural sightseeing and gourmet tours on a trip to France — this 11-day tour offers both! Starting in Paris and ending up on the French Riviera, this exciting itinerary leads you through top museums, historic landmarks, colorful markets, and gourmet food shops in destinations like Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Cannes, and Nice. Admire paintings at the Louvre, take a Provençal cooking class, boat around the coves of Calanques National Park, and wander around the oldest quarters of medieval villages. This enticing trip plan has it all!

Lavender fields near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Off-the-Beaten-Path France: History & Gastronomy - 21 Days

Hit all the essential sites and explore some lesser-known gems on this epic, three-week loop tour around France. Start in Paris for art, cuisine, and shopping. Eat your way through Lyon before wine tasting in Beaujolais and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Discover mountains and history among the olive groves of Provence, enjoy the sun-soaked coastal cities of Marseille and Nice, then return inland for more wine and gastronomy in Bordeaux.

Ultimate French Road Trip: Paris to the French Riviera - 21 Days

Eat and drink your way from Paris to the Mediterranean coast on this three-week, self-drive adventure. Start in Paris with wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting, move on to Annecy for lakeside cycling and fondue, then continue to the Alps to summit glacial peaks and soak in hot tubs. After touring the gastronomic capital of Lyon, Provence's "easy life" beckons before winding down with sailing and beach time along the stunning coastlines of Marseille, Le Lavandou, and Nice.

Finish this French adventure with a night in Nice

Paris, Provence & the French Riviera - 10 Days

This itinerary covers a boggling number of must-see places and unique excursions for an authentic taste of French life. Over the course of 10 days, you'll enjoy the beauty of Paris with the help of a local guide before spending three nights in Aix en Provence. From here, tour the French Riviera's best seaside towns starting in Cassis and heading east to Cannes and Nice where you'll complete the adventure.

Relaxed Provence & French Riviera - 10 Days

Experience the best of Provence and the French Riviera in 10 days. Visit Cannes, Nice, the hill-top villages of Luberon, Aix-en-Provence, and more regional highlights. Along the way, you’ll enjoy gourmet culinary tours, local culture, and charming boutique hotels.

Self-Drive Tour in Provence & French Riviera - 11 Days

Discover the best of the culture and art in the French Riviera and Provence in 10 days on this incredible self-drive tour. Visit vibrant Nice and Monaco, stroll through hill-top villages of Luberon, and discover the peaceful countryside of Aix-en-Provence. Follow the footsteps of some of the world's greatest artists (Van Gogh, Picasso & others) and explore the landscapes that inspired them.

Stroll through an Aix-en-Provence food market

Gourmet Tour of Provence - 5 Days

This quick five-day getaway reveals the culture and flavors of Aix-en-Provence, the historic capital of the Provence region of southeastern France. You'll discover the secrets of "Aix" with a guided stroll through its ancient thoroughfares, sample regional gastronomic specialties, plus take a local cooking class. You'll even enjoy a bonus cooking class in a nearby village in the Alpilles Mountains.

Food & Wine Tour of Provence: Avignon & Bonnieux - 5 Days

On this outdoorsy tour of Provence, you'll mix gourmet experiences with active pursuits. Start the trip in medieval Avignon, then take a tour of the Luberon on an electric bike before learning how to cook (and eat) like a local at a Provençal cooking class. You'll finish with a full-day tour of local wineries. Cheers!

Other popular travel destinations in France
Paris · Provence · French Riviera · Nice · Loire Valley · Normandy · Aix-en-Provence · Rhône Valley · Lyon · Bordeaux · Amboise · French Alps · Bayeux · Brittany · Saint-Malo · Avignon · Annecy · Cannes · Tours · Verdon Gorge · Burgundy · Dijon · Dordogne · Sarlat · Champagne · Saint Rémy de Provence · Reims · Strasbourg · Colmar · Alsace · Mont Saint Michel · Honfleur · Mont Blanc Region · Chamonix · Basque Country · Corsica · Saint-Louis

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