Feel like escaping the city of Marseille for a few days? Get ready to get away without going too far. You will find some ideas for destinations in this article. I made a list just for you with 20 great places to visit during the weekend less than 2 hours away from Marseille.
Table of Contents
Beaches
Cassis (25 minutes away from Marseille by train)
We will start this list with the town that is the closest to Marseille: Cassis. Located near the Mediterranean Sea, all you swimmers will be fascinated by the beaches.
You can choose between supervised beaches such as the Grande Mer beach or the Bestouan beach, and those that aren’t supervised like the Arène beach or the Corton beach.
Those unsupervised beaches are nice and have few people. The thing is, however, if you were hoping to find fine sand, you will be disappointed; because in those beaches, there are rocks everywhere.
If you like working out, Cassis is the place for you! Because just next to the city stands the Canaille Course (website in French), an ideal location if you want to go on a hike and you want to try via cordata or climbing (websites in French).
You can take different routes to admire the nature of the Provence region: the sea route with the guided stand-up paddle hike (website in French) in the creeks, or the land route with the touristic route of Crètes that leads to La Ciotat.
For all you Antoine de Saint-Exupéry fans, I recommend that you go visit the path of the Little Prince.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: La Petite Cigale, by K6 Conciergerie (around €130) and its neat decoration.
- The most affordable: the Best Western Hotel & Coeur de Cassis Spa (around €83) and its perfect location.
- The most comfortable: an apartment in the heart of Cassis (around €228) worth all the comfort you can ask for.
La Ciotat (40 minutes away from Marseille by car)
Let’s continue this list with our second dream destination, ie., La Ciotat. A small village on the Mediterranean coast. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches that have nothing to envy to those in Marseille.
Among the supervised beaches, you will find: the Great Beach, the Capucins beach, the Cyrnos beeach, the Mugel Cove beach, and the Lumière beach.
If you love the sea, then I recommend you take a boat trip to explore the coves. Many options are available, depending on when you arrive and your final destination.
Those who like adventures can try out the via ferrata of the Souffleur hole (website in French), in which the course, alternating between hiking and climbing, is convenient for both beginners and professional athletes.
After that workout, perhaps you’d like to travel to La Ciotat by segway (website in French) to rest your legs. Perhaps you’ll pass by the oldest cinema in the world: the Eden-Théâtre cinema.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Bastide de la Plage (around €112) and its large surface.
- The most affordable: the Best Western Premier Hôtel du Vieux-Port (around €94) that has a view of the bay.
- The most comfortable: the Villa Maredda apartment (around €94), making you feel like you are at home.
Toulon (1 hour away from Marseille by train)
Let’s stop talking about villages and get to a big city: welcome to Toulon!
To enjoy the city of Toulon in an efficient way, I recommend you purchase the Toulon City Pass 24h. With this piece of paper, you’ll have access to the cable car leading you to Mont Faron (website in French) and a guided tour of the harbor by boat.
A touristic circuit in a small train is also available. It allows you to peacefully visit the town and see the well-known locations.
If you prefer walking, the city has multiple guided tours (website in French) as well as a green surface where you can go on a walk: the Promenade des Poudrières (website in French).
For hiking enthusiasts, you can take many paths in the Valley of Bonnes Herbes (website in French).
Toulon also has a Musée National de la Marine that just might interest you.
Finally, for those in search of calm, don’t hesitate to sunbathe at the supervised beaches of the city. There are 6 in total: Pipady Beach, Mitre Beach, Méjean Beach, the Lido coves, Source and Pins.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: an apartment near the beach (around €225) with a great view and a very soothing refined decor.
- The most affordable: Ibis styles Toulon Centre Port (around €82) with its proximity to the downtown area.
- The most comfortable: Chez Dany et Gérard (around €95).
Hyères (1 hour and 25 minutes away from Marseille by train)
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We will continue this list with Hyères and its splendid islands: Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant, that you can go to with a ferry.
Regarding the subject of beaches, Hyères has many. There is the Almanarre beach which is 5 km long, the Madrague beach, the La Capte beach, the La Bergerie beach, and the La Badine beach (the water there isn’t too deep). All these beaches are supervised.
Hyères is also the perfect place to kitesurf (website in French), for a brand new experience.
If you love nature, then get ready! In fact, sea trips will allow you to get near the dolphins and even observe the birds on the salt flats. The South has a spectacular fauna and flora, like the Sainte-Claire park with its subtropical foliage.
Don’t hesitate to visit Villa Noailles, the center of contemporary art, to discover an important area of the city.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Hôtel Lido Beach (around €103), located just next to the port, where boats head to the Porquerolles island.
- The most affordable: the Méditerranée Camping (around €52) and its friendly staff.
- The most comfortable: a studio in the heart of the historical center (around €100).
Le Lavandou (1 hour and 20 minutes away from Marseille by train)
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Next stop: Le Lavandou with its name coming from the famous Provencal plant.
This village has 12 amazing beaches that’ll satisfy you, whatever your tastes are. With the Elephant beach that is rather wild, the Rossignol beach with its discreet and natural atmosphere, and the beach in the downtown area aimed for the family. The choice is all yours.
Staying on the theme of the beaches, you can follow the underwater trails while equipped with a diving mask and a tuba. For a more private journey, join one of the naturalist outings (website in French) in which you can befriend dolphins.
To discover the Lavandou plant, many walks are available: one on the Lavandou little train, another one on the Balcons de Cavalière, and yet another on the Chemin des Peintres. Maybe you’ll pass by a restanque, a typical stone wall from Provence.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Hôtel California (around €58) with a different and colorful atmosphere.
- The most comfortable: Les Sarments (around €123), an apartment near the sea with a terrace.
- The most convenient: an apartment with a breath-taking view of the sea (around €71)
Istres (1 hour and 20 minutes away from Marseille by train)
Let’s now go to Istres to enjoy a nice natural place located on the edge of the Berre pond. You can even go swimming in one of the two beaches of this town, the Romaniquette beach or the Ranquet beach.
If you want to go to the Berre pond, why not go on a guided tour on the edge of Cisampo? (website in French) Besides in the heart of the downtown area, you can find the Olive Tree pond which has the highest water fountain in France.
If you go with your children, they will certainly appreciate the dinosaur’Istres park with its huge dinosaur statues, at a stone’s throw from the city center.
While walking around Istres, you can discover its medieval historical center and you can also go on several walks and hikes to check out its surroundings.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Hôtel Le Castellan (around €90) with its very pretty and spacious rooms.
- The most affordable: the tourism residence La Provence (around €77) and its view of the Alpilles.
- The most private: La Maison (around €189), an amazingly decorated villa.
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (1 hour and 45 minutes away from Marseille by car)
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For our seventh destination, let’s sail to the capital of Camargue, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
There is a ckear change of scenery in this heavenly place where you can go on a horse ride (website in French). Since you’re in the heart of the foliage, you can enjoy it to visit the Pont de Gau ornithological park where you’ll have the chance to observe the wild birds.
The famous painter Vincent Van Gogh lived in Saintes-Maries; to immerse yourself in his work and in his life, take the Van Gogh route. (website in French)
During summer, the tourist office offers a guided tour to the village to discover its main buildings, espacially the Saintes Maries church (pages in French).
Those who love sunbathing will be glad to put down their towel on the Clos du Rhône, Crin Blanc, and Arènes beaches. For those in search of tranquility, Camargue is home to untamed beaches in order to enjoy a moment of relaxation.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Hôtel Casa Marina (around €94) with its colors reminiscent of Greece.
- The most affordable: the Le Beauduc studio (around 50 €) and its caring owners.
- The most comfortable: Mas des Salicornes hotel (around €116) and its outdoor pool.
Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon (1 hour and 45 minutes away from Marseille by car)
This is the last beach town on this list: Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon and its magnificent lake. You can rent (page in French, English translation available) pedal boats, canoes, paddles, etc. in order to sail on the Sainte-Croix lake. (website in French)
As lavender is an intricate part of Provence, you should explore the lavender fields by Segway (page in French, English translation available) for a full Provencal experience.
A large number of hikes (page in French, English translation available) are available, you can go around the lake or explore the areas preserved by the regional natural park.
Finally, if you want to know more about the Verdon valley, do not hesitate to go to the Memory of the Valley museum. (page in French, English translation available)
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most affordable: Ferme Para Lou (around €122) with its wooden furniture which ressembles the countryside.
- The most comfortable: Auberge du Castellas (around €132 €) and its excellent restaurant.
- The most peaceful: Camping*** Lac de Sainte Croix (around €188), which is ideal for relaxation.
Cities
Aix-en-Provence (45 minutes away from Marseille by train)
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This time we will talk about the big cities of the South, starting with Aix-en-Provence.
In order to make the most of this city, I recommend the very practical Aix-en-Provence city pass which gives you free access to 31 visits and cultural sites. You can also use public transportation for free. The pass will last 24h, 48h or 72h, depending on the option you choose.
If you like themed and interesting visits, you’ll be satisfied! Aix-en-Provence has a sidecar ride to go wine and beer tasting, as well as a trip that’ll make you follow the footsteps of Zola and Cézanne.
Furthermore, by downloading this app (website in French), you’ll experience the city just like Cézanne did; just follow the directions. You mustn’t miss the famous mountain that the painter loved so much either, so go for a bike ride on the Sainte-Victoire mountain.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Les Bartavelles (around €204), both calm and peaceful.
- The most affordable: Hôtel Le Mozart (around €98) located 10 minutes away from the downtown area on foot.
- The most comfortable: a duplex with terrace (around €136) with everything you need at your disposal.
Arles (1 hour and 5 minutes away from Marseille by train)
Let’s go to Arles and its arenas! (website in French) A city rich in history in which you can first visit the Conservatory of the Provencal Santon to immerse yourself in Provencal culture and understand where this ancestral art comes from.
The first approach to the city can then be done on a taco bike during a commented ride, during a guided tour of the city (pages in French, English translation available), or by choosing one of the nine main walks to discover the city. (document in French)
Since Arles is located in Camargue, what could be better than understanding the local culture by going to a manade (page in French, English translation available) to experience the Camargue way of life.
Located in another manade, the Paul Ricard Museum will allow you to learn more about said person. You should also take advantage of your stay to visit the Rice House (page in French, English translation available), where you will learn all about this delicious cereal.
Finally, you will be delighted to discover that a brand new hiking trail, which connects Arles to Borgo San Dalmazzo, has recently opened: the GR69 la Routo, so go for it! (page in French, English translation available)
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: the Hôtel de l’Anglais (around €182) will give you the impression of being a prince or a princess.
- The most affordable: a studio with an incredible view of the famous arenas (around €80).
- The most comfortable: Brit Hôtel Acacias (around €81) with a breakfast that’ll awaken your taste buds.
Nîmes (1 hour and 10 minutes away from Marseille by train)
We will now go to Nîmes, a Roman city.
Start your journey by getting a Nîmes City Pass to have access to the Fine Arts Museum and the Musée de la Romanité, among others.
As a practical open-air museum, Nîmes has everything to please you. Climb to the top of the Tour Magne to enjoy a superb panoramic view of the city.
Want a more personal and magical approach? Then visit Nîmes under the moonlight. As night begins to fall, you will be strolling through the streets of the city center and observing the changing lights on the buildings.
You can also choose the heritage, history and medical art tour which will allow you to discover how epidemics used to be handled.
Don’t forget to take a look at the Pont du Gard and the Maison Carrée which are true architectural gems.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Hôtel Majestic (around €74) and its unimaginably comfortable rooms.
- The most affordable: Jad (around €65), a nice apartment with a private terrace.
- The most comfortable: the guest rooms of the Roman quarry (around €111) located in a quiet street.
Cavaillon (1 hour and 20 minutes away from Marseille by train)
Let’s go to the capital of melons: Cavaillon, located at the gates of the Lubéron.
Outdoor sports enthusiasts will be delighted to hear of this destination. Indeed, if you like thrills, take the via ferrata to discover the Saint-Jacques hill from another angle.
The village has a Roman arch, which is the oldest monument in the city, as well as a very beautiful synagogue. (website in French)
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Mas de Shogol (around €127) where you can have a nice breakfast, known for its quality
- The most affordable: The Originals Boutique (around €81) with tastefully decorated rooms
- The most comfortable: the Volets Rouges apartment (around €115) which is very spacious and well located.
Avignon (1 hour and 20 minutes away from Marseille by train)
The famous Pont d’Avignon is actually called the Saint-Bénézet bridge.
Like most big cities, Avignon has set up a city pass which gives you access to many monuments and museums, such as the Louis Vouland museum, which is dedicated to decorative arts.
Avignon is above all an old religious stronghold, which you can see by walking the streets of the city. Of course, the Palace of the Popes is a must-visit place when you are there. You should also visit the Notre-Dame des Doms basilica and its golden Holy Virgin.
In July, you will be able to participate in the famous Avignon festival (website in French) which puts the theater in the spotlight; drama enthusiasts will be overjoyed.
As an original little activity, you can take the river cable ferry that will take you to the other side of the Rhône river.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Villa Aigarden (around €105) with its astonishing garden.
- The most affordable: Hotel Régina Boutique (around €85) with its rooms with elegant decorations.
- The most comfortable: Atypik (around €107), an apartment where you’ll feel like at home during the holidays.
Carpentras (1 hour and 40 minutes away from Marseille by train)
Let’s go to Carpentras!
From November to March, Carpentras hosts the truffle market, an ideal place to visit for anyone who wants to taste said mushroom. Speaking of local specialities, you can discover the secrets of the making of berlingots at the Mont Ventoux confectionery (website in Frenc), which opens its doors to visitors.
The city is home to the oldest synagogue in France (page in French, English translation available) which bears witness to the history of the Jews in the region. The Palace of Justice, a former episcopal palace, and the Hôtel-Dieu (website in French), which has become a media library, are also two places of interest that you can visit.
As you walk through the city center, you will surely come across the Passage Boyer, a street lined with shops and their displays.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Le Parc (around €148) with its well decorated rooms.
- The most affordable: Hôtel du Forum (around €79) with its sparkling decoration that will give your mood a boost.
- The most exclusive: Château des Cinq Cantons (around €199) with its two pools.
Orange (1 hour and 45 minutes away from Marseille by train)
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The city of Orange is the last major city on this list. It is known for its ancient theatre (website in French), listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose stage wall is very well preserved.
Other vestiges of the city’s Roman past are all around, in particular a very beautiful triumphal arch (page in French, English translation available) located on the famous Route National 7.
It has an art and history museum (website in French) which contains much information about the city, including a cadastral map dating from Roman times.
Cycling friends, you will be overwhelmed! Bicycle circuits run through the surroundings to let you explore the region as close as possible to nature.
Don’t forget to take a trip to the Saint-Eutrope hill which houses a park with a large number of remains, in particular those of the castle of the Nassau princes.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Brit Hôtel Le Louvre (around €88) with its luxurious vegetation.
- The most affordable: Hôtel Saint Florent (around €67) and its elegantly decorated rooms.
- The most exclusive: La Chapelle (around €89) for a stay full of freedom.
Mountains
Manosque (1 hour and 10 minutes away from Marseille by car)
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We’re getting close to the mountains with Manosque.
Discover the city with the guided tour “Trésors cachés” (website in French) that’ll reveal Manosque’s secrets. You can enter all the places which areusually forbidden to the public and admire surprising objects.
Since Manosque had been the home of writer Jean Giono, you can find his home and a centre dedicated to his works. (webpages in French)
If you want to explore the surrounding nature, take a walk on the Mont d’Or that Giono used to love. If you feel adventurous, you can also take the lavander path of the Valensole plateau located outside of Manosque.
Also, don’t hesitate to visit the surrounding villages like Gréoux-les-Bains, Pierrevert and Allemagne in Provence.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: the Bastide de l’Adrech guest house (around €132) that will satisfy your need of peace and calm.
- The most affordable: Hôtel du Terreau (around €61) that has the advantage of having a very good location for your outings in the region.
- The most comfortable: Les Chèvrefeuilles (around €68) and its breathtaking view of the mountain.
Buoux (1 hour and 30 minutes away from Marseille by car)
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The village of Buoux contains unexpected treasures. You will be captivated by this small city which is home to ocher mines (page in French, English translation available) with a very characteristic color. Prepare your helmets and embark on a 650m long underground journey.
As another example of local heritage, you have the fort and its mysterious staircase which has not yet revealed all of its secrets.
Athletes will enjoy hiking through the valleys and climbing the Aiguebrun cliffs which offer a very beautiful view of the village. (pages in French)
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Le Domaine du Castellas (around €401), in the middle of the mountainous countryside.
- The most affordable: Auberge des Seguins (around €62) installed in a beautiful stone building which guarantees you a quiet night.
- The most outstanding: the Clé du Luberon trailer (around €120) where you can sleep surrounded in nature.
Apt (1 hour and 35 minutes away from Marseille by car)
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Considered to be the capital of Luberon, Apt is a rural destination that will satisfy your thirst for change. You can visit the Sainte-Anne cathedral and the Apt Museum which presents the industrial activity of the country.
Candied fruit is a famous specialty of the region, so it makes sense to visit the Maison du Fruit Confit to discover how it is made.
You will also have the opportunity to discover the Moulin de Salignan (website in French), which houses a geological exhibition, as well as the Blachère Foundation (website in French), which exhibits the works of contemporary African artists.
If you want to see more, go to Rustrel, a 15-minute drive. You will see the Colorado Provençal.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Longo Mai (around €85) and the view of its shaded terrace.
- The most affordable: Aptois Hôtel (around €58) and its very colorful rooms that’ll put you in a good mood.
- The most outstanding: Le Couvent (around €120) for one night in a building full of history.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (1 hour and 50 minutes away from Marseille by car)
Having been certified as “the most beautiful village in France”, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is worth the visit. Located at the gates of the Gorges du Verdon, at the foot of a cliff, it is a marvel for the eyes.
In order to admire an incredible panorama, climb the 262 steps to reach the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel, from which you will be able to see the horizon.
You can, of course, take advantage of guided tours in Moustiers which will take you through the village ramparts.
In addition, earthenware is the specialty of Moustiers, so take a look at the Earthenware Museum (website in English) and do not hesitate to enter the shops of the many artisans.
Finally, sail on Lake Sainte-Croix by renting the necessary equipment at a leisure base. Several hiking trails have been set up to allow you to enjoy the wild nature of the place. If you prefer thrills, go on an aquaventure: canyoning, rafting, paragliding… You’re spoiled for choice.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Ferme Rose-Hôtel de Charme (around €121) and its incredibly decorated rooms.
- The most affordable: Hôtel La Bonne Auberge (around €92) is an excellent starting point for your getaways.
- The most outstanding: La Bouscatière (around €142) located at the foot of a rocky cliff.
Sisteron (1 hour and 30 minutes away from Marseille by car)
Let’s end this list with Sisteron, a small village established at the foot of the rock of La Baume. The town is fortunate to have a citadel which offers the most beautiful view of Haute Provence. You can see up to 150 km around it!
The village has set up several sightseeing tours (page in French, English translation available) that guide you in Sisteron and allow you to discover the different places.
With these tours, you will definitely pass by the Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers Cathedral and the Clock Tower. (pages in French)
The strangest museum ever is this Earth and Time Museum, which contains a Foucault pendulum and other mysterious objects to measure the movements of the Earth.
Accommodations we recommend in the area:
- The most popular on Instagram: Château de la Cazette (around €182) where you can have a nice breakfast in a splendid setting.
- The most comfortable: the Grand Hôtel du Cours (around €83) and its windows giving a view of the Old Town.
- The most exclusive: the Ananda guest rooms (around €81), a true safe haven, near the water.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
