Around Marseille

Visits in the surroundings

Marseille is a holiday resort on its own and is the ideal starting-point from which to discover the beautiful villages and historic traditions of Provence.

From marseille, you can choose : the cliffs from Marseille to Cassis, the harbour of Martigues and the Blue Coast, the windmills in Allauch; Aubagne and Le Garlaban mountain, La Sainte-Baume and Sainte-Victoire massifs; Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Rémy de Provence, the citadel of Les Baux de Provence, the Alpilles hills, the town of Arles and the Camargue region, and so many other places…

Aix-en-Provence – Cassis

Situated 30 Km North of Marseille, the city of Aix is well-known for the narrow streets of the Old Town, its fountains and its numerous mansions (17th – 18th centuries). Free time to wonder through out the elegant avenues, lined with plane trees and benefit from the atmosphere of the markets.
Possibility to visit the famous workshop of Cezanne. Lunch in Aix.

Departure from Aix to Cassis (48 Km). This little seaside resort is located between the Calanques (natural inlet of limestone, some of them shelter small harbours and sandy beaches) and the Cap Canaille cliffs. The « Calanques » of Marseille and Cassis can be visited by boat. Boat trip from 45 min. to 1 hour 30.

Tour of a vineyard estate in Cassis : Cassis AOC produces a reputed white wine with a very special flavour.

The Alpilles hills

Departure from Marseille to the village of Les Baux de Provence (80 Km). Fine mansions of the Renaissance period and churches. The citadel offers a magnificent panorama above the region. Possibility to visit the « Cathédrale d’Images » (Picture palace) : an impressive audio-visual show located in an ancient quarry, with 4000 m2 of limestone walls. Lunch in Les Baux.

Departure to the roman monuments of Les Antiques : the Triumphal Arch and the Mausoleum which date back to 35 BC, are ones of the finest and best preserved roman remains in the world.

Nearby is the village of Saint Rémy de Provence which squares and mansions were frequented by Vincent Van Gogh or Frédéric Mistral (the founder of the “Félibrige” Provencal literary revival movement).

Arles and the Camargue region

Departure from Marseille to the city of Arles (92 Km), surrounded by the River Rhône to the North and the wild Camargue to the South. The Roman and Romanesque historical buildings and monuments are included in Unesco’s World Heritage List : the Amphitheatre, the Theatre, the Constantine’s Baths (4th century baths), the Saint Trophime cathedral and cloister (XII°century)…

Lunch in one of the Manades of Camargue (ranches that breed bulls or horses). It is possible to experience rodeo games and activities linked to Camargue traditions.
In the afternoon, departure for the village of Les Saintes Maries de la Mer (30 Km). Visit of the fortified church and the port. Twice a year, the village welcomes the Gypsies pilgrimages.

Avignon and Le Luberon

Departure from Marseille to Avignon (97 Km), the city of the Popes. The town is composed of unique monuments as witnesses of the splendour of its past : The Popes’ Palace, the Petit Palais Museum, the Old Town with medieval streets and the St Benezet’s Bridge. Lunch in Avignon.

Departure to the perched village of Gordes famous for its stone homes built along the hillside and visit of the Sénanque Abbey : one of the most beautiful Romanesque abbey in Provence built during the XII° century.

Around Marseille

Aix-en-Provence – Cassis