All destinations
From the Vieux-Port and the Calanques to perched Luberon villages and the flamingo wetlands of the Camargue, discover every corner of the region
Must-visit destinations
Aix-en-Provence travel guide
Day trips from Marseille, Cézanne pilgrimage (studio, Bibémus, Sainte-Victoire)
Arles
Roman history (UNESCO amphitheatre and theatre), Van Gogh trail (the city where he painted 300 works in 15 months)
Avignon
History lovers (14th-century papal city, UNESCO World Heritage), Day trippers from Marseille or the Rhône corridor
Calanques National Park
Boat tours and swimming in turquoise coves, Sea kayaking
Camargue
Wildlife watching (flamingos, birds, horses, bulls), Horseback rides through the delta wetlands
Cassis
Calanques access by kayak and hike, Day trip from Marseille
Luberon
Hilltop Provençal village culture, Lavender and ochre landscape photography
Marseille travel guide
First-time visitors to southern France, Calanques hikers and boat trips
Verdon Gorge
Kayaking and canoeing the turquoise Verdon river, Hiking the Sentier Blanc-Martel through the gorge
More to explore
Bandol
Mourvèdre wine lovers (the most Mourvèdre-forward AOC in France), Coastal town atmosphere between Marseille and Toulon
Château d'If, Marseille
History and literary pilgrimage, Photography (fortress + bay views)
En-Vau and Port-Pin
The most spectacular scenery in the Calanques national park, Serious hikers wanting the full three-calanques route
Frioul Islands, Marseille
Swimming in clear water, Photography and walking
Gordes
Provençal hilltop village architecture, Sénanque abbey (especially during the brief lavender bloom)
La Ciotat
Kayaking and SUP along the Calanques coast, Avoiding Cassis summer crowds
Corniche and Prado beaches, Marseille
Swimming and beach days, Family outings
Le Panier, Marseille
Photographers, History and architecture
Les Baux-de-Provence
Immersive digital art (Carrières des Lumières), Medieval ruins and Alpilles panoramas
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Gateway to the Gorges du Verdon (10 min to the lake), Medieval cliff village atmosphere
Nîmes
Roman monuments (arena, temple, tower — all intact), The Féria festival atmosphere (May and September)
Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille
Views and photography, Architecture and history
Pont du Gard
Roman engineering marvel (UNESCO World Heritage), River swimming in the shadow of the aqueduct
Roussillon
Ochre geology and unique village architecture, Photography — the colour palette is unlike anywhere else in France
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Van Gogh's year at the asylum (Saint-Paul-de-Mausole), Glanum Roman ruins and the triumphal arch
Sormiou and Morgiou
Experiencing the closest calanques to Marseille on foot or by e-bike, The iconic cabanon fishing culture of Sormiou
Valensole plateau
The most expansive lavender landscape in France, Photography during the brief peak bloom
Vieux-Port, Marseille
First-time Marseille visitors, Evening strolls and aperitif
Off the beaten path
Aubagne
Marcel Pagnol literary pilgrimage (Marius, Jean de Florette, Manon des Sources), Santon figurine workshops (the best concentration in Provence)
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Southern Rhône wine tasting (the most famous appellation in the valley), Ruined papal castle with panoramic Rhône views
Côte Bleue
Swimming without the Calanques crowds, Train-accessible day out from Marseille
Cours Julien, Marseille
Street art photography, Evening bars and restaurants
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
The natural spectacle of the Sorgue spring at full surge, Combining with the Luberon as a northern extension
Les Goudes
Sunset seekers away from the tourist circuit, Stand-up paddleboard and snorkelling sessions
Lourmarin
The best Friday market in the south Luberon, South Luberon base with a car
Ménerbes
A quieter alternative to Gordes in the north Luberon, Luberon wine tasting (AOC Luberon portfolio)
Orange Vélodrome, Marseille
Football fans and sports enthusiasts, Architecture interest
Vallon des Auffes, Marseille
Bouillabaisse (authentic, at price), Golden hour photography
Most-booked experiences in Marseille and Provence
Whichever destination you choose, these are the activities travellers love most.
Marseille: iconic Calanques boat tour with swimming
Marseille: Frioul Islands boat tour with swim stop
Cassis: Calanques National Park sea-kayaking tour
Marseille: MuCEM skip-the-line entry ticket
From Marseille: Cassis & Aix-en-Provence full-day tour
