Explore the Best 5 Day Trip Ideas from Marseille

Marseille is a fantastic city, and while there’s plenty to see right in town, the surrounding area is just begging to be explored. If you’re looking to get out and about, there are some truly wonderful places just a short drive away. I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite 5 day trip ideas from Marseille, perfect for getting a feel for the beautiful Provence region.

Key Takeaways

Cassis offers a charming seaside experience with colorful buildings and waterfront dining, perfect for a relaxed day trip.
Explore the dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of Calanques National Park, accessible by hiking or boat tours.
Discover the lesser-known coastal villages along the Côte Bleue, like Carry-le-Rouet, known for its beaches and local charm.
L’Estaque, a historic artists’ village near Marseille, provides a glimpse into the region’s artistic past.
Six-Fours-les-Plages and its nearby Île du Petit Gaou offer beautiful coastal walks, swimming spots, and scenic views.

1. Cassis

Cassis is a super charming little seaside town that you’ve probably heard of. It’s about a half-hour drive from Marseille, and honestly, the view as you get closer is just stunning. Think bright red cliffs, the bluest Mediterranean water, and pretty houses climbing up the hillsides. It really is something else.

What to Do in Cassis

I’d suggest heading out from Marseille in the late morning. You really only need about an hour to wander through the village itself. There are tons of cute little shops selling souvenirs and plenty of places to grab a bite. Grabbing lunch at one of the waterfront spots and ordering some moules frites is a must. If you’ve got room for dessert, definitely check out Amorino Gelato for their rose-shaped cones – they’re almost too pretty to eat!

Explore the boutiques and souvenir shops.
Enjoy lunch with a view on the waterfront.
Try the moules frites (mussels and fries).
Grab a rose-shaped gelato from Amorino Gelato.
Check out the market in Place Baragnon (Wednesdays and Fridays are typical market days, but there are also art markets).

Cassis is known for its beautiful white wines, which are quite different from the rosés you find elsewhere in Provence. If you’re a wine fan, stopping at some local vineyards on your way in or out could be a great idea.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are some lovely options. Hotel Les Volets Rouges is an eco-friendly boutique hotel surrounded by pine trees, and Hôtel Les Roches Blanches offers a more luxurious 5-star experience with amazing sea views and infinity pools. Just a heads-up, Cassis can get pretty busy, especially in the summer, so don’t expect a super quiet vibe right in the center of town.

2. Calanques National Park

Just a stone’s throw from Cassis, you’ll find the absolutely stunning Calanques National Park. Seriously, this place is unreal. Imagine towering white cliffs dropping straight into the most vibrant blue water you’ve ever seen, creating these cool, hidden inlets called calanques. It’s like a postcard came to life.

Getting There and Around

You’ve got a few options for exploring this natural wonder. You can hike in, which is a fantastic way to really soak it all in. Many people hike from Port-Miou to Calanque d’En Vau and back, and it usually takes about four to five hours, giving you plenty of time for photos and just chilling by the water. If hiking isn’t your jam, you can also rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard, or even hop on a boat tour to see the calanques from the sea.

When to Visit and What to Know

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t visit the Calanques by land or that it’s always closed in summer. You can totally access the park on foot. Just a heads-up though, during the hotter months, trails might close for a bit if there’s a high risk of wildfires. It’s a good idea to check the ‘Mes Calanques’ app for daily updates. If the trails are closed, don’t sweat it, a kayak or boat trip is a brilliant alternative.

The sheer beauty of the Calanques is something you really have to see for yourself. The contrast between the rugged cliffs and the clear, calm water is just breathtaking.

Must-See Calanques

While the whole park is gorgeous, a few spots really stand out:

Calanque d’En Vau This one is often cited as one of the most beautiful, with its dramatic cliffs and inviting turquoise water. It’s a bit of a trek to get to, but totally worth it.
Calanque de Sormiou Known for its charming little fishing huts and a great spot for a picnic.
Calanque de Morgiou This calanque feels a bit more secluded and offers a peaceful escape.

After you’ve had your fill of this natural paradise, you can head back towards Marseille or Cassis, depending on your next adventure.

3. Côte Bleue

Forget the glitz of the Côte d’Azur for a moment and let me introduce you to its charming, lesser-known neighbor the Côte Bleue. This stretch of coastline, nestled between Marseille and Martigues, offers a more laid-back vibe with its quaint fishing villages and beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect escape if you’re looking for something a bit more authentic.

Carry-le-Rouet

Carry-le-Rouet is a delightful seaside town that locals love for summer getaways. It boasts a cute downtown area and a lovely harbor. But the real draw here is the coastal footpath. You can stroll along the sea, taking in the fresh air and pretty views. The town also has four distinct beaches to choose from:

Le Rouet A popular spot right in town.
Cap Rousset A natural cove made of limestone.
Fernandel Located in the heart of the town.
Les Beaumettes Situated at the edge of town, featuring stones and shallow waters.

And here’s a fun tidbit Carry-le-Rouet is famous for its sea urchins. They even have a special month for them in February, complete with events and tastings!

L’Estaque

Before you even hit the Côte Bleue proper, consider a stop in L’Estaque. This Marseille suburb is a gem that has inspired many famous artists like Cézanne, Renoir, and Georges Braque. It’s a great place to check out either on your way out of Marseille or on your return trip. The village has a lovely, artistic feel to it.

Martigues

Further along the coast, you’ll find Martigues, often called the “Venice of Provence.” Its colorful buildings and bridges really do give it a Venetian flair, but without the crowds, even in peak season. One particularly picturesque spot is the Moiroir aux Oiseaux, a small port along Quai Brescon, which has also been a favorite subject for painters. It’s a wonderfully photogenic place to wander.

The Côte Bleue offers a refreshing change of pace with its genuine charm and beautiful coastal scenery. It’s a fantastic alternative to the more famous Riviera spots.

4. L’Estaque

Just a stone’s throw east of Marseille, you’ll find L’Estaque. It’s a charming little village that’s actually a suburb of Marseille, making it super easy to pop over either on your way out of the city or on your way back. What’s really cool about L’Estaque is its artistic heritage.

This place has been a muse for some seriously famous artists like Cézanne, Renoir, and Georges Braque. You can totally feel that creative vibe when you wander through its streets. It’s a great spot to just take a leisurely stroll, maybe grab a coffee, and soak in the atmosphere that inspired so many masterpieces. It’s not a huge place, so you won’t need a ton of time, but it’s definitely worth the detour if you appreciate art or just want to see a bit more of the local flavor outside the main city hustle.

What to Do

Wander the streets and imagine the artists who once walked them.
Enjoy the coastal views from the small harbor.
Relax at a local cafe and people-watch.

Getting There

L’Estaque is easily accessible by car or public transport from Marseille. It’s a short drive, making it a convenient stop.

5. Carry-le-Rouet

Just a short drive west of Marseille, you’ll find Carry-le-Rouet, a charming seaside spot that’s a favorite summer escape for locals. It’s got a cute little downtown area and a lovely harbor that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.

What makes Carry-le-Rouet really special, though, is its coastline. There’s a fantastic coastal footpath that lets you wander right along the sea. Plus, you’ve got four different beaches to choose from, each with its own vibe.

Le Rouet is the most popular and the first one you’ll hit.
Cap Rousset is a natural cove carved into limestone.
Fernandel is right in the heart of town.
Les Beaumettes is at the edge of town, with stones and shallow water, great for a relaxed dip.

And here’s a fun tidbit Carry-le-Rouet is famous for its sea urchins. They even have a whole month dedicated to them in February, complete with events and tastings! It’s a great place to soak up some sun and enjoy the Mediterranean breeze.

6. Martigues

Known as the "Venice of Provence," Martigues is a super colorful village that really lives up to its nickname. Think bright buildings and charming bridges, all without the overwhelming crowds you might expect. It’s a really pretty spot, especially along the Quai Brescon where you’ll find the Moiroir aux Oiseaux, a little port that’s also been a favorite for artists. It’s a great place to just wander around and soak in the local vibe.

What to See and Do

Wander along the canals The main draw is definitely the picturesque canals and bridges that give Martigues its "Venice of Provence" feel.
Explore the Quai Brescon This area is particularly lovely, with the Moiroir aux Oiseaux offering a scenic view that’s perfect for photos.
Visit the local markets Like many French towns, Martigues has local markets where you can find fresh produce and regional goods.

Getting There

Martigues is located west of Marseille. You can easily drive there, and it’s a straightforward trip. It’s often mentioned in conjunction with the Côte Bleue, so you could potentially combine it with a visit to nearby towns like Carry-le-Rouet.

Martigues offers a unique blend of coastal charm and canal-side beauty, making it a delightful escape from the hustle of Marseille.

7. Six-Fours-les-Plages

If you’re looking for a charming coastal escape that feels a bit more off the beaten path, Six-Fours-les-Plages is a fantastic choice. It’s about an hour’s drive from Marseille, heading towards Toulon. We actually skipped the main town and headed straight for Le Brusc, a smaller, super cute commune right on the water. It’s got this lovely local vibe that’s really refreshing. You can drive through and find parking near the water, though it’s a paid lot.

Le Brusc and Île du Petit Gaou

The coastline here is really something special. It’s rocky with cool formations and tide pools, perfect for a quick dip if you’re feeling brave. We were lucky enough to catch the golden and blue hour, and wow, the views were incredible. Right next to the coast is the Île du Petit Gaou, which you can reach by a footbridge. There are walking paths that take you through beautiful nature, past cliffs, and offer some seriously breathtaking scenery.

Dining and Sunset

There are a few restaurants near the island with amazing views, but we opted for a super casual pizza dinner back in Le Brusc. We just grabbed our pizzas and enjoyed them on benches overlooking the harbor, complete with some rosé in plastic cups. It was simple, relaxed, and exactly what we wanted. I’d totally recommend dedicating an afternoon to this area, finishing off with sunset drinks and dinner. You could even combine a trip here with a morning visit to Cassis or Bandol if you’re feeling ambitious.

Getting There

Take the A50 highway from Marseille towards Toulon.
The drive is approximately one hour.
Follow signs for Six-Fours-les-Plages and then head towards Le Brusc.

8. Le Brusc

Just a short drive from Six-Fours-les-Plages, you’ll find Le Brusc, a smaller, more laid-back commune that feels like a real local secret. It’s got this charming, unpretentious vibe that’s super refreshing. You can drive through the little town and find parking down by the water, which is super convenient. The coastline here is really something else, all rocky with cool formations and little tide pools perfect for a quick dip. We caught the golden hour and blue hour there, and wow, the colors were just stunning.

Île du Petit Gaou

Right next to the coast, there’s a small island called Île du Petit Gaou. The best part? You can walk right over to it on a footbridge. Once you’re there, you’ll find walking paths that take you through some really beautiful natural spots, with cliffs and amazing views. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and to just soak in the scenery.

Le Brusc Harbor

After exploring, there are a few restaurants near the island that offer fantastic views. We opted for a super casual dinner of pizza right in Le Brusc village. We just sat on benches overlooking the harbor, sipping rosé from plastic cups. It was simple, but honestly, it was one of those perfect, unplanned moments.

Allow yourself a good chunk of the afternoon here, and plan to stay for sunset drinks and dinner. It’s also a great spot to combine with a morning trip to Cassis or Bandol if you’re feeling ambitious.

Le Brusc offers a genuine slice of coastal life without the big crowds. It’s the kind of place where you can just relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of the Mediterranean.

9. Île du Petit Gaou

Just a short drive from Marseille, you’ll find the charming Île du Petit Gaou. It’s connected to the mainland by a footbridge, making it super accessible.

Once you’re there, you can wander along the walking paths and soak in the natural beauty. The cliffs are pretty majestic, and the views are just stunning. It’s a great spot to just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Getting There

You can reach Île du Petit Gaou by car from Marseille. It’s about an hour’s drive, heading towards Toulon. Parking is available near the water in Le Brusc, which is right next to the island.

What to Do

Walk the coastal paths Enjoy the scenic routes with great views.
Explore the cliffs Admire the natural rock formations.
Take a dip The water is lovely for a swim, especially during golden hour.

Dining

There are a few restaurants near the island that offer nice views. We opted for a casual pizza dinner in the village of Le Brusc, which was perfect after a day of exploring.

Allow yourself a good chunk of the afternoon to really appreciate this spot. Ending your day with a sunset drink and dinner here is highly recommended.

10. Bandol

If you’ve got a bit more time and want to explore further east from Cassis, Bandol is a fantastic next stop. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Cassis, and honestly, the drive itself is pretty scenic, passing by more vineyards. While Cassis is known for its white wines, Bandol really shines with its earthy reds, though they make great whites and rosés too. You won’t find vineyards right in the town center, but the surrounding region is the heart of the wine scene.

Wine Tasting

Bandol is a recognized wine region, so if you’re a wine enthusiast, this is your spot. You’ll drive past many vineyards on your way there. Remember to always have a designated driver if you plan on doing any wine tasting. It’s easy to get carried away, and French drunk driving laws are no joke.

What to Do in Bandol

Bandol itself is a lively seaside town. It’s got these cute little streets to wander through and plenty of places to eat, which is perfect for soaking up all that wine you might have sampled. The harbor area is particularly nice for a stroll.

Getting Back to Marseille

Once you’ve had your fill of wine and seaside charm, the drive back to Marseille is pretty straightforward, taking about 42 minutes. It’s a nice way to cap off a day of exploring the coast.

So, Ready to Hit the Road?

Alright, that’s a wrap on our little tour of day trip ideas from Marseille! We’ve covered everything from charming seaside towns to natural wonders, and hopefully, you’re feeling inspired to pack a bag and explore. Marseille itself is amazing, but getting out and seeing what’s just a short drive away really adds another layer to the whole experience. Whether you’re chasing lavender fields or rocky coastlines, there’s definitely something out there for everyone. So, grab your keys, maybe a good playlist, and go make some memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are day trips from Marseille a good idea?

Marseille is a great starting point for exploring the beautiful Provence region. Many charming coastal towns and natural parks are just a short drive away, offering a perfect escape from the city.

What is Cassis like?

Cassis is a lovely seaside town known for its colorful buildings and pretty harbor. You can enjoy lunch by the water and explore the cute shops. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Marseille.

What’s special about Calanques National Park?

The Calanques National Park features stunning white cliffs that drop into bright blue water. You can hike, bike, or take a boat tour to see the amazing inlets (calanques). It’s a natural wonder near Marseille.

What is the Côte Bleue?

The Côte Bleue is a less crowded coastline between Marseille and Martigues. It has small fishing villages and nice beaches, offering a more local feel compared to more famous coastal areas.

Why visit L’Estaque?

L’Estaque is a village near Marseille that inspired famous artists like Cézanne. It’s a nice place to visit for a feel of local art and history.

Can I visit multiple places in one day?

Yes, you can combine trips! For example, you could visit Cassis in the morning and then head to Six-Fours-les-Plages or Bandol in the afternoon for a full day of exploring different coastal spots.