
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Marseille, France
1. Cannes
Glamorous resort town on the French Riviera with sandy beaches and upscale boutiques.
- Beach Time: Enjoy stunning Mediterranean beaches, perfect for sunbathing or water sports.
- Luxury Shopping: Indulge in shopping at high-end boutiques offering designer clothing and accessories.
- Film Festival: Visit during the Cannes Film Festival for a glimpse of Hollywood stars.
2. Aix-en-Provence
Historic town with elegant architecture, charming squares and a vibrant arts scene.
- Artistic Heritage: Explore museums showcasing works by famous artists like Cézanne.
- Provencal Market: Shop for local produce, artisanal products and souvenirs at the bustling market.
- Roman Ruins: Walk through the ancient Roman aqueduct and forum ruins in the heart of the city.
3. Avignon
Medieval city with a historic fortress, the Palais des Papes, and picturesque streets.
- Historic Fortress: Visit the massive Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic buildings in the world.
- St. Benezet Bridge: Cross the iconic St. Benezet Bridge, also known as the Pont d'Avignon.
- Provençal Cuisine: Savor traditional Provençal cuisine in one of the many cozy restaurants.
4. Nice
Famous resort city on the French Riviera known for its stunning beaches, vibrant Old Town and promenade.
- Promenade des Anglais: Stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais and enjoy the sea view.
- Colourful Buildings: Marvel at the colorful buildings of the Old Town, especially the iconic Flower Market.
- Chagall Museum: Visit the Chagall Museum to see a vast collection of works by Marc Chagall.
5. Montpellier
Vibrant university city with a lively cultural scene, historic architecture and beautiful gardens.
- Jardin des Plantes: Explore the botanical garden, home to over 5,000 species of plants.
- Place de la Comédie: Relax in the bustling main square, lined with elegant buildings and cafes.
- Antique Quarter: Wander through the Antique Quarter to find unique treasures from the past.
6. Saint-Tropez
Famous beach resort town known for its stunning beaches, chic boutiques and vibrant nightlife.
- Pampelonne Beach: Relax on the famous Pampelonne Beach, home to several beach clubs.
- Old Town: Explore the charming Old Town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings.
- Art Galleries: Visit art galleries showcasing works by famous artists like Picasso and Matisse.
7. Gordes
Stunning hilltop village in the Luberon region, known for its beautiful architecture and panoramic views.
- Panoramic Views: Take in breathtaking views of the Luberon valley from the hilltop village.
- Artisan Shops: Shop for unique crafts and souvenirs at local artisan shops.
- Abbey de Senanque: Visit the Abbey de Senanque, a medieval monastery surrounded by lavender fields.
8. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Historic town with ancient ruins and the famous Van Gogh psychiatric hospital where he painted.
- Van Gogh Connection: Visit the psychiatric hospital where Van Gogh stayed and painted.
- Roman Ruins: Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Glanum.
- Alpilles Mountains: Hike in the picturesque Alpilles mountains, dotted with charming villages.
9. Cassis
Charming coastal town known for its crystal-clear waters, picturesque harbor and calanques.
- Calanques: Explore the stunning calanques, steep limestone cliffs plunging into the sea.
- Boat Trips: Take a boat trip to explore the crystal-clear waters and caves.
- Fisherman's Port: Stroll around the colorful fisherman's port, lined with cafes and seafood restaurants.
10. Orange
Historic city known for its well-preserved Roman theater and charming Old Town.
- Roman Theater: Visit the well-preserved Roman Theater, still used for performances today.
- Château des Baux-de-Provence: Explore the medieval castle, perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley.
- Vineyards: Visit local vineyards to taste Côtes du Rhône wines and learn about their production.
11. Les Baux-de-Provence
Medieval hilltop village known for its stunning views, charming streets and castle ruins.
- Stunning Views: Take in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from the hilltop village.
- Castle Ruins: Explore the ruins of the medieval castle, dating back to the 10th century.
- Artisan Shops: Shop for unique crafts and souvenirs at local artisan shops.
12. Arles
Historic city in the Camargue region, known for its Roman ruins, Van Gogh connections and bull ranches.
- Roman Ruins: Explore the well-preserved Roman amphitheater and forum.
- Van Gogh Connection: Visit sites where Van Gogh lived and painted, such as the Yellow House.
- Camargue Landscape: Explore the unique Camargue landscape, with its salt flats, marshes and wild horses.
13. Lavender Fields of Luberon
Visit the beautiful lavender fields in bloom during summer in the Luberon region.
- Lavender Harvest: Experience the beauty of the lavender fields during harvest season (June-August).
- Photo Opportunities: Capture stunning photos against a backdrop of vibrant purple lavender fields.
- Local Products: Try local lavender products, such as lavender honey and soap.
14. Périer Castle
Medieval castle ruins overlooking the Luberon valley, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the past.
- Stunning Views: Take in breathtaking views of the Luberon valley from the hilltop castle ruins.
- Historic Significance: Learn about the history and significance of this important medieval fortress.
- Nature Trails: Explore nearby nature trails and enjoy the beautiful Luberon countryside.
15. Cavaillon
Charming town in the heart of the Provence region, known for its delicious peaches and medieval architecture.
- Peach Capital: Taste delicious local peaches during summer, considered some of the best in France.
- Historic Center: Explore the charming historic center with its narrow streets and medieval architecture.
- Bastide St. Louis: Visit the imposing Bastide St. Louis, a medieval fortress overlooking the town.