📍 France

MARSEILLE COAST: CALANQUES, VILLAGES AND RIVIERA

Turquoise calanques carved over millennia, villages clinging to vertiginous slopes, Marseille's Old Port buzzing with life. The Provençal coast, wild and graceful.

≈ 6
Days
129
Km
6
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Journey through Provence between sea and hinterland. Discover Marseille and its creative energy, explore the Cassis calanques, stroll along La Ciotat harbor, wander through Le Castellet and its medieval lanes, then reach Aix-en-Provence and its baroque squares.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Marseille

bohemian harbor urban soul

Marseille - Photo 1Marseille - Photo 2Marseille - Photo 3Marseille - Photo 4Marseille - Photo 5Marseille - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, panorama over Marseille and interior visit
2
Vieux Panier district: narrow streets, street art, squares and designer boutiques
3
Cathedral of la Major, monumental building between Vieux-Port and maritime station
4
MuCEM, museum of civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean and views of Fort Saint-Jean
+2 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Ascent to Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde by tourist train or via the hill paths
→
Leisure break at Escale Borély, lively seafront with ferris wheel and beachside promenade
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 27.2 km
Travel time: 54min
2
Day

Gemenos

limestone gorge spring waters

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6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Village of Gémenos at the foot of Sainte-Baume, fountains and castle housing the town hall
2
Walk in the valley of Saint-Pons, along the river and forest
3
Discovery of a chapel, a waterfall and the Cistercian abbey of Saint-Pons
🎯

Activities

→
Family hike in Saint-Pons park with wildlife and flora observation
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 15.1 km
Travel time: 30min
3
Day

Cassis

turquoise calanques kayak paradise

Cassis - Photo 1Cassis - Photo 2Cassis - Photo 3Cassis - Photo 4Cassis - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Port of Cassis and town center, view of Cap Canaille
2
Calanque of Port-Miou, former quarry converted into a natural harbor
3
Calanque of Port-Pin, cove surrounded by pines accessible on foot from Port-Miou
4
Calanque d'En-Vau, sheltered beach with spectacular cliffs
🎯

Activities

→
Boat trip from the port of Cassis to discover several calanques
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Hike on the GR98 between Port-Miou, Port-Pin and En-Vau
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Route des Crêtes between Cassis and La Ciotat, viewpoints over Cassis, its calanques and the bay of La Ciotat
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 9.3 km
Travel time: 19min
4
Day

La Ciotat

belle epoque harbor nostalgia

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6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Port of La Ciotat, waterfront and lively quays
2
Walk along the coastline of La Ciotat and beaches near the port
🎯

Activities

→
Evening stroll at the port of La Ciotat with artisanal night market
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 18.4 km
Travel time: 37min
5
Day

Le Castellet

Le Castellet - Photo 1Le Castellet - Photo 2Le Castellet - Photo 3Le Castellet - Photo 4Le Castellet - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Medieval village of Le Castellet, entrance through the fortified gate and streets with galleries and shops
2
Château square of Le Castellet and viewpoint of "Trou de Madame" over the Sainte-Baume massif
3
Village of La Cadière-d'Azur and orientation table with panorama over the Var countryside
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of the Paul Ricard Circuit, site of major automotive and motorcycle events
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Xtrem Park at the Paul Ricard Circuit: recreational activities like quad biking, zip line, trampoline and driving simulators
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 58.5 km
Travel time: 59min
6
Day

Aix En Provence

fountain plazas baroque elegance

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5 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Cours Mirabeau and Rotonde fountain, lively avenue lined with plane trees and cafés
2
Old town of Aix-en-Provence: narrow streets, private mansions, flowered squares and numerous fountains
3
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, building mixing Romanesque and Gothic styles
4
Memorial site of Camp des Milles, former internment and deportation camp
🎯

Activities

→
Walking tour in the footsteps of Cézanne in the city of Aix-en-Provence

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 5 and 7 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.