Most travelers will find that seven to eight days are perfect for a well-paced France trip with stops in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Marseille. It’s also possible to hit the highlights in six days if you don’t mind a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Saint Rémy de Provence, Paris, or Cassis. Get inspired with the below Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Marseille trip ideas.
## Planning Your Trip: Exploring Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Marseille
When planning a trip to the captivating region of Provence, many travelers find themselves drawn to the allure of Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Marseille. These three distinct cities offer a blend of history, culture, and vibrant Provençal charm. But how many days should you dedicate to experiencing the best of what each city has to offer? Let’s delve into some recommended itineraries to help you plan your perfect Provençal adventure.
* **Ideal Trip Length:** Most travelers find that a combined stay of 7-8 days in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Marseille allows for a comfortable and comprehensive exploration of the region’s highlights. This duration provides ample time to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of each city without feeling overly rushed.
* **A Shorter Visit:** It is indeed possible to visit Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Marseille in a shorter timeframe, such as 6 days. However, be prepared for a faster pace and a more condensed experience. A 6-day itinerary will likely involve prioritizing key attractions and potentially sacrificing opportunities for more leisurely exploration.
* **Extending Your Stay:** If you have the luxury of 9 or more days, you’ll have the opportunity to delve deeper into the region’s offerings or venture beyond the main cities. Many travelers choose to extend their trip to include additional stops in charming nearby locales, such as Saint Rémy de Provence, the vibrant capital of Paris, or the scenic coastal town of Cassis. These extensions allow for a more well-rounded and enriching Provençal experience.
## Exploring Provence: Recommended Itineraries for Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Marseille
### A Detailed 8-Day Itinerary
This itinerary offers a delightful balance between city exploration, cultural immersion, and culinary experiences, allowing you to truly savor the essence of Provence.
**Day 1: Arrival in Marseille and City Exploration**
Begin your journey by arriving in the vibrant port city of Marseille. Spend the day exploring the city’s historic Vieux Port (Old Port), wander through the colorful Cours Julien district, and perhaps enjoy a delicious seafood dinner overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Overnight in Marseille.
**Day 2: Culinary Delights: Cooking Class & Soap Atelier Experience in Marseille**
Immerse yourself in the local culture with a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare traditional Provençal dishes. In the afternoon, indulge in a unique sensory experience at a soap atelier, discovering the art of crafting authentic Savon de Marseille. Overnight in Marseille.
**Day 3: Coastal Adventures: Private Boat Cruise & Photography Workshop in Marseille**
Embark on a private boat cruise along the stunning coastline of Marseille, taking in breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding islands. Enhance your photographic skills with a workshop, capturing the beauty of the Mediterranean landscape. Overnight in Marseille.
**Day 4: Journey to Aix-en-Provence & City Tour**
Pick up your rental car and embark on a scenic drive to Aix-en-Provence, the city of a thousand fountains. Upon arrival, embark on a guided city tour, discovering the elegant Cours Mirabeau, the charming Quartier Mazarin, and the magnificent Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur. Overnight in Aix-en-Provence.
**Day 5: Provençal Gastronomy: Cooking Class in Aix-en-Provence**
Deepen your culinary skills with another Provençal cooking class, this time focusing on regional specialties of Aix-en-Provence. Visit a local market to gather fresh ingredients and learn the secrets of traditional Provençal cuisine. Overnight in Aix-en-Provence.
**Day 6: Avignon Awaits: Drive and City Exploration**
Embark on a scenic drive to Avignon, the historic city of the Popes. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), wander across the iconic Pont d’Avignon (Avignon Bridge), and soak in the atmosphere of this medieval city. Overnight in Avignon.
**Day 7: Wine Tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape & Gigondas**
Indulge in a wine tour of the renowned Chateauneuf du Pape and Gigondas wine regions. Sample exquisite wines, learn about the winemaking process, and savor the flavors of the Rhône Valley. Overnight in Avignon.
**Day 8: Departure from Marseille**
Return to Marseille to catch your departing flight, filled with memories of your Provençal adventure.
Provence, a region that served as the first Roman territory beyond the Alps, has a rich history and enduring appeal. This eight-day self-drive trip lets you discover why the Romans chose it long ago. Create your own soap, cruise around the coast of Marseille, cook using local ingredients, and more, as you explore this fascinating region.
## Expanding Your Horizons: Extended Itineraries
### A 5-Day Itinerary Including Saint Rémy de Provence
This itinerary focuses on showcasing the highlights of Provence, incorporating visits to both major cities and charming villages.
**Day 1: Arrival in Marseille, Exploration**
Begin your journey in Marseille, where you can explore the Old Port and other key attractions.
**Day 2: Drive to Aix-en-Provence, Guided Walking Tour**
Head to Aix-en-Provence and take a guided walking tour to discover its architectural and cultural gems.
**Day 3: Drive to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence via Les Baux-de-Provence**
Drive to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, making a stop at the stunning village of Les Baux-de-Provence along the way.
**Day 4: Wine Tour in Gigondas & Chateauneuf du Pape, Drive to Avignon**
Enjoy a wine tour in Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape, then continue to Avignon.
**Day 5: Return to Marseille, Departure**
Return to Marseille for your departure.
Provence stands as a region that perfectly captures the exceptional beauty of France. During this five-day self-drive itinerary, you’ll encounter the highlights, visiting emblematic cities like Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, as well as traditional villages nestled in the scenic countryside. Conclude your adventure in medieval Avignon, complete with a wine tasting experience in nearby Chateauneuf du Pape.
### A Comprehensive 13-Day Itinerary Including Saint Rémy de Provence, Arles & Bonnieux
For those seeking a more immersive experience, this itinerary offers a deep dive into the heart of Provence, exploring its diverse landscapes, historical sites, and cultural treasures.
**Day 1: Arrival in Marseille, City Exploration**
Begin your exploration in Marseille, getting acquainted with its vibrant atmosphere.
**Day 2: Private Boat Cruise & Photography Workshop in Marseille**
Enjoy a private boat cruise and photography workshop to capture the beauty of Marseille from the sea.
**Day 3: Pick up Rental Car, Drive to Aix-en-Provence & City Tour**
Drive to Aix-en-Provence, pick up your rental car, and take a city tour to explore its historical sites.
**Day 4: Provençal Cooking Class in Aix-en-Provence**
Participate in a Provençal cooking class to learn the secrets of the local cuisine.
**Day 5: Free Day in Aix-en-Provence**
Enjoy a free day in Aix-en-Provence to explore at your own pace.
**Day 6: Drive to the Luberon Region & Explore Hilltop Villages**
Head to the Luberon region and explore its picturesque hilltop villages, with an overnight stay in Bonnieux.
**Day 7: Drive to Les Baux de Provence & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence**
Visit Les Baux de Provence and continue to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence for the night.
**Day 8: Olive Oil Experience & Wine Estates**
Immerse yourself in the world of olive oil and wine with experiences at local estates in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
**Day 9: Drive to Arles & Explore Roman History**
Drive to Arles and explore its rich Roman history.
**Day 10: Drive to Avignon & Afternoon in the City**
Continue to Avignon and spend the afternoon exploring its historical center.
**Day 11: Roman History Road Trip in Nîmes & Uzès**
Take a road trip to Nîmes and Uzès to discover more Roman history.
**Day 12: Chateauneuf du Pape & Gigondas Wine Tour**
Enjoy a wine tour in Chateauneuf du Pape and Gigondas.
**Day 13: Return to Marseille, Depart**
Return to Marseille for your departure.
Provence is blessed with approximately 2,900 hours of sunlight each year, providing ample opportunity to soak up the sun during this 13-day road trip across the South of France. Journey inland from coastal Marseilles to discover French farm cooking, hilltop villages, established wine estates, olive oil groves, and ancient Roman ruins under the warm southern French sun.
## Navigating Provence: Traveling Between Aix-en-Provence, Avignon & Marseille
The charming and picturesque city of Aix-en-Provence, often referred to simply as Aix by locals, lies just over 15 miles north of Marseille, the largest city in southern France. This proximity makes it easy to explore both cities during your Provençal adventure.
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