Trip Highlights:

Traverse (almost) the entire length of France by rail and watch the landscapes change
Bask in the much-famed light of Provence, and follow in the footsteps of the artists who it inspired
Learn about the region's migratory history through its cuisine on our food tour.
Experience a French city who's identity is totally unique - and very different from its Parisian sibling
Explore nearby villages, towns and landscapes by train, including the stunning Calanques National Park.
Feast on fresh, local produce from the surrounding farms - you'll find no shortage of beautiful organic fruit and veg, wine and more.
Watch the sun set over the Vieux Port with a glass of local rose in hand - and wonder why you never came here before.

Trip Overview:

Sometimes there's nothing else that will do but a few days in the sun... that's why we've put together a flight-free short break in Marseille that ticks all the boxes!

Marseille is one of those cities often preceded by its reputation as France's "gritty", Southern city. We dare anyone to draw that conclusion on their visit. This busy port town has all the flair of the French Riviera without the glossy veneer. Full to the brim with life in all its forms, here's where you'll find fresh seafood brought in by hand from the shore, multi-cultural markets with North African influence, pastel streets offering shades of faded grandeur and plenty of heart.

This city might be experiencing a boom in tourism, but this is not a seasonal resort - it's a city that's home to almost a million resident Marseillais, full of culture, food and year-round activity.

For art-lovers, the area has a special significance. Provence has always been a home to many artists and progressive minds, and you'll find at least five big contemporary art galleries, as well as a number of classical galleries and museums dedicated to architecture and history.

Foodies won't be short of amazing places to eat either: with such proximity to Provençal countryside, you can expect excellent local produce to feature in both markets and restaurants, including an emphasis on fresh seasonal fruit and veg, herbs, olives, oils and wines. Want to dip your toe into Marseille's food heritage? Venture beyond the Old Port! Why not book our optional Multicultural Marseille Food Tour, showcasing the region's migratory history through its cuisine - and telling the stories you might not otherwise hear.

Venturing a little out of the city, you'll find nature within easy reach by public transport. Boats run to coastal towns and islands, and you can take the train out to Cassis, a great base for exploring Les Calanques national park.

Best of all, this sun-soaked city is so easy to reach by train - and you won't need a car on arrival.

Accomodation:

Enjoy accommodation in 3-4* hotels or equivalent with breakfast included wherever available.

We look specifically for comfortable, independently owned accommodation that meets our sustainability criteria.

While the exact practices may vary from accommodation to accommodation, we prioritise finding places to stay which value their local environment, invest in local produce and generate local employment.

Location: Marseille - Marseille, France

Itinerary

Day 1 London to Marseilles:

Kick off your short break by rail with a morning Eurostar, departing around 8am. Enjoy a quick ride to Paris, taking around 2.5 hours and arriving just in time for a leisurely lunch.

Change stations in Paris (full details provided) to board your onward train towards Marseille. The TGV covers the 775km in just over 3 hours, zipping past beautiful views that gradually change from pastoral farmland to Mediterranean vineyards and olive groves. Arrive in Marseille late afternoon and transfer to your hotel before enjoying a relaxing first evening.

Day 2 & 3 Marseilles:

Explore the city and surrounding area on your own terms, or contact us to book additional activities. If you have any special requests please let us know and we'll do our best to help!

Day 4 Marseilles:

On your return back to the UK you'll take the same journey in reverse, leaving at around 11am to be back in the UK at around 7pm.