Are you going to Marseille for your holidays? Do not hesitate to discover the department. Here are the 12 things to do in the Bouches-du-Rhône!
The 13 is a department rich in flavours, culture and never bothers. If Marseille is its showcase, there are many things to visit in the Bouches-du-Rhône. Between Provencal cities, medieval villages, hikes, historical vestiges, seaside resorts and the beach, there are for all tastes.
So how do you visit the department? Here are the 12 things to do in the Bouches-du-Rhône!
1. Marseille
Old Port
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It is not conceivable to visit the Bouches-du-Rhône without passing through the Old Port of Marseille!
Delimited by the forts Saint-Jean and Saint-Nicolas, the Old Port is the soul of the Marseillais. The walk is short but there are so many things to look at and observe: the countless terraces, the cry, the small boats, the buildings dating from another time. We can spend the day in spite of the reduced area.
Take the time to stay on the terrace and enjoy the moment!
MuCEM
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This is probably the best museum to do in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
The Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (MuCEM) is located near the Old Port. Its original façade, in cubic shape, impresses more than one. The interior is equally enriching culturally. Unanimously welcomed for its collections, the MuCEM retraces the history of the peoples of the Mediterranean.
Quartier du Cart
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In the heart of the 2nd arrondissement, the Cart district is the oldest part of Marseille and is picturesque in the old towns of the South of France. The paved alleys are narrow, the typical color of the buildings turns yellow.
We love the atmosphere of the place and the relative calm reigning there. Mostly shaded, the Basket is also a way to escape the sun when it hits hard in the summer.
Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
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His enlivened history marked the History of Marseille. The chapel was first built around 1215 and was repeatedly modified and disaffected after the Revolution. It was reborn in the 19th century and became the Basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the protector who watches over the inhabitants.
The one surnamed the “Good Mother” is iconic in Marseilles and a must-see of the places to visit in the Bouches-du-Rhône. The panorama from the top of the hill is superb with the Grande Bleue, the city and the Velodrome stadium for the fans of the OM!
Prado Beaches
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To create easy access to the sea for the Marseillais, these beaches are arranged in the 1970s. And, with more than three million visitors each year, success is at the rendezvous! The color of the water is superb and it is the place of relaxation par excellence.
The beaches of Prado also benefit from a suitable setting for activities, with large lawn for footballers and those who want to put their towels out of the sand There is also a world-renowned skate park. Certainly one of the most friendly places to do in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
Visit If Castle
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Boris Stroujko
Sometimes left aside during the stays in Marseille, If Castle is yet one of its mythical buildings.
The castle is a prison dating from the time of François I in the 16th century. The fortress remained a prison until it opened to the public in 1890. The places are very famous in literature since If Castle is the prison in which is locked Edmond Dantès , the hero of the Count of Monte-Cristo of Alexander Dumas.
Accessible only by boat, you can visit the castle at any time in the year. Not really stormed, we appreciate the view of Marseille and the Mediterranean by taking a good bowl of fresh air!
2. Calanques National Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gaspar Janos
Difficult to visit the Bouches-du-Rhône without passing through the calanques. The Calanques National Park is a few minutes from Marseille. An enchanting and beautiful place, you don't get tired of the view of the famous calanques. Sorgiou, Port-Miou and Morgiou are the most beautiful of them.
There are also great hiking and sports activities such as kayaking, canoeing or climbing.
3. Cassis
Port and market
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Andreas G. Karelias
With its postcard image, the port of Cassis is one of the most friendly places to visit in the Bouches-du-Rhône. This beautiful marina welcomes small colored wooden boats that you love to watch and photograph. Yet so close to Marseille, it is a real small village port. Walking around is a real happiness and many terraces allow you to enjoy even more of the moment while sipping a pastis!
Close to the port, the market de Cassis is the animation of the city every Wednesday and Friday. The local products are tasted and the atmosphere of the South markets is impregnated, where the merchants’ cries largely cover the discussions of passers-by!
Layer of Port-Miou
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At the end of the Calanques National Park, the Layer of Port-Miou is the most beautiful of all and can be easily admired from Cassis. A must-see visit to the Bouches-du-Rhône both the places are beautiful.
Beaches and Cap Canaille
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Like any seaside resort that respects itself, Cassis has beautiful beaches to entertain and rest. Sandy beaches, the beaches of Bestouan or Grande Mer, or pebbles, that of the Arena, await you to relax in the sun and make a nap in the shade of the parasol!
For the most athletic and hikers, the ascent of Cap Canaille between Cassis and La Ciotat, with its highest cliffs in France, offers a breathtaking view of the calanques, Cassis and the turquoise color of the sea!
4. The Roman city ofArles and the abbey of Montmajour
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gerhard Roethlinger
For those who love Roman vestiges, Arles is a must-see in the Bouches-du-Rhône. With its amphitheatre and its old stones, Arles is indeed a beautiful testimony of the Roman past of the city. The enthusiasts will be able to visit the Musée de l’Arles antique.
The town is also famous for Van Gogh and a foundation is dedicated to it. With its beautiful façade on the banks of the Rhone, the Reattu Museum is not to be missed. Finally, it is possible to reach the beautiful abbey of Montmajour to the north of the city.
5. Local gastronomy
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It’s hard to pass by the gastronomy when you talk about things to do in the Bouches-du-Rhône!
The aperitif begins with a pastis accompanied by tapnade, local recipe based on olives. Once you’re on a diet, you’ll attack with the most emblematic dish in the region, the bouillabaisse, the famous fish soup with inimitable and delicious taste. The bread crusts can be soaked in the Ayoli, a garlic-based sauce. Vegetarians can replace bouillabaisse with pistou soup, summer vegetable soup made of pasta, served with pistou, garlic, basil and olive oil.
If there’s room for dessert, enjoy a frigid chichi, a big chick peas donut!
6. Aix-en-Provence
Old town
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In large part pedestrian, the old town of Aix-en-Provence is the perfect setting for the city centers. With its ancient and colourful buildings, narrow and narrow streets, numerous trees to protect themselves from the sun, this old town is one of the most beautiful to visit in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
Among the places where to stroll, it is advisable to stay the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville by admiring the huge astronomical clock, on the Cours Mirabeau where the majority of restaurants are located and in the Mazarin district, pretty chic but so charming!
Workshop of Paul Cézanne
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For herbal painters, it is certainly what is best to do in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
The workshop of Paul Cézanne, a native of the city, presents the place where the painter loved to practise his art every day between 1902 and his death in 1906. The layout of the premises, with furniture, brushes and other tools, makes it almost feel its presence!
7. Salon-de-Provence
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For a seer or medium, visit the Bouches-du-Rhône, it is potentially a pilgrimage to the birthplace of Nostradamus! But, without reading the future, it is certain that you will also enjoy Salon-de-Provence for its typical Provençal city centre where you like to relax on the terrace.
After traveling through the castle of Emper, it is possible to visit a soap factory, making soap being the specialty of the commune.
8. Hiking in the Alpilles Regional Natural Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Oleg Znamenskiy
People looking for nature must check out Alpilles among the things to do in the Bouches-du-Rhône. This park is renowned for its many hiking trails, whether hiking, riding stables or cyclos. An ideal place to escape a few hours of the urban tumult. Some can also try to climb!
9. Les-Baux-de-Provence
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gerhard Roethlinger
Located in the heart of the Alpilles, Les-Baux-de-Provence is a beautiful village perched in the mountain where time seems to have stopped. Despite its small size, each paved alley has its historic monument! At the top, the ruins of the Château des Baux offer a wonderful view.
North of the village, don't miss the visit of the Careers of Lights. These are former careers converted into an underground museum, with the diffusion of works of art on the limestone rock! A walk around Marseille both historical and original.
10. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
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Located in the Alpilles between Avignon and Arles, the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is typical of the region, with its light-coloured buildings, fountains and narrow streets and squares.
Among the sites to be visited a few kilometers from the village are the archaeological site of Glanum, one of the best preserved Gaulish sites in France. Just next to it, the Monastery of Saint-Paul-de-Mausoleum, which inspired Van Gogh, is a beautiful and flowery place, conducive to escape and rest.
11. Aubagne
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Eleni Mavrandoni
Marcel Pagnol, whose home was transformed into a museum, is a typical heritage of Provence. We never get tired of its city centre in sunny colours, protected by trees and beautiful buildings.
Aubagne is also known for its village of Santons, where three thousand santons are staged, these small clay figures originally representing the Christmas crib. The places are magnificent, a true discovery of the artistic traditions and know-how of Provence not always recognized at its fair value.
12. Camargue
Camargue Regional Natural Park and its natural reserves
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Visiting the Bouches-du-Rhône is discovering beautiful places and threatened by climate change.
Because of the rising waters, the Camargue could disappear before 2100. Yet this national park is certainly one of the most beautiful in France and everything is done to preserve it. In addition to grandiose landscapes, there are many animal species protected on the natural reserves and the ornithological park. We like to observe pink birds and Flemish in their natural environment.
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Francesca 2011
The Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is the historic village of La Camargue. The city center is typically Provencal, with small paved streets, white houses, with the sea in addition! The possibility of a walk in the fresh air.
Don’t miss the church of the city, dating from the 9th century and masterpiece of Romanesque art.
How do I go to the Bouches-du-Rhône?
By plane
Marseille-Provence Airport is one of the largest French airports. It is served by many classic companies or low-cost . The offer is therefore substantial, which will facilitate your coming. Also, don’t hesitate to take a look at the site of a flight comparison like Skyscanner which lists the cheapest flights. At all, taking your other criteria as well.
By train
In addition to the station of Marseille Saint-Charles, the department has many stations to visit the Bouches-du-Rhône (Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Cassis...) from any large French city. All types of trains serve the department: TGV, TER, Intercity and Ouigo.
By bus
In recent years, the bus has become a safe and very cheap means of transport. If you have time in front of you and leave the comfort aside for a few hours, the bus is for you!
By car
The department is served by many highways: A7 , A52 and A55 for Marseilles, A8 and A51 for Aix-en-Provence.
From major French cities, it is possible to reach the Bouches-du-Rhône only by highway, thus reducing the transport time. For example, since Paris and Lyon , the toll costs approximately 60€ and 25€ .
Where to stay in the Bouches-du-Rhône?
Marseille is the ideal place for those who wish to stay in town. Moreover, the location of the city of Marseille is ideal because in the middle of all things to do in the Bouches-du-Rhône. We can also be in town and in the hinterland, as in Aix-en-Provence or Salon-de-Provence .
It is possible to stay by the sea (Cassis, La Ciotat) or to make camping nearby. Finally, those looking for tranquility and escape can choose Les-Baux-de-Provence or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence .
To find your accommodation, do not hesitate to check out Compare hotels or Airbnb to experience a more authentic experience.
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