Wine Regions of Southern France: 10-Day Itinerary

Wineries, History, and Food

If you're trying to plan an amazing trip through Southern France, but are not sure where to start things off, where to go, or how much money you'll need, then this itinerary is for you. This trip will let you take in all of the delicious food, small town charm, museums, and nightlife along the way. Consider this your go-to guide, giving you all the details to schedule an epic 10-day adventure through the region.

If you follow this guide, you'll find local wineries, colorful towns, historical sights, and beautiful countryside. All of the specific planning information you need will be covered below, such as the route, expected budget, activities, and where to stay.

This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:

  1. Bordeaux (3 days)
  2. Carcassonne (2 days)
  3. Avignon (2 days)
  4. Aix-en-Provence (1 day)
  5. Marseille (2 days)


Vegetable Market in Marseille, France

Itinerary Highlights
  • Great for couples
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small Town Charm
  • Delicious Food
  • Historic Sites
  • Beautiful Locations

Don't miss out on exploring the lovely and quaint small towns scattered throughout the region. You'll have a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local culture while tasting delicious food and soaking in the history. In particular, make sure you visit Avignon for that quintessential small town charm.

Indulging in delectable cuisine is a major motivator for travel, and a visit to Southern France is no different. Brace yourself for an abundance of outstanding restaurants and local dishes that are simply a must-try. Dining opportunities in Avignon, Bordeaux, and Carcassonne are particularly amazing, so plan ahead.

Southern France is a treasure trove of history waiting to be discovered. Make sure to soak in the richness of the area through its historic architecture, museums, and charming atmosphere. It's an experience you can't miss.

Southern France pulls in visitors for its breathtaking scenery, a key highlight of the region. Don't forget your camera - trust me, the real-life experience is even more awe-inspiring. You don't want to miss Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Bordeaux for the beautiful scenery.


Sunrise over the vinyards, Bordeaux, France

When is the best time to visit?

If you can, consider visiting during autumn. This is when the weather takes on a slightly cooler edge, the natural scenery transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, and, as an added bonus, the tourist crowds typically dissipate by this time of year.

When summer rolls around, Southern France becomes a hotspot, buzzing with activity. Anticipate a lively atmosphere with plenty of visitors; however, the silver lining is that during this time, everything is accessible and ready for exploration.

Who is this itinerary for?

Traveling as a couple? Let's dig into the romance in Southern France. It's renowned for being an ideal destination for couples, offering an enchanting atmosphere. If you're journeying with your significant other, get ready for a treat. Especially visit Bordeaux, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon for the enchanting atmosphere.

This area offers a myriad of travel choices perfect for those on a budget or backpacking adventure. Whether it's budget-friendly hostels, affordable hotels, free activities, pocket-friendly dining, or the lively social scene, you're in for a fantastic trip even if you're pinching pennies. Spending more time in Carcassonne can especially help your budget.


Carcassone, France

Transportation

Getting from one destination to another in Southern France is generally easy, with the majority of these places being approximately 2 hours apart.

We've planned this as a one-way journey from Bordeaux to Marseille because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Marseille instead of Bordeaux. To get to Bordeaux, you can see flight prices and schedules here.

Traveling around with this itinerary is easy if you have a car. If you didn't bring your own wheels, go ahead and reserve a rental car. Having your own set of wheels gives you total freedom and flexibility in Southern France since you can roll on your own time and pull over whenever the mood strikes.

Efficient and budget-friendly, train travel through Southern France is a breeze, swiftly linking major cities while smaller destinations may require a bit more time, possibly involving transfers to local buses. Stick to the primary routes, and you'll find it easy to navigate, offering ample opportunities to sit back and appreciate the picturesque scenery outside your window. Don't forget to check ticket prices and schedules ahead of your trip.

Is 10 days enough time in Southern France?

Yes, 10 days should give you ample time to explore the key destinations in Southern France. Our carefully crafted itinerary ensures you can savor these locales at a leisurely pace, making your trip both relaxed and enjoyable. Of course, if you're eager for more local experiences, feel free to extend your stay or delve deeper into each spot. Day trip options abound, offering flexibility. Conversely, if time is tight, you can customize this suggested itinerary for a shorter yet fulfilling visit. While trimming destinations is an option, we recommend sticking to around 10 days to truly appreciate everything.


Pont d'Avignon, France

How much does a 10-day trip to Southern France cost?

Below is a budget breakdown for this exciting 10-day journey across Southern France. Our cost estimates are based on the average daily expenses of real travelers, coupled with data from major companies. Keep in mind, these costs are per person and exclude transportation between destinations. Consider this a helpful guide, because opting for mid-level hotels, regular dining, and covering main attractions will keep you on par with these averages. For those on a tighter budget, hostels and budget hotels, along with more affordable dining options, can keep you below these estimates. Conversely, indulging in luxury accommodations, upscale dining, and private tours might push you well above this budget.


 City Daily Average Days Total
Bordeaux $127 3 $380
Carcassonne $115 2 $231
Avignon $763 2 $1,525
Aix-en-Provence $151 1 $151
Marseille $161 2 $322
Total per Person $2,608
for 2 People $5,216

The anticipated expenses for this 10-day journey in Southern France tallies up to $2,608 per person. Keep in mind that this figure excludes the cost of moving between destinations, as that will depend on the transportation option you use.

Accommodation Costs

Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Southern France based on calculated averages.

Hotel Prices

The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Calculated from Kayak's hotel data, please note that taxes and fees are not factored into these figures. Consider these prices as a gauge for mid-range hotel experiences. Yet, keep in mind that it's easy to spend more or less, especially if you opt for budget-friendly stays or treat yourself to high-end luxury hotels. During peak travel season, these prices will also be higher.


 City Average Hotel Room Price Days Total
Bordeaux $112 3 $336
Carcassonne $110 2 $220
Avignon $114 2 $228
Aix-en-Provence $118 1 $118
Marseille $95 2 $190
Total Expected Hotel Cost $1,092
Hostel Prices

Looking to be budget-savvy on your journey? Hostels are an excellent choice, especially for the younger crowd or solo adventurers. The prices provided below outline the average costs for a dorm bed in a hostel in each destination. Yes, you might sacrifice a bit of privacy in a hostel dorm, but the lively atmosphere often turns these shared spaces into social hubs, offering fantastic opportunities to forge new connections. Keep in mind that many hostels also provide private rooms, albeit at a higher cost than dorms, coupled with additional amenities such as kitchens, social activities, and strategic locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data thoughtfully provided by HostelWorld.


 City Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person)
Bordeaux $28
Carcassonne $33
Aix-en-Provence $28
Marseille $29

Southern France Itinerary

1. Bordeaux

Photo of Bordeaux

3 Days

Bordeaux is a the heart of France's winegrowing district. It's also a port city that's filled with a lot of history and architecture. The surrounding countryside is filled with vineyards and the city has many great restaurants where you can sample traditional cuisine and local wine.

Bordeaux brings plenty of visitors because it has big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

What to See in Bordeaux
La Cité du Vin
Around 4 hours
€22
The Bordeaux Wine Route
Great for couples
€150
The Miroir d’Eau
Great for families
Free
Basilica of Saint Michael
€5
Les Halles de Bacalan
Great for budget travelers
Free
The Bordeaux City Center
Great for couples
Free

How to Spend 3 Days in Bordeaux

Day 1:

Don't miss Cathédrale Saint-André during your trip to Bordeaux, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The culinary scene in Bordeaux is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Bordeaux is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

Day 2:

Shopping in Bordeaux is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Bordeaux is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city is filled with beautiful architecture, parks, and gardens.

The public transit in Bordeaux is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Day 3:

You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

More Activities

Bordeaux offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.


Overall Rating: 5.0 with 21 ratings
$136
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 19 ratings
$53
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 10 ratings
$142

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Bordeaux, see The Best Wine Tours in Bordeaux, The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Bordeaux, The Best Affordable Food Tours in Bordeaux, and The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Bordeaux.


Bordeaux Costs
Daily Average Travel Cost Per Person
$127

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Bordeaux hovers around a reasonable $127 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Bordeaux here.


Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Local Transportation1 $7 $17 $32
Food2 $21 $49 $96
Entertainment1 $4 $8 $16
Alcohol2 $12 $28 $54
Accommodation

Hotels
Average Hotel Price
$112

Hotels in Bordeaux have an average price of $112 based on the average from 134 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Bordeaux here.


Suggested Hotels
44 Rue Vital Carles, Bordeaux
Overall Rating 9.1
3 rue de la Faurie Monbadon, Bordeaux
Overall Rating 8.8

Hostels
Average Hostel Price Dorm Bed
$28

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Bordeaux, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $28. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Bordeaux here.


Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Bordeaux to Carcassonne.

Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Bordeaux to Carcassonne. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.



2. Carcassonne

Photo of Carcassonne

2 Days

Carcassonne is a medieval town that sits beautifully on the top of a hill in Southern France. The town is filled with walled fortifications and a well-preserved castle. It has a fairytale quality that is enhanced by the fact that cars are not allowed in the walled city. Many people visit Carcassonne as a day trip.

Carcassonne brings plenty of visitors because it has museums and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.

What to See in Carcassonne
The Carcassonne Ramparts
Great for families
€11
The Museum of the Inquisition
€11
The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire
Free
Château Comtal
Around 2 hours
€9.50

How to Spend 2 Days in Carcassonne

Day 1:

Don't miss La Cité de Carcassonne during your trip to Carcassonne, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Carcassonne is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

Day 2:

Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Carcassonne a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

Carcassonne is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The town is filled with history and well preserved medieval sights.

Public transit in Carcassonne is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

More Activities

Carcassonne offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.


Overall Rating: 5.0 with 5 ratings
$109
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 2 ratings
$28
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 1 ratings
$20

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Carcassonne, see The Best Walking Tours in Carcassonne, The Best Wine Tours in Carcassonne, The Carcassonne Ramparts, and The Museum of the Inquisition.


Carcassonne Costs
Daily Average Travel Cost Per Person
$115

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Carcassonne hovers around a reasonable $115 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Carcassonne here.


Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Local Transportation1 $3 $8 $15
Food2 $18 $42 $80
Entertainment1 $7 $15 $30
Alcohol2 $6 $14 $27
Accommodation

Hotels
Average Hotel Price
$110

Hotels in Carcassonne have an average price of $110 based on the average from 91 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Carcassonne here.


Suggested Hotels
12 Chemin De Maragon, Carcassonne
Overall Rating 9.4
80, chemin des Anglais, Carcassonne
Overall Rating 9.3

Hostels
Average Hostel Price Dorm Bed
$33

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Carcassonne, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $33. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Carcassonne here.


Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Carcassonne to Avignon.

Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Carcassonne to Avignon. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.



3. Avignon

Photo of Avignon

2 Days

Avignon is a town in the region of Provence that dates back to the 1300s. It sits along the Rhône River and is filled with history and beautiful landmarks.

Avignon brings plenty of visitors because it has small town charm, museums, and delicious food. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Avignon are among the most recognizable in the world. You'll want to make sure to have at least enough time to see the highlights, but even more time to explore all of it.

For foodies, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

Avignon has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.

What to See in Avignon
Le Pont du Gard
Around 5 hours
Free
Les Halles Food Market
Great for budget travelers
Free
The Palais des Papes
Around 5 hours
€14.50
Pont Saint-Bénézet
Around 1 hour
€5
Musée Angladon
Around 1 hour
Free
Musée du Petit Palais
Around 3 hours
Free

How to Spend 2 Days in Avignon

Day 1:

Avignon is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

The delicious food of Avignon is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this town's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

Avignon is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Day 2:

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Public transit in Avignon is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

More Activities

Avignon offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.


Overall Rating: 5.0 with 28 ratings
$125
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 13 ratings
$65
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 10 ratings
$93

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Avignon, see The Best Luberon Villages Tours from Avignon, The Best Wine Tours in Avignon, The Best Ancient Roman Tours Around Avignon, and The Best Chateauneuf du Pape Tours from Avignon.


Avignon Costs
Daily Average Travel Cost Per Person
$763

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Avignon hovers around a reasonable $763 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Avignon here.


Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Local Transportation1 $9 $23 $58
Food2 $16 $36 $74
Entertainment1 $7 $17 $37
Alcohol2 $7 $18 $40
Accommodation

Hotels
Average Hotel Price
$114

Hotels in Avignon have an average price of $114 based on the average from 90 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Avignon here.


Suggested Hotels
1715 Chemin Du Lavarin, Avignon
Overall Rating 8.5
486 chemin de Rhodes, Avignon
Overall Rating 9.5

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Avignon to Aix-en-Provence.

Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Avignon to Aix-en-Provence. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.



4. Aix-en-Provence

Photo of Aix-en-Provence

1 Day

Aix-en-Provence is a charming university town in southern France that is perfect for exploring on foot. It's a popular study abroad destination for American university students, but it's also a great couples getaway.

Aix-en-Provence brings plenty of visitors because it has museums, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for backpackers because of everything available.

For foodies, Aix-en-Provence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

Shopping here is always fun and a very popular activity, so set aside some time to browse the local shops.

What to See in Aix-en-Provence
Cours Mirabeau
Around 4 hours
Free
Le Grande Marche
Great for budget travelers
Free
Pavilion de Vendôme
Around 3 hours
€4
Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur
Free
Cézanne's Studio
Around 2 hours
€6.50
Musée Granet
Around 3 hours
€6.50

How to Spend 1 Day in Aix-en-Provence

Shopping in Aix-en-Provence is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

The delicious food of Aix-en-Provence is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this town's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

More Activities

Aix-en-Provence offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.


Overall Rating: 5.0 with 15 ratings
$38
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 12 ratings
$137
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 9 ratings
$76

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Aix-en-Provence, see The Best Wine Tours around Aix-en-Provence, The Best Luberon Village Tours from Aix-en-Provence, The Best Lavender Fields Tours from Aix-en-Provence, and The Best Walking Tours in Aix-en-Provence.


Aix-en-Provence Costs
Daily Average Travel Cost Per Person
$151

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Aix-en-Provence hovers around a reasonable $151 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Aix-en-Provence here.


Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Local Transportation1 $16 $36 $68
Food2 $16 $36 $68
Entertainment1 $11 $24 $46
Alcohol2 $6 $15 $28
Accommodation

Hotels
Average Hotel Price
$118

Hotels in Aix-en-Provence have an average price of $118 based on the average from 71 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Aix-en-Provence here.


Suggested Hotels
315 Route Nationale 7 Celony, Aix-en-Provence
Overall Rating 8.5
25 Rue Du 4 Septembre, Aix-en-Provence
Overall Rating 9.5

Hostels
Average Hostel Price Dorm Bed
$28

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Aix-en-Provence, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $28. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Aix-en-Provence here.


Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille.

Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.



5. Marseille

Photo of Marseille

2 Days

Marseille is a well known port city in southern France along the French Riviera. It has a fascinating old town and a long running history. There are many historic attractions and a lot to explore as a touristy.

Marseille brings plenty of visitors because it has beaches, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for backpackers because of everything available.

For foodies, Marseille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.

After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.

Marseille has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.

What to See in Marseille
Parc National des Calanques
Free
Château d'If
Great for families
€7
Le Panier
Great for couples
Free
The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
Free
Fort Saint-Jean
Great for families
€11
Parc Borély
Around 4 hours
Free

How to Spend 2 Days in Marseille

Day 1:

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

The delicious food of Marseille is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Marseille is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

Day 2:

Marseille offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. The Old Port area is one of the most scenic parts of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and it remains quite busy today.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

Public transit in Marseille is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

More Activities

Marseille offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.


Overall Rating: 5.0 with 22 ratings
$76
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 20 ratings
$146
Overall Rating: 5.0 with 17 ratings
$43

If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Marseille, see The Best Calanques National Park Tours from Marseille, The Best Cassis Tours in Marseille, The Best Affordable Wine Tours Around Marseille, and The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Marseille.


Marseille Costs
Daily Average Travel Cost Per Person
$161

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Marseille hovers around a reasonable $161 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Marseille here.


Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Local Transportation1 $13 $31 $61
Food2 $19 $46 $106
Entertainment1 $18 $41 $82
Alcohol2 $12 $29 $66
Accommodation

Hotels
Average Hotel Price
$95

Hotels in Marseille have an average price of $95 based on the average from 161 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Marseille here.


Suggested Hotels
18 Quai du Port, Marseille
Overall Rating 8.8
4 Rue Beauvau, Marseille
Overall Rating 8.6

Hostels
Average Hostel Price Dorm Bed
$29

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Marseille, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $29. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Marseille here.


Final Transportation

As the last destination in this itinerary, you'll want to find the best price home from here. Check flight prices here.



Next Steps

So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your 10-day trip in Southern France, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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