Arles: A great day out for anyone with an interest in history, the city of Arles is just an hour’s drive from Marseille. The town dates back to the 7th-century BC, and was once an important Gallo-Roman city — be sure to visit the impressive, two-tiered Roman amphitheatre, which is one of the city’s most spectacular attractions (and still used to host events to this day). Shopaholics and foodies should visit the town on a Saturday morning, when a large market is held — selling everything from clothes to street food.
Aix-en-Provence: The university city of Aix-en-Provence is around a 40-minute drive from Marseille. Brimming with culture, the city was the birthplace of the post-impressionist artist Paul Cézanne — and you can even visit the house where he started painting. Explore the historic centre (home to the third-largest collection of Baroque architecture in France), then take a romantic stroll along the Cours Mirabeau — a café-lined thoroughfare shaded by plane trees.
Saint-Tropez: A two-hour drive from Marseille, the coastal town of Saint-Tropez is a great place to visit if you want to see one of France’s most famous beach resorts. Plage de Pampelonne is considered by many to be the town’s best beach, although Escalet Beach is perfect for snorkelling thanks to its crystal-clear waters. Make sure you check out Saint-Tropez’s attractive harbour area too, and enjoy a lavish meal in one of the fine restaurants. You might even spot a celebrity if you look hard enough!