Top Marseille Historical Tours

Discover Provençal village life on this full-day tour of the mountainous Luberon region from Marseille. Wind through the Combe of Lourmarin – Luberon’s massive river valley – to visit the medieval villages of l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Lourmarin and Gorges. Browse lavender shops and open-air markets in Roussillon, visit the centuries-old Sénanque Abbey and enjoy free time in the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse 

Spend a delightful day in southern Provence on a small-group tour exploring highlights of this romantic region. Stroll through the famous market in charming Aix-en-Provence, enjoy the UNESCO-listed inlets and beaches of Cassis and take a guided tour through more than 2,500 years of French history in seaside Marseille. Travel aboard a comfortable minivan with a small group for a more personalized experience.

Explore the quintessential Provencal town of Aix-en-Provence and the UNESCO-listed calanques (inlets) of Cassis on this 5-hour tour from Marseille. Enjoy a taste of Provence on a guided walking tour of Aix-en-Provence and sample local specialties at a typical Provençal market. Then, set sail for a 45-minute cruise along the dramatic coast of Cassis, before drinking in the views from Cape Canaille, Europe’s highest sea cliff.

Swap the glitz and glamor of the French Riviera for the quaint villages and serene landscapes of Provence on this full-day tour. With numbers limited to 8 on this small-group tour, you’ll enjoy personal attention from your guide as you set off on a walking tour of historic Avignon.  Stop to snap photos of the Cistercian abbey of Sénanque and Fontaine de Vaucluse, then explore the hilltop villages of the UNESCO-listed Luberon national park, the setting for Peter Mayle's famous novel 'A Year in Provence'.

Soak up the bounty, beauty and history of Provence on a full-day trip from Marseille. In Avignon, the ‘City of Popes,’ you’ll discover ancient and medieval art and architecture on a guided, small-group tour. Pop into the Popes’ Palace (own expense) before continuing to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to sample fine Provençal wines in an elegant château. Finish with a visit to the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence.

Take advantage of your time in port with a private shore excursion through Marseille and Cassis! This 7-hour guided tour crosses the breathtaking Marseille-Cassis calanques for exceptional views of the Côte d’Azur from Cape Canaille. Explore the quaint fishing village of Cassis or take a sightseeing cruise before returning to Marseille to tour the city’s highlights such as Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Abbey of St Victor.

Spend the morning exploring Marseilles’ historical neighborhoods on a small-group tour with a guide. Perfect for visitors looking to maximize their time in the city, the tour covers many of the city’s main sights in half a day. Peruse shops and restaurants in the along the water in the old port, and take in panoramic views along the Cape Croisette.

Discover one of France’s most storied winemaking regions, and enjoy a luxurious day out, when you book this private tour of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Following morning pickup at your area hotel, set off in a comfortable vehicle. During the day, you’ll visit three different wineries, where you’ll learn about the grape varietals that go into Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, will discover the region’s history, and will enjoy tutored tastings. You’ll also visit a traditional bistro for lunch (own expense).

Spend your time in port in Marseille exploring the city with ease on this 6-hour electric bike tour. Hop into the saddle at the port and head to top city attractions including the Notre Dame de la Garde basilica and Pharo Palace. Ride from the Vallon des Auffes to quiet coves along the Corniche Kennedy, and perhaps stop for a swim along the way. Capture sweeping coastal views on camera, and delve into the bustling Joliette district — now a popular hot spot of culture and the Arts.

Experience Provence on this small-group day tour from Marseille. Ideal for visitors who want to spend a day out of the city exploring the Provencal countryside. Visit Baux-de-Provence, Arles, and the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard with historical insights from your guide. The tour includes guided portions and free time to explore the countryside and break for lunch on your own.

Tour summary - Marseille the Greeks & Romans to the 21st Century Visit the oldest city in France, interesting angles and accents in this colourful Mediterranean port city - from Le Panier, the old town, la Vielle Charité, les terrasses du MuCEM and the gardens of Fort St Jean with its magnificent sea views. Discover 2,600 years history. This tour explores the entire area of the old port, revealing secrets on the way. Highlights Wander & discover hidden streets life of Le Panier, the oldest part of the city, artisanal life, galleries & artists. Visit 17th century Vielle Charité, modernist MuCEM museum, ancient fort & gardens of St Jean, the Cathédrale St Marie Majeur & Hotel Dieu. Enjoy the exceptional views across the bay and the city of Marseille. Discover the old port area of Marseille and experience the changes inflicted on the city in the 19th & 20th centuries.

We invite you to discover the exotic district of Noailles and its market located in the heart of Marseille. Discover the origin of the world's most famous national anthem, know where the world's first movie theater was, visit 200-year-old stores, and enter the colorful, bustling market and oriental spice shops. He will also talk about the drama that hit Aubagne Street and the fight of the inhabitants of the neighborhood against gentrification, unworthy housing and the fear of being expelled from their homes. All accompanied by a young anthropologist guide living in the neighborhood.

When your cruise ship docks in Marseille, see the best of Provence with ease on this private shore excursion. Spin by luxury minivan to top Provence attractions including Aix-en-Provence, the Calanques National Park, and Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica. Stroll along sun-dappled streets as your guide shares details of Provence’s rich culture and history. Mingle with locals sipping pastis in the shade, and admire uninterrupted views over southern France’s coastline.

Explore the lively artist’s village of Cassis and sample its unique charms on this 4-hour tour from Marseille. Stroll around the historic fishing village, enjoy a wine tasting of local white and rose wines, then take a scenic cruise around the coast, admiring dramatic views of the UNESCO-listed calanques (inlets).

Hello, I am Medhi, young 27 year old Marseillais and student guide-lecturer. Lovers of my city, I wish to propose to its visitors a visit of the principal sites of the city in 3 hours and in small group, by privileging the march and the public transport for an authentic and eco-responsible visit! Welcoming many travelers (Croissière, city break) this tour is perfect for those with little time and wanting to know Marseille as it should.

This is a great day out for lovers of fine wine and the best food that Provence has to offer. Leaving Aix-en-Provence, heading north towards Château La Coste, the renowned vineyard where fine wine sits in harmony with art & architecture. We visit the vineyard and learn about the production here and have an opportunity to taste some of their best wine. Next we head to the Coteaux d’Aix & Ste Victoire wine region. Mount St Victoire, a symbol of Provence - the mountain rises over 1000 meters behind the rolling landscape and vineyards close to the historic Provençal village of Puyloubier. This is a visit of discovery coupled with visits to three local vineyards, with tastings. We will also have lunch in a typical Provençale restaurant on a terrace in the village of Puyloubier.

L'Isle sur la Sorgue, an ancient town surrounded by a moat of flowing water, dates from the 12th century when fishermen built huts on stilts above what was then a marsh. By the 18th century, canals lined with 70 giant wheels powered silk factories & paper mills, you'll see them as you walk around the town. Today L’Isle is the Venice of Provence, home to antiques villages housing over 300 dealers - a really great way to begin exploring the Vaucluse. Next Fontaine de Vaucluse where the largest natural spring in Europe wells up outside the village creates a fast flowing river running through the village dotted riverside cafés & shops. Next a drive into the Vaucluse to Gordes to discover numerous tiny villages before visiting Avignon with an impressive legacy of ecclesiastical architecture, most notably World Heritage listed Palais des Papes that includes an array of impressive renaissance frescos. In Avignon, we include a visit to the Pont d'Avignon, but not the Palais des Papes.

Avignon once centre of the Catholic world, today a magnificent urban landscape, overlooking the river Rhône & the Saint Bénezet Bridge - the famous Pont d’Avignon. Start with a visit to the Palais then a visit to the unique fresh food market - Les Halles to sample Provençal life before a short drive to the wine country of Châteauneuf du Pape; at the heart of a region full of history, culture & joie de vivre. A unique village where at it's summit the vestiges of the ruined château – wall, tower & lower hall built by the popes in the 14th century as a summer residence to escape the city heat of Avignon. It was the popes who planted the town's first vineyards. In the afternoon visit two different vineyards - first a winemaker with 8ha vineyard based exclusively on the appellation & second a 43ha family estate owned by five generations of wine-producers. Introducing you to the iconic wines established in 1880's where tradition is enhanced by modernism & excellence, with wine tasting too.

Cassis pebbly beaches, calanques, limestone cliffs and driving the spectacular scenic Route des Crêtes along the clifftops to Cap Canaille. Cassis discovery - the magic begins to works its wonders when we leave Marseille climbing up over the steep hillsides & tiny roads taking us to the picturesque fishing village of Cassis. The road bends its way between vineyards & pine woods. The charm of Cassis shows itself as you explore little alleyways & squares edged with colourful fishermen's houses. Cassis marks everyone's mind as they discover the harbour for the first time, the boats & welcoming café terraces. The drive between Marseille and Cassis is a spectacular one. Following the clifftop road - Route des Crêtes to Cap Canaille, towering cliffs reach a height of 394 meters. This winding road connects La Ciotat to Cassis, offering spectacular views and an exceptional panorama over La Ciotat's bay & Ile Verte beyond. Ahead, the vast massif of the Calanques towers over the sea.

Marseille is the oldest port in the Mediterranean and the oldest city in France over 2600 years old! With such a rich history and a multitude of colorful faces, it is an exciting and vibrant city. From early barbaric tribes, the Phoenicians, the Romans, The Crusaders, to kings, Napoleons, the wars, battles, triumphs and her glorious ascent to the Capital of Provence and European Capital of Culture. Marseille, eternal.

LA BELLE ÉCHAPPÉE vous propose de découvrir MARSEILLE autrement, à bord de nos side-car vintage partons pour 1H30 d'une visite atypique avec nos SIDER

See the highlights of Marseille, Cassis, and the Provencal coast on this full-day shore excursion. Meet your guide at the Marseille port and board a private vehicle. Your first stop is the charming village of Le Castellet. Continue to the seaside city of Cassis, which you’ll have free time to explore, and from which you can go on an optional boat tour (own expense). Next, enjoy panoramic views from Cap Canaille before finishing in Marseille.

Leave the hassles of driving, navigating, and translating to your guide on this day trip from Marseille to Sault – the world’s lavender capital. See Provence’s stories lavender fields and visit ancient hilltop villages with a guide. View the rolling purple hills, see ancient cliff-top villages and have time to explore on your own and visit a lavender producer.

Les Baux de Provence clings precariously to an ancient rocky cliff. A fortified hilltop village one of the most visited in Provence & easy to understand its popularity, narrow cobbled streets, ancient houses run up to a ruined castle. Where the Baux family ruled from the 9th century 'til 1426 when it was integrated into Provence, subsequently became part of France in 1481. Later the people revolted against integration & Louis XI responded by dismantling the château. Our visit explores the village & château. Next to Carrières de Lumières, one time 19th century quarry Les Grand Fonds. In 2019 it exhibits works of Vincent Van Gogh spanning 7,000 m² of the Carrières. A visual & musical production retracing the intense life of the artist, who in the last years of his life, painted more than 2,000 works. Next visit nearby Saint Rémy de Provence. Village, surrounded by lush valleys, ancient streets lined with old houses and built on one of the oldest archeological sites in Europe.