2-Day Art & Culture Trek in Bouches-du-Rhone

Author's Profile Picture

by Chloe

May 7, 2024 · 2 min read

Bouches-du-Rhone 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 2-day adventure through the enchanting Bouches-du-Rhone region, where the essence of Provence comes to life. Begin your journey by immersing yourself in the quaint small town charm of Provence, spending a full day exploring its picturesque streets and local culture. A visit to Cézanne's studio in Aix-en-Provence offers a glimpse into the life of the famed artist, with just an hour needed to soak in the creative atmosphere. On the second day, marvel at the grandeur of the Cathedrale de la Major in Marseille, a church that stands as a testament to the city's rich history, before delving into the cultural treasures at the Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Spare an hour to wander through the vibrant Old Port of Marseille, a bustling harbor that's the heart of maritime life. Conclude your trip with a visit to the Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde, where you can spend an hour admiring the religious significance and panoramic views of the city. This 2-day itinerary promises a blend of art, culture, and the timeless allure of the Provençal landscape.

Top 6 Hotels in Bouches-du-Rhone
TOP 1
Intercontinental Marseille Hôtel Dieu, an IHG Hotel
Intercontinental Marseille Hôtel Dieu, an IHG Hotel
hotelStar
5/5
128 reviews
View Hotel Info
TOP 2
Hilton Garden Inn Marseille Provence Airport
Hilton Garden Inn Marseille Provence Airport
hotelStar
4/5
75 reviews
View Hotel Info
TOP 3
Best Western Linko Hotel
Best Western Linko Hotel
hotelStar
4/5
64 reviews
View Hotel Info
Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel
Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel
hotelStar
5/5
80 reviews
View Hotel Info
Hôtel & Spa Jules César Arles - MGallery Hotel Collection
Hôtel & Spa Jules César Arles - MGallery Hotel Collection
hotelStar
5/5
49 reviews
View Hotel Info
Holiday Inn Marseille Airport
Holiday Inn Marseille Airport
hotelStar
4/5
46 reviews
View Hotel Info

2 Days in Bouches-du-Rhone Itinerary: Day 1

1

Provence

arrow-image

Begin your journey through the picturesque landscapes of Bouches-du-Rhone with a full day immersed in the quaint allure of Provence. This small town, nestled in the heart of France, is a tapestry of lush vineyards, olive groves, and ancient architecture that tells tales of a rich, cultural past. Stroll through its cobbled streets, savor the local cuisine, and let the rustic beauty of Provence transport you to a simpler time.

Attraction Info

  • France
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 days

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Prima Pasta
Prima Pasta
4.4/5 · 18 reviews
1.8 km from attraction
L'Opera
L'Opera
4.8/5 · 33 reviews
2.0 km from attraction
AJI-SUSHI
AJI-SUSHI
4.9/5 · 11 reviews
2.1 km from attraction
La Mado
La Mado
3.9/5 · 20 reviews
2.1 km from attraction
29 Miollis
29 Miollis
4.5/5 · 16 reviews
2.3 km from attraction
Marasino
Marasino
4.2/5 · 13 reviews
2.4 km from attraction
13 min,1.06 km
2

Cézanne's studio

arrow-image

After a day soaking up the provincial charm, step into the world of a post-impressionist master at Cézanne's Studio. Located at 9 Av. Paul Cézanne, this intimate space is where the artist created some of his most renowned works. Spend an hour exploring the preserved studio, where time stands still among Cézanne's tools and unfinished canvases, providing a rare glimpse into the creative process of one of art's great visionaries.

Attraction Info

  • 9 Av. Paul Cézanne, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
  • Open on Tue-Sat,9:30am-12:30pm,2:00pm-5:00pm
4.6/558 Reviews
4.6/5Outstanding58 Reviews
Aix-en-Provence
|0.33km from Cézanne's studio
3.7/537 Reviews
3.7/537 Reviews
Aix-en-Provence
|0.55km from Cézanne's studio

2 Days in Bouches-du-Rhone Itinerary: Day 2

1

Cathedrale de la Major

arrow-image

Begin your second day with a spiritual touch at the Cathedrale de la Major, a beacon of architectural splendor in Marseille. Nestled in Place de la Major, this church stands as a testament to the city's religious heritage. Spend an hour admiring the intricate designs and the serene ambiance that fills the grand interiors, setting a peaceful tone for the day ahead.

Attraction Info

  • Place de la Major, 13002 Marseille
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 11/1-3/31,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 4/1-10/31,10:00am-7:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

La Table du Fort
La Table du Fort
4.7/5 · 32 reviews
0.9 km from attraction
Les Trois Forts
Les Trois Forts
4.4/5 · 16 reviews
0.9 km from attraction
Les Arcenaulx
Les Arcenaulx
4.3/5 · 76 reviews
1.1 km from attraction
Peron Restaurant
Peron Restaurant
5/5 · 27 reviews
1.7 km from attraction
Chez Fonfon
Chez Fonfon
4.3/5 · 160 reviews
1.9 km from attraction
restaurant-Le Petit Nice
restaurant-Le Petit Nice
4.8/5 · 19 reviews
2.4 km from attraction
13 min,0.85 km
2

Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean

arrow-image

Next, delve into the heart of Mediterranean history at the Mucem - Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Just a stone's throw from the cathedral, this museum captivates visitors with its contemporary design and thought-provoking exhibits. Allocate an hour to explore the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped the region, all housed within an architectural marvel that is a sight to behold in itself.

Attraction Info

  • 1 Esp. J4, 13002 Marseille, France
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Closed from 4/29-11/3,Tue;Open from 4/29-5/2,Mon, Wed-Thu,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 5/3-7/5,Mon, Wed-Sun,10:00am-7:00pm;Open from 7/6-9/1,Mon, Wed-Sun,10:00am-8:00pm;Open from 9/2-11/3,Mon, Wed-Sun,10:00am-7:00pm,Not open on May 1st and December 25th; The ticket office closes 45 minutes before the station closes, the exhibition hall closes 15 minutes before the museum closes, and the J4 Fort Saint Jean pedestrian overpass closes 30 minutes before the station closes.
12 min,0.84 km
3

Old Port of Marseille

arrow-image

Continue your cultural exploration at the Old Port of Marseille, the historic and vibrant hub of the city. As you stroll along the harbor, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere where fishermen, locals, and tourists converge. Spend an hour soaking in the panoramic views, the lively markets, and the essence of Marseille's maritime legacy.

Attraction Info

  • France
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
14 min,3.83 km
4

Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde

arrow-image

Conclude your day on a high note at the Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde, perched atop Marseille's highest point. This sacred site offers not only spiritual solace but also unparalleled views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Dedicate an hour to wander through this emblematic church, absorbing the religious art and the breathtaking vistas that make this visit an uplifting finale to your Marseille adventure.

Attraction Info

  • Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, Marseille, France 13006
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 7:00am-6:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

La Table du Fort
La Table du Fort
4.7/5 · 32 reviews
1.0 km from attraction
Les Arcenaulx
Les Arcenaulx
4.3/5 · 76 reviews
1.0 km from attraction
Les Trois Forts
Les Trois Forts
4.4/5 · 16 reviews
1.3 km from attraction
Peron Restaurant
Peron Restaurant
5/5 · 27 reviews
1.6 km from attraction
restaurant-Le Petit Nice
restaurant-Le Petit Nice
4.8/5 · 19 reviews
1.6 km from attraction
Chez Fonfon
Chez Fonfon
4.3/5 · 160 reviews
1.6 km from attraction
0/50 Reviews
Vieux Port - La Canebière
Marseille
|0.48km from Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde
0/50 Reviews
Marseille
|0.58km from Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde

Top Things to Do in Bouches-du-Rhone-2024

TOP 1
Provence
Provence
4.7/5 · 215 review
Highlights:
Provence, once an administrative province of the Roman Empire, is now a large region in southeastern France, bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Alps to the north, and Italy. There are major cities such as Marseille, Avignon, and Aix in Provence. Because of the unique climate and soil, a field of lavender and sunflowers spreads all over the countryside, which makes the entire Provence full of tourist attractions. The refreshing thing about Provence is that its air is always full of lavender, thyme, pine and other aromas. This unique natural aroma cannot be experienced in other places. Among the flowers, lavender is loved. The bright sunshine is suitable for the growth of lavender, and the local residents are widely planted out of their love for lavender. In many places such as Valensole and Senanque Abbey in Provence, you can see the charming picture of the purple flower sea churning and emerging. . Although we are accustomed to associating Provence with lavender, today's Provence has already surpassed this symbol or the pure place-name meaning. It also represents a simple, carefree, relaxed and lazy way of life. Watch the flowers bloom and fall in front of the court; go and stay unintentionally, look at the leisurely mood of the sky. If travel is to escape the shackles of life, Provence will make you forget everything.
View More
TOP 2
Old Port of Marseille
Old Port of Marseille
4.7/5 · 232 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 9,224 review
Highlights:
The old port area is the center of gravity and the essence of the entire Marseille region, not only because it is the origin of Marseille and was the third largest port in the world 200 years ago, but more importantly, the pure Marseille style can only be seen here. There are many famous monuments around the Old Port, including the castles of Saint John and Saint Nicholas built in the era of Louis XIV. In addition, the old port is also the life and entertainment center of the Maasai people. The area around the Old Port is a famous food district. Most of the restaurants in the port operate a famous Marseille delicacy - "Marseille Fish Soup". The "Old Port" is actually not old. It was rebuilt after the Second World War, but the locals still call it "Old Port". Apart from habit, there should be a historical sentiment in it. Every morning, the fish market here is very lively, and the wharf is full of small fishing boats and boats. The whole harbor is full of the unique leisure atmosphere of southern France. The master plan of the Old Port Mirror View Pavilion was jointly undertaken by FosterPartners and French landscape architect Michel Desvigne. A huge viewing pavilion of 46 × 22 meters, which is like a mirror, was built here. It is supported by 8 thin columns. Since then, the corners of the mirror pavilion have been gradually thinned to reduce the visual weight. The view of the surrounding old port is reflected from the ceiling of the polished stainless steel mirror, as well as the faces of thousands of tourists who stop to watch, creating a strange beauty, which not only provides a place for tourists to stop and shade, but also It allows tourists to become part of the landscape when they enjoy the scenery of the old port.
View More
TOP 3
Van Gogh Cafe (Cafe La Nuit)
Van Gogh Cafe (Cafe La Nuit)
4.4/5 · 68 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 799 review
Highlights:
Because Van Gogh created a lot of works closely related to this small town during the years he lived in Arles, many buildings here have become attractions to commemorate the painter, and the Van Gogh Cafe is one of them. This is the location where Van Gogh's famous painting "Cafe at Night" was filmed, and it still retains the exact same appearance as the painting back then. Although it is still a cafe, because it is an attraction in itself, its consumption is not low. If you want to drink a cup of coffee here, you still have to have a sufficient budget to prepare.
View More
TOP 4
Palais Longchamp
Palais Longchamp
4.6/5 · 99 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,334 review
Highlights:
The Palais Longchamp was once the residence of Napoleon III and was built in the 1860s during his reign, combining Baroque, Roman and Oriental styles. The basic layout of the Longchamp Palace is: in the middle is a group of sculptures and a large fountain, in the middle of the group is a river god, and the embracing corridors extend from both sides. On the back is a large park. The location of the early palace was a water diversion project reservoir. The Longchamp Palace was made to commemorate this project: in 1839, the magnificent project of diverting the Durance River water into Marseille to solve the drought problem took 10 years and finally completed. This project is very large and built. There are 85 kilometers of canals and 18 diversion bridges. To commemorate this hard-won source of water, the rulers of Marseille decided to build a palace above the reservoir and named it the Palais Longchamp.
View More
TOP 5
Cathedrale de la Major
Cathedrale de la Major
4.7/5 · 86 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 2,593 review
Highlights:
The Cathedral of Marseille is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Byzantine-Romanesque style. It stands on the coast of the Joliette district in the north of the Old Port of Marseille. The building is magnificent in appearance and exquisite in interior decoration. In 1852, Napoleon III laid the foundation stone for the church, but it was built using unique building materials - green Florentine stone and white marble, so it was not completed until 1896 and it was canonized as a basilica. This majestic church was completed by architects Léon Vaudoyer and Henri-Jacques Espérendieu. The interior of the church has an altar that dates back nearly a thousand years and a revered bishop's tomb. The exquisite mosaic patterns are also worth a stop. appreciate. Most of the old cathedral (Vieille Major) has been demolished, and the remaining parts stand aside, dwarfed by the new cathedral.
View More

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
>>
Bouches-du-Rhone 2 Days Itinerary