Bouches-du-Rhône Travel Guide

Discover the best things to see and do in Bouches-du-Rhône, including cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking and biking trails, food and drink scenes, accommodations, local customs, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Bouches-du-Rhône

Bouches-du-Rhône department is situated in the southern part of France’s Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It is known for its historical significance, beautiful coastal landscapes, and fascinating cities. The department borders the Mediterranean Sea, which offers visitors numerous natural wonders and outdoor activities. Bouches-du-Rhône is the perfect destination for those who love outdoor adventures, stunning views, and a rich historical and cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Bouches-du-Rhône

Here is a list of some of the top places to visit in Bouches-du-Rhône:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Palais des Papes in Avignon - a historic palace built in the 14th century that used to serve as a residence for the Popes
  • Roman Theatre in Orange - a well-preserved Roman theatre that dates back to the 1st century BCE
  • The Cité Radieuse in Marseille - a modernist residential building designed by the famous Swiss architect Le Corbusier
  • Van Gogh’s Room in Arles - the bedroom where the famous painter Vincent van Gogh lived

Natural Attractions of Bouches-du-Rhône: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Marseille’s Calanques - a series of deep, turquoise blue inlets that are perfect for hiking and swimming
  • Camargue Regional Park - a vast natural reserve known for its unique wildlife, birds, marshlands, and beaches
  • the Luberon - a beautiful mountain range with charming villages, vineyards, and lavender fields

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bouches-du-Rhône

Bouches-du-Rhône offers some of the most scenic hiking and biking trails in France. Here are some top picks:

  • The Luberon Regional Nature Park - the park offers various trails for all hiking levels, including the 20-kilometer-long Grand Randonnée (GR) route that crosses the mountain range from west to east.
  • Calanques National Park - trails vary from easy-going walks to more challenging treks, and some of the best views can be found along the 11-kilometer-long trail from Callelongue to Marseille.
  • Sainte-Victoire Mountain - the area was a favorite spot for the famous painter Paul Cézanne and offers various hiking trails and biking routes that cross the mountain range.

Best Things to Do in Bouches-du-Rhône: Activities and Tours

The region has something for everyone, here are some of the best things to do:

  • Take a tour of the beautiful and historic city of Avignon and visit the 14th-century Palais des Papes.
  • Visit the Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence, a stunning multimedia exhibit that projects famous works of art onto the walls of an old quarry.
  • Take a boat tour of the Calanques from Marseille or Cassis - it’s an excellent way to experience the stunning landscapes of the region.
  • Go wine tasting and explore the local vineyards and wineries at Les Baux-de-Provence or Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bouches-du-Rhône

Here’s a suggested itinerary for exploring Bouches-du-Rhône in a week:

  • Day 1-2: Explore the historic city of Avignon and visit the Palais des Papes and the Pont Saint-Bénezet.
  • Day 3-4: Head to the Luberon Mountains to see the stunning views and lavender fields. Visit the charming villages of Gordes, Roussillon or Bonnieux.
  • Day 5-6: Take a boat tour of the Calanques and enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Day 7: Visit the charming city of Arles and explore famous Van Gogh’s room.

Food and Drink Scene of Bouches-du-Rhône

Bouches-du-Rhône is famous for its delicious cuisine and local wine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bouillabaisse - a traditional fish soup from Marseille made with various local fish and served with croutons and rouille.
  • Ratatouille - a famous vegetable stew from the region made with peppers, zucchini, aubergines, and tomatoes.
  • Pissaladière - a savory tart with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives.

Local Beverages

  • Pastis - a famous symbol of the south of France, an alcoholic drink made from a blend of anise and licorice that locals drink as an aperitif.
  • Rosé wine - a light, refreshing wine that pairs well with the local cuisine and is produced in various vineyards throughout the region.

Where to Stay in Bouches-du-Rhône: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bouches-du-Rhône has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some top choices:

  • Luxury hotels - La Maison d’Aix in Aix-en-Provence and Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseille Vieux-Port are both highly rated luxury hotels in the region.
  • Mid-range hotels - Hotel Le Mas des Ecureuils in Aix-en-Provence and Best Western Hotel La Rade in Cassis offer comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
  • Hostels - Hostel Vertigo Vieux-Port in Marseille is a top-rated hostel in the area.
  • Guesthouses - La Petite Calanque in Cassis and Villa Raquel in Mouriès are both popular choices with travelers looking for cozy and welcoming guesthouses.

What to Buy in Bouches-du-Rhône: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Traditional olive oil from Moulin Castelas or Moulin du Calanquet.
  • Lavender products like soaps and sachets from the local markets.
  • Pottery from the quaint village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

Local Culture and Customs of Bouches-du-Rhône

Bouches-du-Rhône has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its historical sites, art galleries, and museums. The area is known for its Mediterranean climate, relaxed lifestyle, and friendly locals. The people of Bouches-du-Rhône cherish their traditions, celebrated throughout the year in various local festivals and events.

Best Time to Visit Bouches-du-Rhône

The best time to visit Bouches-du-Rhône is from April to June and September to November when the weather is mild, and crowds are fewer. The summer months can be hot and crowded, particularly around the coastal towns and beaches.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bouches-du-Rhône

Do:

  • Do take part in local festivals and events, such as the Fête de la Musique in Marseille or the Lavender Festival in Valensole.
  • Do try the local cuisine and wine, especially the bouillabaisse and rosé wine.
  • Do bring comfortable shoes and clothes for outdoor activities like hiking and biking.

Don’t:

  • Don’t assume that everyone speaks English - try to learn a few basic phrases in French before visiting.
  • Don’t forget to respect local customs and dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites.
  • Don’t leave valuables in your car, as break-ins can occur around tourist sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bouches-du-Rhône

Bouches-du-Rhône is a safe region to visit, but like any place, visitors should take precautions and be aware of their surroundings. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so keep an eye on your belongings.

Health in Bouches-du-Rhône

France has excellent medical care, and Bouches-du-Rhône has modern hospitals and clinics. Visitors should have comprehensive health insurance and bring any necessary prescription medications with them.

Getting to Bouches-du-Rhône: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bouches-du-Rhône

The main airports near Bouches-du-Rhône are Marseille Provence Airport and Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport.

Bus Stations Near Bouches-du-Rhône

Eurolines, Flixbus, and Ouibus are some of the main bus companies that operate in the area.

Other Options

The region is easily accessible by car, train, and ferry. The TGV train from Paris to Marseille takes just over three hours, and several car rental companies offer services at the airports and train stations.

How to Get Around in Bouches-du-Rhône

Bouches-du-Rhône is a vast region, and having a car is the most comfortable way to get around. Alternatively, there is an extensive bus network, train services and many towns and cities have bike share programs to explore the region at a slower pace.

Where to Go Next from Bouches-du-Rhône: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Bouches-du-Rhône is well-located for exploring other parts of the south of France. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Nîmes - the historic city of Nîmes is less than an hour away by car or train and has some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in France, including the Maison Carrée Temple and the ancient amphitheater.
  • Grande Motte - this seaside resort is less than two hours away by car and offers beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and plenty of water activities and boat tours.
  • Aix-en-Provence - less than an hour away by car or bus, this charming city has a rich cultural history and is known for its beautiful architecture, markets, and outdoor cafes.

Conclusion

Bouches-du-Rhône is a stunning region with a rich culture, history, and natural beauty. The area’s natural wonders and outdoor activities, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals make it an ideal destination for a relaxing vacation filled with adventures. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, wine tasting, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean sun, there is something for everyone in Bouches-du-Rhône.



    Calanques National Park
    Cassis
    La Ciotat
    Les Baux-de-Provence
    Saint-Martin-de-Crau
    Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
    Saintes Maries de la Mer
    Salon-de-Provence
    Tarascon