Marseille to Toulouse Road Trip

Welcome to the enchanting regions of Provence and Occitania, in the south of France. This trip will pleasantly surprise every history geek, nature lover and all gourmets out there. It is a great option of family holidays, romantic escapes or a friends get-together. Embark on an unforgettable 11-day road trip from the vibrant city of Marseille to the dynamic city of Toulouse, with a detour to the laid-back Perpignan, filled with many worthwhile stops in-between. Throughout your journey, indulge in the flavors of Provence and Occitania, savoring exquisite wines, succulent olives, fresh seafood and delicate pastries. Let the charming towns, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture of Southern France guide you on a journey you’ll cherish long after. Soak in the tranquility of Camargue, explore the hidden treasures of Les Alpilles, witness the Roman wonders of Nimes and Arles, traverse the vibrant Montpellier, the historic Beziers, and the Catalan influences of Perpignan. This captivating tour promises a voyage of discovery, where every turn reveals a new chapter in the story of France’s rich heritage and natural splendor. This itinerary can be changed and adapted to your liking, you can do it the other way around, faster or even on a slower pace. Bon voyage!

11 Days – From £1,900 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Marseille, Les Alpilles, Nimes, Arles, Camargue, Aigues Mortes, Montpellier, Beziers, Perpignan, Carcassone, Toulouse

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation with breakfast (upgrades to superior hotels and chateaux possible)
10-day car-hire: vintage car with manual transmission (full tank at pick-up, insurance, technical assistance)
App with GPS
Car delivery to the door of your hotel
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
All mandatory local taxes
24/7 assistance in English during your trip

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International & Domestic Flights / Train Ticket
Personal Expenses
Travel Insurance
Meals not mentioned in the description
Additional kms
Photographer, Guide, Driver (can be arranged on request)

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. The starting point is Marseilles Airport (MRS) which has good connections to the major European and international cities. The departure airport is Toulouse (TLS).

Alternatively, there is a TGV high-speed train stop in Marseille, when coming from Paris.

How to Book

Send us a message on WhatsApp (+44 7 308 449 233) or email us at explore@boutiquetravelexperts.com to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added.

Day 1 - Marseille

Today discover Marseille’s vibrant culture and history, while also taking in the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. The tour begins in the Vieux-Port. Visit Le Panier, the oldest neighborhood of Marseille, the Cathedral of La Major, Fort St-Jean. Then, walk to Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde through a beautiful garden with breathtaking views. Before going up, cross the port by ferry boat, which allows seeing the whole port from a different angle. After lunch, discover the more elegant part of Marseille. Visit the village of Les Goudes, stopping at Le Vallon des Auffes, the authentic fishing village with colorful boats and cottages. Return to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel C2.

Day 2 - Beach & Les Alpilles

In the morning, stroll along the beautiful coastline, admiring the crystal-clear waters of Carry-le-Rouet, the picturesque colourful port. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at one of the local restaurants. Continue to the charming village of Martigues (30 min), the “Venice of Provence”. After lunch, continue to the picturesque village of Baux de Provence. Walk up to the top of the village for panoramic views of the Alpilles and its olive groves. Later, take a 1-hour hiking trail to the nearby rocky hills for another perspective on the village. Next, visit an olive farm for olive oil tasting. Overnight at Mas de l’Oulivie.

Day 3 - Saint Remy & Nimes

In the morning visit the charming town of Saint-Remy de Provence and the nearby ancient site of Glanum. Stroll along cute streets and learn about Van Gogh, who painted some of his works here. After lunch, visit the local vineyards of Château Romanin for a gourmet wine tasting session. Later, continue to Nîmes and visit the Roman arena and the temple Maison Carrée. Stroll through Jardins de la Fontaine, a magnificent park with fountains. Wander through the charming old town streets. For dinner, try brandade de morue or gardianne de taureau. Overnight at Margaret.

Day 4 - Arles & Camargue

Today take a journey through time, discovering the Roman roots of Provence in the town of Arles. Visit the Roman amphitheater and imagine the gladiatorial contests happening here. Stroll through the historic center, which once inspired the works of Van Gogh. Continue to Sainte-Marie de la Mer, located in the heart of the Camargue, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Visit the bird park of Pont de Gau, a nature reserve where you can spot pink flamingos, herons, and egrets. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise. After the visit, take a horseback excursion, exploring the wetlands and salt flats. Head to the Camargue rice fields, where you will learn about rice cultivation in this region. Overnight at Les Arnelles.

Day 5 - Aigues Mortes & Montpellier

Today visit the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes (40 min). Explore the medieval town with lively squares and cafes. Continue to the pink lake of Aigues Mortes. Take a train along the saline and learn about the production of salt. Sometimes you can spot flamingos here. After lunch, continue to Montpellier (35 min). Explore the beautiful architecture of the Opéra Comédie. Take a relaxing walk through the Jardin des Plantes, one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens. Continue to Promenade du Peyrou, a grand esplanade with panoramic views of the city. End your day at Place Royale du Peyrou, where you can watch the sunset and enjoy the view of the city. Overnight at Grand Hôtel du Midi.

Day 6 - Abbey & Oysters

Start your day in the charming medieval village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Visit Abbaye de Gellone, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire its Romanesque architecture. Enjoy a short hike through the stunning Gorges de l’Hérault. In the late afternoon, head to Bouzigues, a charming fishing village on the Étang de Thau, famous for its oyster farms. Visit one of the oyster huts and indulge in some fresh oysters. Walk to the scenic port of Mèze and then to the colourful Sète, a coastal town known as the “Venice of Languedoc” due to its picturesque canals. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, savoring fresh seafood dishes. Overnight at Le Grand Hôtel Sète.

Day 7 - Beziers & Wine

Today visit the lovely Béziers, with the stunning Saint-Nazaire Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece. Climb to the top of the tower for a breathtaking panorama. Wander through the charming old town with its narrow, winding streets, historic buildings, and quaint squares. For lunch, enjoy a traditional cassoulet and local wines. Next, stroll through Place de la Révolution, a lively square surrounded by restaurants. It’s a great spot to relax and people-watch. Head to Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the impressive Fonseranes Locks. Take a boat tour along the canal. In the afternoon, visit Domaine Saint Hilaire vineyard for a tasting session of an excellent Languedoc wine. Overnight at Château de Raissac.

Day 8 - Organs of Ille-sur-Têt

Start the day with a refreshing hike in the beautiful nature of the Pyrenees. Stroll through the fairy chimneys of the Organs of Ile-sur-Têt, a natural site with distinctive rocky columns. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the peaceful nature. Next, make your way to the picturesque medieval village of Castelnou with cobblestone streets. Visit Château de Castelnou and explore the artisan shops. For the evening head towards Perpignan. This is a great opportunity to explore a rich blend of French and Catalan cultures. Enjoy a traditional Catalan meal and the sweet regional Banyuls wines at Place de la Loge. Overnight at La Villa Duflot.

Day 9 - Collioure

Today spend a day by the Mediterranean Sea, taking the sun and swimming. After breakfast, head to Collioure, a beautiful coastal town. Before heading to the beach, visit Château Royal de Collioure, an impressive medieval castle overlooking the sea. Explore the charming old town with its colorful buildings, art galleries, and cafes. After lunch, relax on one of Collioure’s sandy beaches, such as Plage de la Balette or Plage de Port d’Avall. The Catalan coast is calmer than Cote d’Azur, an ideal destination for those seeking a more serene and authentic beach in the south of France. Enjoy a traditional dinner with wine, then return to Perpignan (30 min). Overnight at La Villa Duflot.

Day 10 - Carcassonne

Today visit the stunning medieval fortress of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter through the Narbonnaise Gate and explore the charming historic buildings. Step back in time to a world of cobblestone streets and turreted walls. Climb the ramparts of Château Comtal for panoramic views. Continue to Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, an impressive Gothic church with beautiful windows. Take a walk to La Bastide Saint-Louis, the lower town of Carcassonne for a different ambiance. After lunch, take a walk along Canal du Midi with the Pont Vieux, watching boats passing through the locks, or take a boat tour. During dinner try the Languedoc wines. Overnight at Hôtel du Château.

Day 11 - Pyrenees

Today discover Vernet-les-Bains, a charming spa town nestled in the Pyrenees. Take a relaxing dip in the thermal baths, rejuvenating in the natural hot springs. Explore the village and take in the tranquil mountain surroundings. After lunch, head to Bougarach Bridge, a picturesque stone bridge. Enjoy the beautiful views of the countryside. Next, head to the historic town of Mirepoix. Wander through the medieval town center with colorful half-timbered houses and a bustling central square. Visit Cathédrale Saint-Maurice, a stunning Gothic church. As the day comes to an end, make your way to Toulouse Airport (1 hour).

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