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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Marseille and Avignon

7-day independent rail trip from the UK to Marseille and Avignon

Illustration of Marseille and Avignon

Railbookers runs this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation from the UK to the south of France, splitting evenly between two cities. The trip begins with a Eurostar journey to Marseille, France's second-largest city, for three nights that include a small-group walking tour past the Vieux Port and the hilltop Notre Dame de la Garde church. A direct train from Marseille St Charles station then carries travelers to Avignon for three more nights, where entrance tickets to the three-acre Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon are included, along with time to wander the old center's squares and markets. With three nights in each stop, the pace stays settled rather than rushed. It suits travelers who want a compact, two-city introduction to Provence and the French Mediterranean coast, moving between them by train rather than joining a larger escorted itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • This trip starts with a Eurostar journey from the UK, so travelers not already there will need to arrange their own way to the departure station.
  • Railbookers doesn't name specific hotels in Marseille or Avignon, only the number of nights and that breakfast is included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Marseille

    Your Journey Begins in Marseille

    Board the Eurostar for your comfortable and scenic journey from the UK to Marseille. Change trains in Paris or Lille, or make use of the direct service that will speed you straight to the centre of Marseille itself. Ask our Travel Consultants about which days the direct train will run. Relax in your seat and watch as the rolling French countryside passes by your window. On arrival in Marseille, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay before heading out to acquaint yourself with the beautiful port city. (Overnight in Marseille)

  2. Day 2overnight: Marseille

    Marseille

    After breakfast this morning, explorer the city with a small group on a walking tour led by a local guide. Marseilles is one of Europe's oldest cities, and therefore has a rich and strong heritage and history that is still apparent. It is also the second largest city in France, and a buzzing hive of activity where there is always something new to see or do! the Vieux Port (Old Harbor) is still in use, and you can watch fishermen auctioning their stock and take in some classic sightseeing. (Overnight in Marseille)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3overnight: Marseille

    Marseille

    Perhaps visit the famous Notre Dame de la Garde church, which overlooks the city and where fishermen would go to have their boats blessed, models of which you can still see suspended. The church offers exquisite views of the city, so is well worth the trip. For wonderful cuisine, why not head to Le Cours Julien and La Plaine, which hosts an impressive market on Thursday and Saturday mornings but is also home to many trendy cafes, fountains and independent shops, making it the perfect place to eat and shop! (Overnight in Marseille)

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Avignon

    Marseille to Avignon

    Enjoy breakfast in your hotel this morning before making your way to Marseille St Charles station and taking the train directly to Avignon. Check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Avignon first rose to fame in the 14th century as the city the Popes fled to when leaving Rome. Evidence of this is still abundant in the city with the incredible, three-acre Palais des Papes, the world's largest Gothic edifice. This would be the perfect place to head to start exploring Avignon and should give you a great first impression of the beautiful city. (Overnight in Avignon)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5overnight: Avignon

    Avignon

    After breakfast this morning, spend a full day in Avignon wandering the pretty streets and exploring the city's squares. Head to the Place de l'Horloge for fantastic people watching, though the smaller squares in the surrounding area offer equal charm without the influx of tourists. Visit the colorful outdoor market on the Place Pie,or come during July when the city hums with thousands of visitors to its annual theatre festival. Explore the nearby Petit Palais and Palais du Roure museums, and experience the city's thriving street scene. (Overnight in Avignon)

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6overnight: Avignon

    Avignon

    Make use of the combined tickets included for the 14th century Papel home 'Palais des Papes' and the ancient Pont d'Avignon, then wander the lovely streets of the old center which are full of artists' galleries. Spend time wandering through the ancient alleys and courtyards of private mansions before relaxing with a glass of local wine in one of the fantastic restaurants Avignon has to offer. (Overnight in Avignon)

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7rail

    Depart Avignon

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Consultants will be happy to assist you with the details. B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: A small-group walking tour of historic Marseille led by a local guide, taking in the Vieux Port, or Old Harbor, still in active use
  • Day 3Day 3: Notre Dame de la Garde church overlooking the city, where fishermen once had their boats blessed
  • Day 4Day 4: A train from Marseille St Charles station directly to Avignon, the city the Popes fled to in the 14th century
  • Day 6Day 6: Entrance to the three-acre Palais des Papes, described as the world's largest Gothic edifice, and the ancient Pont d'Avignon

Included

  • All rail travel as per the itinerary 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Marseille 3 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Avignon 3hr walking tour of Historic Marseille Entrance tickets to Palais des Papes’ and Pont d’Avignon

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. All rail travel is included: the Eurostar from the UK to Marseille, and a direct train from Marseille to Avignon.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar operates the UK to Marseille leg, changing in Paris or Lille unless a direct service is running; Railbookers doesn't name the operator for the Marseille to Avignon leg.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Railbookers markets it as an independent rail vacation. A 3-hour walking tour of Marseille is included and small-group led, but the rest of the trip is unescorted.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Three nights in Marseille and three nights in Avignon.
What does it cost?
Prices start from $669 per person, about $96 per day.

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