South Of France Itinerary 10, 7, and 5 Days Road Trip MAP & IDEAS

Looking for a getaway to the beautiful South of France but not sure where to start? Look no further than this South of France itinerary! Whether you have 10, 7, or 5 days to spare, this road trip map and itinerary have got you covered. From charming French villages to stunning beaches and coastal drives, there is something for everyone on this itinerary.

Plus, with plenty of ideas and recommendations for activities and attractions along the way, you can tailor your trip to your own interests and preferences. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the South of France!

1. Introduction: Road Tripping in the South of France

If you’re planning a trip to the south of France and want to experience the region’s beauty in a unique and exciting way, a road trip is an answer. Start your journey in Avignon, where the historic city is the perfect home base for exploring the surrounding vineyards and villages. From there, head to Nice, the ultimate destination for a South of France road trip, and soak up the sun and glamour of the French Riviera. Along the way, be sure to explore the quaint villages and enjoy the famous market days, where you can sample local delicacies and immerse yourself in the culture. If you’re looking for more road trip ideas, check out the 15 best France road trip itineraries for driving enthusiasts. When planning your trip, consider how much time you want to spend in the South of France, with customizable itineraries designed by local specialists offering 26 trips to choose from. If you’re looking for a longer trip, add on some of the 14-day itinerary additions for more sightseeing opportunities. Don’t let constraints hold you back either, as even shorter trips can be filled with unforgettable experiences in the south of France. So grab a map, hit the road, and experience the magic of Southern France on your next road trip.

2. Avignon: A Historic Base for Your Southern France Itinerary

Avignon is a historic city and a perfect base for your Southern France itinerary. With stunning papal palaces, charming streets, and world-famous festivals, Avignon is a must-visit destination. Spend your first day exploring the city’s highlights, including the Palace of the Popes and Pont d’Avignon. Take a stroll through the winding streets of the Old Town and visit the Les Halles market to taste some of the region’s fresh produce.

On Day 2, venture out of Avignon and discover the picturesque villages of Luberon. Visit Gordes, a hilltop village with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Stop by the lavender fields of Sénanque Abbey and marvel at the Roman ruins of Glanum. Make sure to sample some of the local cuisines, such as truffles and olive oil.

After fully exploring Avignon and the surrounding areas, it’s time to head to the coast. Nice is a great destination to complete your South of France road trip. Spend two days in Nice and explore the city’s charming old town, stunning beaches, and lively markets.

From there, venture out to explore the French Riviera on Day 5 of your itinerary. Drive along the scenic coastal roads and discover beautiful towns such as Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Antibes. Visit the Monaco Grand Prix circuit and soak up the glamour and luxury of the French Riviera.

Avignon is a historic and charming city and a perfect base for your Southern France itinerary. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or food, Avignon has something to offer every traveler. Don’t miss out on this beautiful destination and start planning your trip today.

3. Nice: The Ultimate Destination for a South of France Road Trip

Nice, with its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant nightlife, is the ultimate destination for a South of France road trip. Start by exploring the charming Old Town, with its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and various restaurants, cafes, and bars. Make sure you visit the Place Massena, a bustling square that is perfect for people-watching or just soaking up the atmosphere. Head to the iconic Promenade des Anglais, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride while admiring the stunning views.

Perhaps the most sought-after attraction in Nice is the pebbled beaches, where tourists flock to soak up the sun and enjoy the waters. There are numerous beaches to choose from, including Plage Beau Rivage and Plage de la Reserve. For a more secluded and natural experience, explore the beautiful Cap-Ferrat peninsula, with its sandy coves and breathtaking views.

One of the top highlights of Nice is the world-famous market- Cours Saleya Flower Market. Here, you can pick up fresh flowers, local produce, and unique souvenirs, while enjoying the lively ambiance of this bustling outdoor market. In the evening, head to the trendy bars and clubs in the Old Town and experience Nice’s thriving nightlife.

While in Nice, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit nearby attractions like glamorous Monaco, the elegant Cannes, or even the picturesque hilltop village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. With endless possibilities and attractions to explore, Nice is undoubtedly the perfect destination for a South of France road trip!

4. Exploring the French Riviera on Day 5 of Your Itinerary

On day five of your South of France itinerary, it’s time to start exploring the French Riviera. After spending a couple of days in Avignon and Nice, it’s time to head to the coastline and soak up the sun and glitz of this iconic region.

Begin your day in Cannes, home to the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. Take a stroll down the Boulevard de la Croisette, lined with designer shops and expensive restaurants, and enjoy the stunning ocean views. Next, head to Antibes, a picturesque town known for its luxury yachts and charming old town. Stroll through Port Vauban and marvel at the large yachts and beautiful architecture.

After a delicious lunch at one of the many restaurants in town, head to Cap Ferrat, a peninsula famous for its celebrity homes and luxurious villas. Take a walk along the beautiful coastal path and enjoy the stunning views. Be sure to visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a stunning villa and museum with beautiful gardens and a collection of rare porcelain.

To end your day, head to Monaco, the glamorous principality known for its casinos, luxury hotels and beautiful marina. Take a stroll around the old town and visit the Prince’s Palace and the stunning Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Finally, try your luck at the Monte Carlo Casino, the most famous of Monaco’s casinos.

Overall, day five of your South of France itinerary is a day full of indulgence and luxury, perfect for anyone looking to experience the glamour of the French Riviera.

5. Market Days and How They Can Enhance Your Southern France Experience

Market days are a unique and integral part of the Southern France experience. The region is renowned for its bustling markets, where locals gather to sell their wares and shoppers haggle for the best deals. These markets offer a true taste of Southern France’s vibrant culture and are an excellent addition to any itinerary.

By planning your trip around market days, you can experience a wide array of local produce, including cheese, wine, olives, and charcuterie. You can also find hand-crafted items such as pottery, textiles, and jewelry, all made by local artisans. The markets are the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Southern France’s colorful and diverse culture by interacting with locals and experiencing the customs and traditions of this beautiful region.

Market days vary in different towns and cities, so it’s essential to plan your itinerary around these events for the best experience. For example, in Avignon, the market is open daily, but on Saturdays, the market takes over the entire town center, offering an even more extensive range of local produce, and is an experience not to be missed. In Nice, the colorful Cours Saleya market sets up stalls every day except Monday, offering a fantastic selection of fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs.

Make sure to bring cash to the markets, as most vendors do not accept credit cards. Bargaining is also a common practice in Southern France markets, so don’t be afraid to haggle over prices to get the best deal.

By including market days in your Southern France itinerary, you’ll have a unique and unforgettable experience, and the chance to explore the region’s culinary delights and handicrafts. So, make sure to plan your trip around market days and immerse yourself in the vibrant and eclectic culture of Southern France.

6. 15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas for Driving Enthusiasts

If you’re a driving enthusiast looking to explore the South of France, then you’re in for a treat! The blog section on “15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas” has got you covered. From the Alsace Wine Route to the beaches of Normandy and the Loire Valley, there’s a road trip itinerary for everyone. Each suggestion comes with a travel distance and duration and is customizable to fit your preferences.

By following one of these itineraries, you’ll have the opportunity to see the best of France, from the Alpine mountains to the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, you’ll discover charming towns and villages, delicious food, and stunning landscapes. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your South of France road trip today!

7. Planning Your Trip: How Much Time Should You Spend in the South of France?

When planning a trip to the South of France, one question you may ask yourself is how much time should you spend there. The answer depends on what you want to see and experience. This itinerary offers suggestions for 10, 7, and 5-day road trips, but you can also adjust it according to your time and preferences. If you have more time, consider adding some of the 14-day itinerary additions, which include visiting Marseille, Arles, and the Luberon region. If you have less time, focus on fewer destinations but make the most of them. Keep in mind that some places, such as smaller villages, may require a car or more time on public transportation. It’s also a good idea to balance your itinerary between major cities and smaller towns to get a better sense of the local culture and scenery. Ultimately, the length of your trip depends on your budget, schedule, and travel style, but with this itinerary as a guide, you’re sure to have a fantastic time exploring the South of France.

8. Customizable Itineraries: 26 Trips and Itineraries Designed by Local Specialists

In this section, travelers can find a variety of customizable itineraries designed by local specialists. With 26 different trips to choose from, visitors can select the one that best fits their interests and travel style. Each itinerary offers a unique experience, whether it’s exploring the beaches and villages of the South of France or taking a tour of Cathar castles. These itineraries have been carefully crafted by local specialists who have extensive knowledge of the region and can recommend the best places to visit.

Travelers can select from a range of itineraries that suit their needs, ranging in length from five to fourteen days. These customizable itineraries allow visitors to see France at their own pace, providing the flexibility to make changes as needed. Whether it’s a romantic getaway with a loved one or a family vacation, these itineraries offer something for everyone.

Once travelers have selected their preferred itinerary, they can work with local specialists to personalize their trip. These specialists can recommend the best places to stay, the top cultural experiences, and the most delicious local cuisine. By working with local experts, travelers can get a true taste of French life and culture.

Overall, these customizable itineraries are an excellent way for travelers to experience the beauty and charm of the South of France. Visitors can rest assured they will see the best of the region while experiencing the unique flavor of French life by working with local specialists.

9. Ideas for Longer Trips: 14-Day Itinerary Additions

For those with a little more time on their hands, a 14-day South of France itinerary allows you to delve deeper into the area’s charming towns and natural beauty. Begin your trip in Toulouse, where you can explore its iconic pink-hued buildings and lively food markets. From there, make your way to the historic city of Carcassonne and spend a few days wandering its winding streets and admiring its medieval architecture.

Next, head to the picturesque village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, nestled in the hills above Nice, and explore its narrow alleyways, art galleries, and stunning views of the Riviera coastline. From there, venture to the rugged mountains of the Mercantour National Park and immerse yourself in its dramatic scenery on a guided hike.

On Day 9, trade in your hiking boots for a pair of flip-flops and relax on the beaches of Cannes or Antibes. Take a day trip to the glamourous principality of Monaco, or opt for a boat ride to the island of Îles de Lérins.

For the final leg of your journey, explore the charming hilltop villages of Luberon, such as Gordes and Roussillon, and take in their breathtaking views over the lavender fields. End your trip in Aix-en-Provence, where you can sample delicious Provencal cuisine, stroll through its lively squares, and visit the studio of Paul Cézanne, one of the area’s most famous artists.

In summary, a 14-day South of France itinerary allows you to fully immerse yourself in the region’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, you can create the trip of a lifetime that includes something for everyone.

10. Overcoming Constraints: Making the Most of Shorter South of France Trips.

For those short on time but still keen on exploring the best of the South of France, it is important to make the most of every moment. Start by prioritizing your must-see destinations and planning your itinerary around them. This can include visiting the charming town of Aix-en-Provence, strolling through the picturesque lavender fields, and spending a day or two in Nice to soak up the sun and stunning views of the French Riviera.

Another way to optimize your time is to make use of public transportation. Consider taking a train from one destination to the next, or even hiring a private driver to take you on a personalized tour. This can save you the hassle of renting a car and dealing with navigation, parking, and traffic.

It is also important to be flexible and open to adjusting your plans as needed. If you come across an unexpected event or attraction, don’t be afraid to add it to your itinerary or change your plans altogether. This can lead to amazing experiences and memorable moments that you may have missed if you stick too strictly to a pre-planned itinerary.

Overall, with the right mindset and planning, even a short trip to the South of France can be a fulfilling and unforgettable experience.

My tour below is a simple model that I share with travelers for the sole purpose of giving them an idea that they can draw on to develop their own course. Travel time estimates may vary depending on the period (summer or winter), traffic, strikes, schedule changes, departures, etc.

My Personal Experience On The Best South Of France Itinerary 10, 7, and 5 Days Road Trip MAP & IDEAS

Best Route & Scheduled Activities For South Of France Itinerary 10, 7, and 5 Days Road Trip MAP & IDEAS

As a reminder and before giving you more details, displayed above the map outlining the itinerary to tour the South of France by car in just 10 days. Of course, if you have 12 or 15 days, this tour will be even more enjoyable because you can better experience the sites by taking more time. But for an optimized trip of 10 days, it’s a good trade-off!

Best Route & Scheduled Activities For South Of France Itinerary 10, 7, and 5 Days Road Trip MAP & IDEAS

As this route is being explored for a road trip, you may be wondering: where should I rent a car? Straight at the airport in Marseille? Should we book it in advance? What are the recommended websites?

Of course, you can rent your car at the airport, but also online bookings with Expedia for example. On this platform, it is very easy to rent a car: they always have compatible prices and offer an excellent customer service team to help you whenever needed …

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Best Route & Scheduled Activities For South Of France Itinerary 10, 7, and 5 Days Road Trip MAP & IDEAS

• Paris To Marseille – Day 1

Arrival by plane at Marseille airport or arrival by train at Marseille station.

Take your rental car and go to your hotel in Marseille.

Where to choose your hotel in Marseille?

If you have enough time to visit the city of Marseille on the day of your arrival, it is better to choose a hotel close to the tourist sites. A hotel near the Vieux Port would be perfect.

NH Collection Marseille

Located in the new business and leisure district of Marseille, in the 2nd arrondissement, near the Old Port and the Panier, this hotel is ideal for its location in the heart of the city center and therefore close to tourist sites. It’s great value for the money when staying in Marseille. Indeed, for 100 euros per night, you can enjoy a hotel with exclusive perks and exceptional service!

If you do not want or do not have time to visit Marseille on the day of your arrival, it is better to take a hotel in a quieter and more secluded place than the city center.

Castle Beaupin

Located in the chic and residential neighborhood of the 8th district and close to a beach, this beautiful house has a small garden, a swimming pool, a barbecue … there is really all you need!

It is truly an exceptional, splendid, and quiet place in Marseille for those who want castle life for one night at the price of a single hotel. Indeed, an apartment for 4 people will only cost you 120 euros per night!

• Marseille To Arles – Day 2

For this day in Marseille, 2 choices are available to you:

1. Visit the city of Marseille (available to pursue by tourist bus for 19 Euros only)
2. Spend your day cruising in the Calanques of Marseille or Cassis.

At the end of the afternoon, drive to Arles (1h30)

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Which hotel in Arles?

Amphitheater Hotel

OK, it is a little retro but I chose it primarily because it is very close to the amphitheater and the historic center. In addition, it has parking for your rental car. Finally, its price is also attractive: 75 € per night!

• Arles To Camargue Avignon – Day 3

8:00 – Drive to Arles (2h) – Arles is a city of art and history classified as World Heritage by UNESCO (Roman heritage). It was the city where Van Gogh lived for a few years and is now the capital of the Camargue.

10:00 – Journey to the ornithological park Pont de Gau (30 minutes) in the Camargue

11:30 – Journey to Aigues Mortes (30 minutes) in the Camargue

12:00 pm – Visit the city and have lunch in Aigues Mortes

The fortifications of Aigues-Mortes constitute a remarkably well-preserved military structure. From the ramparts, you will discover a breathtaking view of the Camargue and the salt marshes whose colors alternate between blue and purple.

14:00 – Sart your ride to Avignon (1h30)

15:30 – Arrive in Avignon

You can visit the Palace of the Popes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Gothic palace in Europe, surrounded by impressive fortifications and defense towers. You will be able to walk among others on the famous bridge Saint-Bénezet, the vestige of a very visited medieval bridge that crosses partially the Rhone.

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Stay overnight in AVIGNON

Which hotel in Avignon?

The Vernet

The Vernet is not a hotel per se. It is a beautiful old building with very quiet apartments in the center of Avignon. The apartments are very tastefully decorated and are very functional as well. The parking will be very useful for your rental car.

There, it feels like home. Lola is very friendly and courteous to all your questions. Great neighborhood with good restaurants and many shops. Expect a very small budget: about 80 Euros per night.

• Baux de Provence To Gordes Senanque Abbey – Day 4

8:00 – The road trip to the Baux de Provence (takes about 1 hour)

9:00 – Visit of Les Baux de Provence (2 hrs)

Perched on a rocky hill, the Baux-de-Provence is a site classified among the “most beautiful villages of France”. Its streets filled with sunlight, squares and shaded terraces make it a beautiful postcard of the villages of Provence.

11:00 – Hit the road to Gordes (1h00)

12:00 – Have lunch in Gordes

1:30 pm – Visit of Notre Dame de Sénanque Abbey and walk in the lavender fields. FYI, the season of flowering lavender is from late June to early July.

14:30 – Drive to Aix en Provence (2h00)

16:30 – Visit of Aix en Provence

Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of Paul Cézanne, has a certain charm and the architecture of Italian influences are very interesting.

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Night in AIX EN PROVENCE

Which hotel in Aix en Provence?

Aquabella Hotel & Spa

Everything is perfect in this hotel: the room, the breakfast, the bar, the swimming pool, the spa, and especially its location in the historic center of Aix en Provence. And the cherry on top of the cake: there is a parking lot!

• Aix en Provence To Verdon Gorge – Day 5

7:00 – Leaving for Moustiers Sainte Marie (2hr -ride)

9:00 – Visit to the village of Moustiers (1h00)

The high point of our beautiful Provence, this place is high perched in the middle of cliffs. The church and the faience museum are fascinating to see, small typical narrow streets and many craft shops …

10:00 – Discover the Gorges du Verdon by taking the road of the peaks of Palud Sur Verdon for about 2 hours

The ridge road is located on the right bank of the Verdon, near La Palud-sur-Verdon. 23 km long, it overlooks the most famous part of the Gorges du Verdon, which is certainly the most beautiful canyon in Europe. Throughout the road, you can admire beautiful cliffs by taking advantage of stops at 14 gazebos designed for this purpose.

12:00 – Drive to Castellane (40 minutes) where you can have lunch.

The British Consulate for southwest France, Bordeaux

Small detour by car (if you have the time):

From Castellane, you can take a 1-hour trip to see the two beautiful lakes (Castillon Lake and Chaudanne Lake).

From the village, take the D955 towards Saint-André-Les-Alpes. Continue along lake Castillon passing on its impressive dam on which is drawn the largest sundial in the world. About 1 km after the dam, turn right towards Demandolx. Take height by chaining the laces that line the road. A little before the village of Demandolx, turn right again following the direction “La Silve – Castellane”.

The descent is by a narrow road (not recommended for RVs) on Lake Chaudanne. Follow Lake Chaudanne and join the intersection with Napoleon Road. Turn right to join Castellane on the D408.

15:00 – Drive from Castellane to Hyères (2h30)

17:30 – Arrival and dinner in Hyères

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Night in HYERES

Which hotel in Hyères?

Hotel La Potiniere

Located near Hyères, Hotel La Potinière has its own private beach. This hotel faces the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros. Decorated in a typical Provencal style, the hotel rooms are functional, comfortable, and peaceful. And of course, this hotel has free parking! So, it is perfect for a relaxing break and lazing on the beach.

• Hyères To Porquerolles Cannes – Day 6

8:00 – Go to La Tour Fondue (35 minutes)

9:00 – Take the ferry to Porquerolles Island (15 minutes)

9:15 – Discover the island and relax on the beach

13:00 – Return to Hyères

14:30 – From Hyères, 2 options:

1. Trip to Saint Tropez (1h30 minimum)
2.  Go directly to Cannes (1h30).

In summer, there is too much traffic to go to Saint Tropez, the best is to cancel this visit and go directly to Cannes.

16:00 – If option 1, visit Saint Tropez then drive to Cannes (1h30).

16:00 – If option 2, you go directly to Cannes from Hyères and you will have enough time to start visiting Cannes on your arrival.

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Night in Cannes

Which hotel in Cannes?

Renoir Hotel

This splendid 4-star hotel is a 10-minute walk from the beach. Renoir is located at a 5-minute walk from the Palais des Festivals, the marina, and Rue d’Antibes. Great location to explore the city of Cannes, amiable staff, a comfortable and very fluffy bed, very clean, very good breakfast… There is a private beach nearby. Guests have access to parking nearby.

• Cannes To Saint Paul de Vence Nice – Day 7

8:00 – Visit to the city of Cannes

A seaside resort on the French Riviera, Cannes is famous for its international film festival. La Croisette, a chic and elegant boulevard along the coast, is lined with sandy beaches, fine jewelers, luxury shops and palaces.

12:00 – Departure for Saint Paul de Vence (40 minutes)

13:00 – Visit Saint Paul de Vence + lunch

Facing the Mediterranean Sea, backed by the mountains of the Southern Alps, this medieval village is one of the most beautiful on the Côte d’Azur. This little corner of Provence attracts many authors and artists. Sensibilities and talents of the most diverse horizons settle and meet in the many art galleries.

18:00 – Drive to Nice (45 minutes)

19:00 –Dinner in Nice

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Night in NICE

Which hotel in Nice?

Ellington Hotel

This beautiful hotel is located in the heart of a residential area close to everything: train station, place Masséna, downtown, old Nice, the Promenade des Anglais, beach, good restaurants…

The Ellington Hotel has the charm of old buildings with all the comforts of a modern hotel. The welcome is always warm and courteous. A hearty breakfast with lots of choices and fresh fruit is served in a beautiful setting (beautiful patio). As for the room, the sanitation is impeccable. This hotel is really a good choice to visit and enjoy Nice!

• Nice Eze Monaco Menton – Day 8

9:00 – Nice – Eze route (30 minutes)

9.30 am – Visit the pretty village of Eze

This beautiful hilltop village overlooking the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferret offers remarkably preserved medieval architecture. The alleys lined with vaulted houses with many shops of artists and artisans give this village a special atmosphere of authenticity and traditions.

11:00 – Drive to Monaco (30 minutes)

11.30 am – Visit Monaco and have lunch

Monaco is an independent state with the official name of the Principality of Monaco. It is located 24 km from Nice, bordering Cap d’Ail, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, and Beausoleil. You will discover the history of Grimaldi going from the old city (real open-air museum) to the place of Casino.

16:00 – Drive to Menton (45 minutes)

17:00 – Arrive at Menton

Here is a place where nature and culture marry harmoniously. A city of gardens, a city of lemons but also a City of Art and History, Menton is rich in an exceptional natural and historical heritage. Cornices, you can admire a landscape of postcards, that of a city resting on the sea!

19:00 – Return to Nice (45 minutes)

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• Nice Marseille – Day 9

Nice, the capital of the Côte d’Azur, has preserved this indefinable charm since its cosmopolitan past. This city has become a pole of tourist excellence with a lifestyle and local culture well preserved on the walls and on the plates!

Go from Nice to Marseille (3h00)

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Stay overnight at MARSEILLE near the airport or train station to save time the next day for your return to Paris.

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Where to choose your hotel in Marseille?

Hotel Ibis Marseille Provence Airport

The Ibis is ideal if you want to spend a night near the airport for a small price (55 euros). Located 400 meters from Marseille Airport, this hotel offers a free shuttle service from 05:00 to 24:00. There is also free parking. Ibis Hotel offers a grill restaurant and a bar. Guests are welcome to use the outdoor pool.

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Holiday Inn Express Marseille Saint Charles

Very good location if you want to stay a night near the train station and the historic center of Marseille. Indeed, this hotel is located right in front of the main train station, the metro, trains, and a car rental service within 50 meters. Quiet area, safe, and with some nice little restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets nearby. This hotel has an underground garage. Its price is very attractive (70 euros).