Take the train from Marseille heading West through the coastal villages of Niolon, Carry le Rouet, Sausset les Pins.

The track runs along the side of the mountain looking over the bay of Marseille.

Get off when you want for a swim and a drink and be back in Marseille for the evening. Or you could continue to Montpellier to see a totally different side of the south of France.

Marseille St. Charles to Carry/Sausset. For trains to Montpellier/Toulouse check the routes as they do not always take the coastal line.
Map: tinyurl.com/yt7ex7 (Marseille St Charles)

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This is an old Roman fishing town that’s accessible by train from Marseilles. The station is at the top of a hill, and the walk down is superb – through a vineyard-lined road with views over the town and the sea. The town is very pleasant to wander around and is home to the wines which share its name. The best feature, however, lies in a boat trip around the bay; here you can see what are known as the Calanques. They are a series of mini fjords with rock formations of the most amazing shades and hues, set off by the blue of the sea and sky.

Take the coast road (GR98) east from Marseilles or the Marseilles – Toulon train

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Out in the hills to the east of Marseille is the small village of La Treille. The village is featured in Marcel Pagnol’s stories of childhood. Of course, this won’t mean a thing if you’re not familiar with Pagnol, but if you are, visiting La Treille will bring back the wonderful stories and take you tantalisingly close to the countryside that he Pagnol roamed back in the early 1900s.

You can visit Pagnol’s grave in the tiny cemetery, see the village square and follow the path that leads out of the village and into the hills. You can only realistically reach La Treille by car unless you fancy a good day’s trekking to get there and back.

Head east out of Marseille on the Aubagne Road then watch for signposts

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