Private car transfer from Marseille to Avignon

The A7 highway directly connects Marseille and Avignon with little need to change course, but instead of rushing to your destination, take detours to the little nooks and crannies of the French countryside. You will need a car to do most of this, as southern France does not have frequent public transportation to the smaller towns and castles.

One must-see for your drive is Les Baux. Cave dwellings aren’t usually what comes to mind when we think of southern France, but that’s exactly what you’ll find here!

The total driving time is 1 hour and 10 minutes without any detours or sightseeing stops (but you will definitely want to book a few!) After your mini road trip through Provence, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Avignon!

The city’s old town is enclosed by well-preserved medieval walls and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its narrow cobblestone streets and charming squares, such as Place de l'Horloge, have historical buildings and outdoor cafes. The famous bridge Pont Saint-Bénézet, or Pont d'Avignon, partly spans the Rhône River and is a historic relic that has inspired songs and legends.

The city’s location along the Rhone River helped develop its inland trade, as goods and ideas moved up and down the river. Today, it offers romantic scenery and cool breezes in the summer.

But Avignon isn’t just a city dedicated to the past- it also has a modern cultural scene! Avignon’s most well-known annual event is the Festival d'Avignon, held every July. This festival is one of the most important contemporary performing arts events in the world, attracting artists and audiences globally for its eclectic mix of theater, dance, and music.

Stay in Marseille during Festival d’Avignon

For a city of just 90,000 residents to host such a large event, Avignon fills up fast! Don’t be afraid to book your accommodation in Marseille and then commute in for the festival. The short distance makes this plan completely doable, as long as you check the timetable of the last train back in the evening! If you book a hotel in Avignon’s compact downtown during the festival, you may also be in for some restless nights as the party lingers after dark on the streets.

Marseille to Avignon with a private driver

Enhance your travel experience with a private driver from Daytrip. The south of France is a truly magical region, especially in the summer, as the greenery comes to life and the days are long.

Get picked up right from your hotel or the airport in Marseille and make sightseeing stops on your way to Avignon. Unlike with a rental car, you won’t have to negotiate in French or figure out the road rules. Just sit back and let a local professional take the lead! Once you arrive in Avignon, you’ll be dropped off right at your address.

Daytrip drivers for this route speak both French and English, and our vehicle fleet has the option to add children’s car seats and use handicapped-accessible vans. Secure a seat for $87 (€81).

Marseille to Avignon by train

TGV refers to France’s national high-speed rail, which is operated by SNCF. These trains are quickly replacing flight services between cities as cheaper, faster, and more environmentally friendly alternatives.

High-speed rail connects Marseille to Avignon in 35 minutes, and the trains leave about 20 times throughout the day from Marseille’s Saint-Charles station. Tickets cost from $16 to $51 (€15-€50), and passengers can choose from first or second-class seating. Due to the high volume of trains, you do not need to book a ticket ahead of time.

Marseille to Avignon by bus

Flixbus operates buses on the Marseille-Avignon route for as low as $8.50 (€8) with frequent departures. Buses depart from Marseille’s Saint-Charles station and drop you off at Avignon’s Le Pontet station. This station is about 1.2 miles (2 km) east of the old town of Avignon but is very walkable and well-connected by city bus networks. Using a taxi is another easy way to get to your hotel, but confirm the price before your ride.

Ride Le Petit Train d'Avignon (The Little Avignon Train)

Get your bearings right by riding the Little Avignon Train as soon as you get to town. This 45-minute ride includes an audio tour in multiple languages and is an easy way to see the major points of interest without exhausting yourself. It is great for families with young children or those with limited mobility. It starts and ends in front of the Palais des Papes.

Tour the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace)

After your little train tour, get a look inside the Palais des Papes, which served as the residence of the popes during the 14th century. It is among the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe and held the largest library in Europe at its height. It is regularly one of the top 10 most visited places in France, with about 650,000 visitors annually.

Sip a coffee on Place de l'Horloge

The main square in Avignon is full of outdoor cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s a great place to people-watch and enjoy the local atmosphere in the shadow of its clock tower.

Visit the Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon)

This medieval bridge is most well-known from the song "Sur le Pont d'Avignon." Only a few arches remain, so it more closely resembles a dock than a bridge, but it is still a charming historical site with views of the Rhone River. Legend says that a shepherd, Benezet, had a vision in which angels told him to construct a bridge on that site.

The bridge’s construction was said to cause many miraculous healings, and Benezet became the patron saint of bridge builders.