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What to do in Aix-en-Provence and Marseille? Selection of the best activities and leisure

Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, two key cities in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in the Bouches-du-Rhône, are renowned for their fervor and gentle way of life, in a Mediterranean climate. Famous for its calissons and its fountains, Aix and its charming streets attract many tourists.

Marseille, the popular, is a vast field of activities with its beaches, its creeks and its unique viewpoints on the hills. At the top of the Marseille city, Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is watching! In the air, on the water or in the cities, you can enjoy many leisure activities in PACA.

Refreshing outing in the Mediterranean

Boat trip from Marseille

Coming to the Marseille region and not going to sea is almost unthinkable! From the old port of Marseille, Estaque or Pointe-Rouge for example, you can take a boat trip.

Sailboat trip, boat rental with your license or with a skipper, organized cruise... You choose your ship to navigate the Mediterranean.

Depending on your itinerary, perhaps you will go to the creeks of Sormiou, Morgiou or Sugiton for the best known; a little further west towards the Blue Coast:Carry-le-Rouet and Martigues. Finally, to the east:Cassis, La Ciotat, Bandol... In the Calanques National Park , you will discover a magnificent protected area!

Snorkeling or first dive

This time, you are still in the world of water, but you dive to discover the Marseille seabed. During a snorkeling , also called snorkeling, you put on a mask, snorkel and flippers for a few hours between surface and exploration.

Depending on the dive spot, you can also do a first dive. With an instructor with you, you cross the Mediterranean up to 6 meters deep , to observe underwater species.

With baptism, you go further, so it's a matter of taste to choose the aquatic activity which you like the most.

Discover the Aix-Marseille region from the sky

We've already talked about it a bit, but to see the creeks of Cassis and Marseille, you can also board a two-seater ULM, a helicopter or a plane. You can then admire them in the sky of Provence ! From Aix-en-Provence or Marseille, you can also visit:

  • The Luberon
  • Sainte-Victoire in the Aix area
  • Sainte-Baume
  • The Alpilles , etc.

If you stay on the Marseille side, you can see the city from above, with Notre-Dame de la Garde, the velodrome stadium and the Frioul islands in particular.

Driving in Aix

In a completely different category, we offer you motorsport near Aix-en-Provence. On the Grand Sambuc circuit, you will begin a rally driving course .

At the wheel of cars adapted for a dirt track low adhesion , you will follow the laps on the advice of a professional instructor. Only prerequisite:have a car license!

It's time for thrill seekers to play the pedal and do controlled skids . In complete safety on this complex, all you have to do is enjoy the car you are driving, and in a typical Provençal setting.

The drift is yours, calls and counter-calls , driving a car that has it underfoot!

All-terrain ride

To explore some remarkable places in the Marseille-Aix region, you can embark on an off-road hike , quad or buggy.

The four-wheeled machine – handlebars or steering wheel, passenger or not – is easy to handle and offers you the possibility of going on dirt roads and overcome obstacles. This activity between discovery and adventure is a good handset for those who love motor sports and get some fresh air in nature.

In a typical setting, you will discover for example the Sainte-Victoire massif , the Arc valley or the Aix countryside with its many typical villages.

Aix and Marseille, a complementarity of varied activities

Between Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, you have a wide choice of activities. For the day or the weekend, don't skip water recreation , with the Mediterranean, the numerous islands and creeks, rich in grandiose marine fauna and flora.

In the air with a classic or more spirited first flight in a fighter plane for example, you will fly away in the sky of Provence. More down to earth, perhaps you will be tempted by this trendy team escape game, the escape game, loved by lovers of mystery!

And if you want to take the time to discover the region and the Bouches-du-Rhône, treat yourself to a relaxing weekend in a typical farmhouse , with swimming pool and spa why not. You will relax to the song of the cicadas, to the scents of lavender and pine...