What to do and see in Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

April 15, 2022 Leida Jutras

Discover the best top things to do in Bouches-du-Rhone, France including Parc National des Calanques, Chateau d'If, The Panier, Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, Musee Departemental Arles Antique, Eglise St-Trophime, Site Archeologique de Glanum, Amphitheatre (les Arenes), Chateau de l'Emperi, St. Paul de Mausole.
Restaurants in Bouches-du-Rhone

1. Parc National des Calanques

Route du Feu de la Calanque de Morgiou, 13009 Marseille France +33 4 20 10 50 00 http://www.calanques-parcnational.fr/
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,949 reviews

Parc National des Calanques

Reviewed By milgil24 - Sydney, Australia

The stunning natural beauty of the Calanques along the South Coast of France is a must do. We went on a boat tour which departed from Marseille (booked through Airbnb experience) which was amazing, but there are so many ways to visit this national park.

2. Chateau d'If

1 quai de la Fraternite, 13001 Marseille France +33 4 91 59 02 30 [email protected] http://www.if.monuments-nationaux.fr
Excellent
48%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,725 reviews

Chateau d'If

This famous fortress, standing on a rocky island off the coast of Marseille, was immortalised by Alexandre Dumas in The Count of Monte Cristo as the prison where the novel’s hero, Edmond Dantes, was incarcerated before ultimately escaping. The castle was built by Francois I in 1524 and over the centuries it gained a fearsome reputation as many opponents of royal power were jailed and died in the fortress. The Castle of If has been perfectly preserved and is one of the most impressive historical sites on the Mediterranean coastline. Open: > 15th May to 20th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.15 p.m. > 21st September to 14th May: from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. The last visit depends on the timetable of boats, information at the tourist information center, on our website monuments-nationaux.fr or on Frioul If express. Closed: > Mondays from 21st September to 14th May. > 1st January, 25th December and subject to bad weather. Admission fees: Adults : 5,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups.

Reviewed By tanyac179 - Surrey, United Kingdom

We opted for this trip as part of our Marseille tourist pass. Enjoyable boat ride (great views on boat) in lovely warm weather and you can spend as much time as you like walking around. Fascinating history - there is no lift & area is uneven which was a little bit difficult for our elderly relatives but we had plenty of time to explore which helped. Walk up is steep in parts too. Nice cafe with wonderful view and prices not too bad - we just had drinks & ice cream.

3. The Panier

13002 Marseille France http://www.lepanierdemarseille.com
Excellent
44%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,447 reviews

The Panier

Reviewed By Ilmar1 - Perth, Australia

The one unique thing about this area which makes it worth visiting is the quality of the street art (or graffiti) which adds a very colourful dimension to the narrow streets. Virtually nothing was open when we visited except a few shops selling mass produced souvenirs, so there was nothing to do but take photos. I was told this was because it was no longer tourist season (which explained the almost deserted streets) and the december rush had yet to begin. Take an hour to walk slowly around and admire the views. It is worth it.

4. Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde

Rue Fort-du-Sanctuaire, 13281 Marseille France +33 4 91 13 40 80 [email protected] http://www.notredamedelagarde.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13,186 reviews

Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde

Reviewed By JenLovesTrains - Bad Hindelang, Germany

It’s a steep climb up to the basilica with stations of the cross along the way. Well worth it for the views over all of Marseille. It looked as though a little tourist train goes though if you don’t want to do the walk. The basilica itself is beautifully decorated with mosaics and full of a variety of thankful donations, including ship and plane models hanging from the ceiling, medals, paintings and many many marble plaques. We enjoyed reading those! People’s thanks range from being saved from submarine bombardment in the war through being healed of an ulcer to passing an exam. There’s also a crypt, gift shop, restaurant and museum but we didn’t go to the restaurant or museum. They crypt is full of votive candles and the gift shop is crowded but has a good selection of postcards.

5. Musee Departemental Arles Antique

av de la 1ere DIV Fr Libre Presqu'île du Cirque Romain, 13200, Arles France +33 4 13 31 51 03 http://www.arles-antique.cg13.fr/mdaa_cg13/docs/informationspratiques.pdf
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,590 reviews

Musee Departemental Arles Antique

Reviewed By Razorfish - Little Rock, United States

My wife and I visited the Musee Departemental Arles Antique during our two day trip to Arles this past March. It is a wonderful museum with a large number of archeological pieces (statues, sarcophagi, base reliefs, mosaics, etc.). The best feature is the Roman barge that was dug out of the Rhône River and the video of its restoration. It is well worth spending 2 or 3 hours in to gain a better understanding of historic Arles.

6. Eglise St-Trophime

Place de la Republique, 13200, Arles France http://www.pays-arles.org/e-patrimoine/communes/arles/article/eglise-saint-trophime
Excellent
45%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 901 reviews

Eglise St-Trophime

Reviewed By MaryannF650 - Clarksville, United States

During a river cruise, we participated in a shore excursion of Arles where we engaged in a historic and photographic walking tour. Located on the main square, Eglise St. Trophime was part of our visit. We were so fortunate to have had a tour guide who provided us with an extensive history of St. Trophime. What incredible architecture. How photographic! According to available literature, "The Church of St. Trophime was built in the late 11th and 12th centuries and was named after the city's first bishop. This fine Romanesque edifice is notable for its magnificent carved west portal, interesting furnishings and glorious cloisters containing impressive sculpture...they show all sorts of biblical scenes, like the Apocalypse and the Gospel of St. Matthew. If you look up at the tympanum you can identify Jesus seated above the 12 apostles, beneath some 40 angels in the archivolt. The interior of St. Trophime has early Christian sarcophagi, 13th century plaques and epitaphs, baroque paintings and nine Aubusson tapestries from the 17th century. Located in the Place de la Republique, not far from the Quai Lamartine pier. Don't miss it!

7. Site Archeologique de Glanum

Avenue Vincent Van Gogh, 13210 Saint-Remy-de-Provence France +33 4 90 92 23 79 [email protected] http://www.site-glanum.fr/
Excellent
53%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,405 reviews

Site Archeologique de Glanum

At the heart of the magnificent Alpilles mountains, the archaeological site at Glanum features the remains of an important Roman settlement that prospered from the 6th century BC to the third century AD. This fascinating site includes the ruins of both civic and religious edifices and is unique in Provence. Open: > 1st April to 30th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Closed: > Mondays from 1st October to 31st March. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 8 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 6,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

Reviewed By 797tomc - Raleigh, United States

This was my 5th time to visit and I have written other rave reviews, so I will just repeat that this is well-worth a visit if you have any interest in Greek/Roman history and ruins. It is also been interesting to see how Glanum has changed and grown over the last 10 years, since discoveries are on-going. My wife's dream is to come work in the ruins for a few months--if anyone at Glanum reads this and wants another volunteer!!!

8. Amphitheatre (les Arenes)

Rond-Point des Arenes Arènes d Arles, 13200, Arles France +33 4 90 49 36 86 [email protected] http://www.arenes-arles.com
Excellent
45%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,291 reviews

Amphitheatre (les Arenes)

Reviewed By Solarbearz

We toured the amphitheatre during a recent visit to Arles. First, it was incredibly impressed from the street, being in such good condition considering its age. Entering the amphitheatre we walked through corridors of beautiful hewn stone that took us back to centuries past. We finally entered the arena and took seats in the cool sun to take it all in. It is in such good condition that it is hard to believe it is so old. The best part was knowing that the amphitheatre is still in use. The arena was set up for bull fights which I wish we could have seen. Provençal fighting bulls don’t end up as hamburger, but instead, the bulls become celebrities in their own right and have quite a fan following until they are retired. We were told that when these bulls finally died of old age they were buried standing up and facing the Mediterranean. I’m planning on doing this with with my hubby if I can outlive him. We were lucky to tour the amphitheatre on a cool day in November when the tourist count was extremely low. The only thing better would have been to arrive on a day when a bull fight was scheduled, as I am sure it is a magnificent event in such an historic setting!

9. Chateau de l'Emperi

Montee du Puech, 13300, Salon-de-Provence France +33 4 90 44 72 80 [email protected] https://www.salondeprovence.fr/index.php/emperi
Excellent
51%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 299 reviews

Chateau de l'Emperi

10. St. Paul de Mausole

off D5 direction Les Baux Next to Glanum, 13210 Saint-Remy-de-Provence France +33 4 90 92 77 00 http://www.saintpauldemausole.fr/
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 989 reviews

St. Paul de Mausole

Psychiatric centre which treated Van Gogh after he cut off his ear.

Reviewed By JenniferTN2015 - Belleville, Canada

We happened upon this on our walk to Glanum from St Remy. They have done an excellent job of showcasing Van Gogh’s art along the walk and it was very interesting to see the place where Van Gogh spent a year of his life

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