Exploring the Côte d'Azur: Marseille, Toulon & Saint-Tropez in 5 Days
Day 1: Landing in Marseille
We touched down in Marseille after a smooth flight from Prague, landing into the sun-drenched warmth of the southern French coast. A quick shuttle bus brought us straight from the airport into the heart of the city.
Our first impressions? Marseille is full of contrasts — gritty and grand, historic and hip. We wandered around the Vieux-Port, lined with bobbing boats, buzzing cafés, and the salty scent of the sea. Narrow streets led us up to open squares, and golden evening light made every corner glow.
Later in the afternoon, we made our way to a nearby beach and dipped into the cool, clear waters of the Mediterranean — the perfect way to shake off the travel fatigue.
Day 2: Train to Toulon & Mussels by the Harbor
After a quick breakfast, we boarded a train from Marseille to Toulon. The ride hugged the coast, revealing hidden coves, shimmering blue sea, and clusters of red-roofed villages that seemed to tumble toward the shore.
In Toulon, we found a slower, more laid-back rhythm. The city feels local and authentic, with fewer tourists and more sun-weathered charm. We headed straight for the morning food market, where locals were buying fresh herbs, cheeses, fish, and pastries. The colors, smells, and sounds felt like a living postcard.
For lunch, we grabbed a table at a harbor-side restaurant and ordered a pot of moules marinières — mussels cooked in white wine and garlic — served with crispy fries and chilled rosé. It was one of the simplest, yet most satisfying meals of the trip.
Day 3: Museums, Mountains & Le Lavandou
We kicked off our third day at the Musée National de la Marine, a beautiful and informative museum that captures Toulon’s deep naval history. The exhibits were fascinating, and the cool air inside gave us a nice break from the summer sun.
The real showstopper, though, was our ride on the Téléphérique du Faron. This bright red cable car lifted us above the rooftops of Toulon, climbing all the way to the top of Mont Faron. At the summit, we were greeted by breathtaking views — the city below, the mountains behind, and the sparkling Mediterranean stretching endlessly to the horizon.
That evening, we took a coastal bus ride to Le Lavandou, a small seaside town with a relaxed, almost dreamy atmosphere. We checked into a cozy 4-star hotel, then headed out for dinner at a family-run restaurant tucked into a quiet side street. The seafood was fresh, the wine flowed easily, and the hospitality was warm and genuine.
Day 4: Saint-Tropez – Glamour, Sun & Style
Bright and early, we hopped on a bus to the legendary Saint-Tropez — a name that practically glows with glamour. The journey itself was scenic, winding past vineyards and seaside cliffs.
Saint-Tropez did not disappoint. The harbor was full of glitzy yachts and designer boutiques, but the town also kept its charm with pastel-colored buildings, cobbled streets, and a lively local market. We wandered from the old town to the beach, stopping to admire street art, stylish cafés, and supercars parked casually in the sun.
After a refreshing swim in the bay, we treated ourselves to a seafood platter and rosé on a terrace overlooking the water. Everything here felt luxurious yet inviting — like a movie set you’re allowed to walk into.
In the evening, we took a scenic ferry to Saint-Raphaël, watching the coastline fade into twilight. There, we wrapped up the day with pizza and wine before boarding the final train back to Marseille.
Day 5: Marseille Send-Off
For our last day, we stayed close to Marseille’s city center. After a well-earned sleep, we wandered through the morning buzz of cafés and markets, soaking in the final Mediterranean moments.
There was time for one more coffee and croissant before catching the airport shuttle back to reality. We left feeling sun-kissed, satisfied, and already dreaming of our return to the Côte d'Azur.
💙 Highlights We Loved
- 🏞️ Mont Faron Views: Absolutely unforgettable — one of the best panoramas on the Riviera.
- 🧺 Toulon’s morning market: Colorful, authentic, and full of life.
- 🌊 Swims in Marseille & Saint-Tropez: Clear, calm, and perfect for a dip.
- 🦞 Seafood & Wine: Whether mussels in Toulon or a seafood feast in Le Lavandou, every meal was a highlight.
- 🏖️ Relaxed Luxury: From casual beach towns to high-end Saint-Tropez — the Riviera has a flavor for every mood.
- 💸 Great value: Especially in Toulon and Le Lavandou — stunning locations without the high prices.
🚗 Quick Travel Tips
- Mix bus, train, and ferry to get the most scenic and convenient travel experience.
- Travel light — hopping between towns is easier with a backpack or small suitcase.
- Visit in early September to enjoy warm weather without peak summer crowds.
- Don’t skip Toulon — it’s affordable, authentic, and full of character.
- Book accommodations ahead if you're planning to stay in Saint-Tropez — things fill up quickly.