Where to Stay in Provence Without a Car (100% possible)

Where to Stay in Provence for YOU

Click on the link you’re interested in above to see the best hotel in the area.

The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Provence – Pros & Cons

Discover what each neighborhood has to offer and the pros and cons of each right below.

THE BEST Place to Stay in Provence Without a Car: Marseille

Who has never heard of Marseille? The second-largest French city is a wonderful blend of stunning architecture, fascinating history, and exceptional natural landscapes.

Not only is it thus a must-do destination when staying in Provence, but it is also a particularly convenient area to reach and to stay in, making it the best place in the region if you don’t have a car.

The city of Marseille was born about 2,600 years ago, and it is the oldest of any French city that still exists nowadays. With its 111 neighborhoods, you are guaranteed to never run out of interesting things to discover or to learn more about.

However, with its yearly 6 million tourists, it draws a lot of attention, so be wary of that!

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Marseille by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – Les Appartements du Vieux Port: This hotel isn’t only the best of Marseille, it is also one of your safest bets for the entirety of Provence! Ideally located in the heart of the city, it is spacious, clean and modernly equipped.

✨ Luxury Choice – Suite privée du balcon du vieux port Marseille: This beautiful suite offers an open view of the beautiful Vieux Port, and is particularly fancy!

💰 Budget Pick – Grand studio avec patio: This apartment is all you need for a comfortable stay. Recently renovated and fully equipped, it offers a memorable experience in a quiet location.

Get even more amazing accommodations in Marseille in this post.

Best Village to Stay in Provence Without a Car: Les-Baux-de-Provence

For those of you who would rather enjoy the quietness of Provence’s countryside rather than the buzzing action of Marseille, I give you Les-Baux-de-Provence. Considering how beautiful it is, you might have already heard of it.

And, well, I have good news: if you don’t have access to a car, that’s no issue! Les-Baux-de-Provence is easily reachable from some of the largest cities of Provence, such as Arles or Avignon. From there, you can just take the bus for about an hour.

Because of this, you should definitely take some time to visit it during your stay in Provence, even if you don’t elect to stay there.

This absolutely amazing village sits atop a cliff, and it boasts superb rocky landscapes.

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Les-Baux-de-Provence by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – Chez Romain et Saphie: This place is designed to make you feel both welcomed and comfortable. The equipment is modern, and the apartment as a whole is spacious and lovely.

✨ Luxury Choice – Domaine De Manville: In this accommodation, you will have access to a wide, sunny swimming pool, in a wide and luxurious complex.

💰 Budget Pick – Le studio 34 les Baux de Provence: With very affordable prices, this apartment is well equipped with all the basic necessities, and it is quiet and nicely located.

Alternative Choice: Aix-en-Provence

Last but definitely not least on this list is Aix-en-Provence, another fantastic choice for a stay in Provence without a car.

The main reason for that is that it is also a large city in Provence and that you won’t have any trouble finding it. But wait, there’s more.

Aix-en-Provence offers a much more laid-back atmosphere than Marseille, all the while still having its own, beautiful architecture. If you are looking for a large city without tons of tourists, this should be your go-to.

Famous for its historic assets, the city also boasts thermal baths that you should definitely check out. Plus, it embodies the Provence lifestyle, so if you want an authentic experience, don’t think twice!

Here’s my selection of the best accommodations in Aix-en-Provence by travel style:

✅ Best Hotel – Maison Du Collectionneur: This place offers plenty of different atmospheres, all of which feature high-standard equipment. Also, the staff will warmly welcome you!

✨ Luxury Choice – Villa Saint-Ange: This beautiful villa has a large, superb, and fully equipped swimming pool area, as well as a bright and exceptionally well-decorated interior. An excellent breakfast is also served every day.

💰 Budget Pick – Sweet Home studio Aix en Provence, terrasse, piscine, resto: Despite being affordable, this place has its own beautiful swimming pool, and boasts comfortable beds in a spotlessly clean interior.

Calanque National Park in Marseille

Can you get around Provence without a car?

You can definitely get around Provence even if you don’t have access to a car. There are plenty of bus lines, as well as trains. However, you won’t have easy access to the wilder areas of the region, but there are so many incredible, well-served areas, that you don’t necessarily have to go there.

How to get around Provence without a car?

The best ways to get around Provence without a car are buses and trains. There are national, more important train lines labeled TGV, as well as regional lines named TER. The latter are much less expensive and easier to reach in remote areas, so think about these.

When it comes to buses, you will find even more, cheaper options than trains, and you can go anywhere you please.

Marseille

Final Thoughts

Well there you go, you now know where to stay in Provence without a car. I hope you learned something new, and that you will give one of these options a try.

In case you’re still hesitating, let me remind you that Marseille is the overall best compromise. The city is filled with history and beautiful monuments and is easily reachable.

🔍 Read more:

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• Where to Stay in Montpellier
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• Where to Stay in Bordeaux
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