Destinations / Southern France (Martigues to Lyon)

Southern France (Martigues to Lyon)

1 itinerary · 0 open departures · 0 missions

Southern France, stretching from the sun-drenched port town of Martigues on the Mediterranean coast up through the Rhône Valley to the vibrant city of Lyon, is one of Europe's most rewarding regions to explore. Martigues, often called the "Venice of Provence," sits beside the Étang de Berre lagoon and is known for its colourful canals, fishing heritage, and easy access to the Camargue wetlands and the Calanques. The Rhône corridor in between passes through rolling vineyards, Roman ruins, and Provençal villages before reaching Lyon — France's gastronomic capital, celebrated for its Renaissance old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), its bouchon restaurants, and a thriving arts and nightlife scene. Travellers come here for a rich mix of outdoor adventure, world-class cuisine, history, and the relaxed pace of Southern French life.

What travellers are doing

Itineraries

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Save £820 (68% off)

£1,200 retail with CroisiEurope River Cruises → £380 self-launched

Southern France (Martigues to Lyon) · 4 days

Copycat

The Camargue & Wild Rhône River — Self-Launched Edition

Skip the river cruise price tag and explore the same stunning route from Martigues to Lyon under your own steam — by train, local bus, and hired car. You'll visit the Camargue wetlands, the medieval streets of Avignon, the jaw-dropping Ardèche Gorges, the Vercors plateau, the Roman ruins of Vienne, and finally arrive in vibrant Lyon. Budget guesthouses and chambres d'hôtes replace the cruise cabin, while self-booked tours and local transport keep costs a fraction of the CroisiEurope price. All meals are estimated at local bistro and market rates. Costs below are approximate per person, based on solo travel with shared rooms where applicable.

cultureslow-travelroad-trip

Travel Crew

~£380

Missions

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