Marseille in 1 Day for Couples - La Croisette & Palais des Festivals, Cannes
In Collaboration with Luxury Provence Tours. Updated on February 13, 2026.
A romantic, private 12-hour luxury drive from Marseille or Aix-en-Provence visiting Cannes, Antibes, Nice and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Comfortable, unhurried pacing with iconic viewpoints, a gourmet lunch, and a golden-hour stop in a medieval hilltop village — perfect for couples seeking culture, seaside promenades and intimate moments.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Luxury Provence Tours, inspired by the tour Discover French Riviera From Marseille or Aix en Provence. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- La Croisette & Palais des Festivals, Cannes
- Picasso Museum & Old Town Antibes
- Vieux Nice & Cours Saleya market
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence at golden hour
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning pickup and private transfer from Marseille to begin your Riviera day.
Meet your private driver — Marseille pickup (Gare Saint-Charles)
Your English-speaking private driver will meet you at Marseille Saint-Charles for a brief meet-and-greet and departure. Bottled water is provided in the vehicle.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrange to meet inside the station concourse (near the main clock) — it’s sheltered and easy to find.
- Spring mornings can be cool on the platform; bring a light layer for the short wait.
- If you prefer a hotel pickup, tell your driver in advance — the team can pick up from centrally located hotels in Marseille.
Drive Marseille → Cannes (private luxury transfer)
Relax in your air-conditioned luxury vehicle as you travel east along the coast and motorways toward Cannes. Enjoy coastal glimpses and an introduction to Riviera geography from your driver.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your driver for a short scenic stop (10–15 mins) if you’d like a seaside photo en route — spring light is soft and flattering.
- Seats are comfortable for a 2–2.5 hour transfer; there’s bottled water on board and Wi‑Fi on request in many vehicles.
- Bring sunglasses for the bright Mediterranean glare and a camera for coastal panoramas on the autoroute approach to Cannes.
Cannes — La Croisette & Palais des Festivals promenade
Stroll the emblematic La Croisette waterfront, admire palm-lined boulevards, boutique windows and the Palais des Festivals where the Cannes Film Festival is held. Take photos at the festival steps and enjoy sea views toward the Lerins Islands.
Tips from local experts:
- For the best couple shots, head to the west end (Pointe de la Croisette) where sea views and palm silhouettes create a romantic backdrop.
- Public restrooms are available inside the Palais des Festivals — useful after the drive.
- Spring is pleasantly warm; a light scarf works well for photos and the breezy promenade.
Transfer Cannes → Antibes (coastal drive)
Short scenic drive east to Antibes — enjoy a relaxed coastal approach and glimpses of marinas and beaches.
Tips from local experts:
- If you enjoy yachts, ask your driver to pause briefly at a marina viewpoint in Antibes for photos of the harbour.
- Carry light footwear for cobblestone streets in Antibes’ Old Town.
- Spring afternoons are busy — keep valuables close when wandering busy market streets.
Musée Picasso (Château Grimaldi) — Antibes
Visit the Picasso Museum housed in Château Grimaldi. See works created during Picasso’s stay in Antibes and enjoy the intimate galleries and seaside views from the ramparts.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy tickets on arrival where possible or ask your guide to reserve a time to reduce wait — the museum is compact and perfect for a relaxed visit as a couple.
- There are lovely terraces by the château walls — great for quiet moments and sea views after the galleries.
- Museum floors include steps; for easier access, check the entry ramp route with staff (helpful for those who prefer fewer steps).
Lunch — Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit (romantic gourmet lunch)
Enjoy a relaxed, romantic lunch in Antibes at a celebrated restaurant known for Provençal flavours — ideal for a special meal together (lunch at guests' expense).
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a terrace table in advance for a sunlit romantic setting; spring terrace weather is usually perfect in May.
- If you want a lighter option, ask the sommelier for a wine pairing flight to taste local rosés without committing to a full bottle.
- Dietary needs? The kitchen is accommodating when informed in advance — mention allergies or preferences when booking.
Transfer Antibes → Nice (short coastal hop)
Drive along the seaside to Nice — an easy transfer that places you right in the heart of the city’s Old Town.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your driver to drop you near Cours Saleya for direct access to the market and Old Town streets.
- Keep a small day bag for markets and souvenir browsing — convenient for trying local specialties.
- In May, Cours Saleya is full of flowers and produce — perfect for picking up picnic items or fresh treats.
Nice — Vieux Nice, Cours Saleya & Colline du Château
Explore Old Town Nice: wander the winding lanes of Vieux Nice, browse the Cours Saleya market, then take in panoramic coastal views from Castle Hill (Colline du Château). Great mix of culture, colour and sea vistas.
Tips from local experts:
- For a romantic pause, pick a café terrace on Cours Saleya for a shared pastry and people-watching.
- Castle Hill has stairs but also an elevator/path from the port side; ask your driver to drop you at the easier access point if you prefer fewer steps.
- Markets close earlier on Sundays — in May they’re lively; arrive with some flexibility to wander slowly and enjoy tastes at your own pace.
Transfer Nice → Saint-Paul-de-Vence (hilltop medieval village)
Drive inland to the romantic medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence — perched on a hill with art galleries, ramparts and sweeping views of the Riviera.
Tips from local experts:
- The road climbs into the hills — sit on the left side of the vehicle for better valley/west-facing views approaching the village at golden hour.
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets; evening light in spring is especially photogenic here.
- If you’d like an art-focused stop, ask to visit Fondation Maeght nearby (open later in spring for special exhibitions).
Saint-Paul-de-Vence — stroll, galleries & golden-hour views
Wander the preserved ramparts, intimate galleries and cobbled lanes. This hilltop village is a perfect golden-hour stop — enjoy a romantic moment overlooking the Riviera as the light softens.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan your walk to reach the western ramparts around sunset for sweeping coastal views — a wonderful romantic moment.
- Fondation Maeght (modern art) is nearby; if time permits, request a short visit to see sculptures and Mediterranean-light-filled galleries.
- Many galleries close early — if a specific artist or gallery matters to you, ask the driver to check opening times before arrival.
Return transfer Saint-Paul-de-Vence → Marseille (relaxing drive back)
Enjoy a comfortable drive back to Marseille while the driver shares closing notes about the day — unwind and reflect on the scenery from your private vehicle.
Tips from local experts:
- Spring evenings can cool quickly — keep a light layer handy for the drive back.
- If you’d like a final stop for a quick café or restroom break on the way, request it early — the driver can accommodate short pauses.
- Use the drive time to review photos and ask your driver for local dinner suggestions in Marseille if you’re staying in the city.
Drop-off in Marseille (end of private tour)
Your driver will return you to central Marseille (hotel, station or port drop-off). Thank-you and farewell from your English-speaking chauffeur.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your preferred drop-off point with the driver in the morning to ensure a smooth end to your day.
- If you plan a romantic dinner later, ask for a local restaurant recommendation tailored to atmosphere and cuisine.
- Collect any souvenirs from the day and double-check you have passports, phones and cameras before leaving the vehicle.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 7 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Restaurant, Neighborhood |
