Marseille in 1 Day for Couples - Stroll the elegant Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence
In Collaboration with Domitia tours. Updated on February 5, 2026.
Private guided day trip from Marseille to Aix-en-Provence and the seaside beauty of Cap Canaille and Cassis. Perfect for couples seeking a relaxed mix of culture, scenic viewpoints and a romantic harbour lunch in May (spring).
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Domitia tours, inspired by the tour Full Day Private Tour of Aix en Provence Cap Canaille and Cassis. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Stroll the elegant Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence
- Panoramic views from Cap Canaille (Route des Crêtes)
- Relaxing lunch and harbour stroll in Cassis
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet in Marseille and full-day guided private tour covering Aix-en-Provence, Cap Canaille and Cassis. Designed for a romantic, relaxed pace in spring.
Meet your guide — MPCT Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal
Meet at the designated pickup location (MPCT) in Marseille. Quick briefing and load into the private air-conditioned minivan.
Tips from local experts:
- If arriving by cruise, carry your boarding pass and ship name to speed re-entry — your guide will confirm pick-up details.
- There are restrooms at the terminal; use them before boarding to start the day fresh.
- Seats at the front of the minivan give the best panoramic views on the drive to Aix — a small romantic perk.
Scenic transfer: Marseille → Aix-en-Provence
Comfortable drive through Provençal countryside toward Aix — light commentary from your guide on region history and romantic highlights.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the side of the vehicle facing the Luberon/Sainte-Victoire direction for better countryside views.
- May in Provence is mild — open the window briefly for fragrant spring air and lavender hints.
- Download a short playlist of French chansons for a romantic soundtrack; your guide can play it if you ask.
Stroll Cours Mirabeau & Aix old town
Leisurely 90-minute walk along the Cours Mirabeau and into the honey-coloured streets of Aix. See fountains, 17th-century mansions and charming side lanes.
Tips from local experts:
- Pause at a fountain (Fontaine de la Rotonde) for classic photos — morning light is soft in May for flattering portraits.
- Look for quiet shaded benches along smaller lanes if you want a private moment away from busier spots on Cours Mirabeau.
- For a romantic souvenir, pop into a local patisserie for calissons (Aix specialty) to share later.
Coffee break at Les Deux Garçons (historic café)
Relax with coffee or a light refreshment at the famed Les Deux Garçons — a historic café on Cours Mirabeau with a classic atmosphere.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a terrace table for people-watching and gentle conversation; it's quieter mid-morning.
- If you want a small romantic treat, order a shared pastry rather than a full dessert to keep the afternoon light.
- The café can be busy; ask your guide to pre-arrange seating when possible to avoid waits.
Transfer Aix → Cap Canaille (Route des Crêtes)
Drive toward the coastal cliffs of Cap Canaille via the panoramic Route des Crêtes — a dramatic coastal road with sweeping sea views.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to pause at a safe turnout for photos — the road has several official viewpoints.
- Bring a light jacket for the cliff-top breeze even in May; temperatures can be cooler by the sea.
- If either of you is bothered by motion, sit near the front — the road has bends but the views are worth it.
Cap Canaille viewpoint — panoramic photo stop
Short walk to the main viewpoint on Cap Canaille for breathtaking views over the Gulf of Cassis and the calanques below.
Tips from local experts:
- This viewpoint is a classic romantic spot — exchange a small gift or write a short note to each other to leave a memorable moment.
- For the best photos, face the southern stretch of coastline; late afternoon gives warmer light but spring midday is also beautiful.
- Watch your step near cliff edges and hold hands for steady footing; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Drive down to Port de Cassis
Short scenic descent to the charming harbour of Cassis — the gateway to seaside dining and calanques views.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the seaward side of the vehicle for glimpses of the Mediterranean as you descend.
- Keep your camera ready for the first sight of the colourful boats — it’s a quintessential Provençal postcard.
- If you prefer quieter lunch spots, ask your guide to avoid the busiest quay-side tables and request a tucked-away terrace.
Romantic seaside lunch at Le Grand Large
Leisurely lunch on the harbour with seafood and Provençal flavors — terrace seating when available for sea views.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a terrace table facing the water for the most romantic ambience — ask your guide to request this in advance.
- Share seafood plates (oysters, fish) to sample several dishes together; mention any dietary needs and chefs are accommodating.
- Enjoy a local rosé from Bandol or Cassis — light and floral wines enhance the spring seaside mood.
Harbour stroll & optional short calanques boat ride (Port de Cassis)
After lunch, choose a peaceful harbour walk or a 45–60 minute boat outing to see nearby calanques from the water (optional, weather permitting).
Tips from local experts:
- A short calanques boat trip is a memorable romantic moment — check sea conditions in May (usually calm) before booking.
- If you prefer privacy, walk the quieter side streets up from the harbour to find small benches and viewpoints.
- Bring sunscreen and a light shawl; sun reflects strongly off the water even in spring.
Relax at Plage de la Grande Mer (short beach break)
Short beach-side pause to dip toes, enjoy sea breeze and quiet moments together before the return trip.
Tips from local experts:
- A quick walk on the pebbled shore is very romantic — sit on a blanket or a bench to enjoy views of Cap Canaille.
- Pebble beaches can be uneven: bring sandals and be careful if barefoot; avoid glass and sharp shells.
- If you'd like a special moment, share a dessert-to-go from a harbour pâtisserie and enjoy it on the shore.
Return transfer to Marseille (drop-off at MPCT)
Drive back to your Marseille meeting/drop-off point, arriving in the early evening with time to relax before dinner or embarkation.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want a sunset view, ask the driver about a short detour — timing in May can allow a golden light return.
- Use the return ride to freshen up and request a chilled bottle of water from your guide for the last leg.
- Confirm your exact drop-off time and location with your guide early to coordinate any onward plans (dinner reservations, cruise re-boarding).
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 5 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Neighborhood, Restaurant, Outdoor, Meal, Experience, Break |
