Camping near Marseille

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With the French Riviera, Provence, and the Camargue all on its doorstep, the southern city of Marseille might be the ultimate destination for urban campers in France. Kick off your explorations of this Mediterranean cruise port with a hike up to the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, a bike ride along the Corniche to Vallon des Auffes, and a stroll around the Vieux Port, from where ferries cruise out to the Château d'If. Camping is limited in Marseille itself, but you’ll find plenty of family campgrounds, Hipcamps, and mobile home rentals on the outskirts of the city.

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Top-rated campgrounds

With the French Riviera, Provence, and the Camargue all on its doorstep, the southern city of Marseille might be the ultimate destination for urban campers in France. Kick off your explorations of this Mediterranean cruise port with a hike up to the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, a bike ride along the Corniche to Vallon des Auffes, and a stroll around the Vieux Port, from where ferries cruise out to the Château d'If. Camping is limited in Marseille itself, but you’ll find plenty of family campgrounds, Hipcamps, and mobile home rentals on the outskirts of the city.

75% (2)

Top-rated campgrounds

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Marseille guide

Where to go

Camargue Regional Natural Park

West of Marseille, the rocky coastline and traditional fishing villages of the Côte Bleue lead the way to the natural landscapes of the Camargue. The Camargue Regional Nature Park is one of France’s most renowned wilderness areas, home to lush salt marshes, pink-hued lagoons, and bird-filled wetlands. Explore by bike, by kayak, or on horseback—the region is renowned for its distinctive white Camargue horses.

Provence

The sloping vineyards, purple lavender fields, and hilltop villages of Provence provide an idyllic backdrop for a camping holiday. Hit the road in your campervan and head north to visit the market town of Aix-en-Provence, hike around Sainte-Victoire mountain, or hop between the perched villages and wineries of the Luberon.

Mediterranean coast

The winding Corniche leads the way east of Marseilles towards the glitzy resorts and white-sand beaches of the Cote d’Azur. Take a boat cruise beneath the soaring white cliffs of the Calanques National Park, camp in charming seaside villages like Cassis and La Ciotat, or rent a chalet with views over the Mediterranean Sea. Further east, Toulon marks the start of the French Riviera, from where the coastal road winds its way to St Tropez and Cannes.

When to go

The southern department of Bouches-du-Rhône sees some of France’s hottest annual temperatures, often climbing over 30°C in summer, but that doesn’t stop holidaymakers from heading down south. Avoid the crowds and high prices of the “Grands Vacances” (July-August) if you can—it will still be warm enough to swim in late spring and early fall. April through October is the main camping season, and many coastal campgrounds close outside of this time.