Find your new life
If you dream of living near the Mediterranean Sea, in a well-connected location without being in the heart of the urban hustle and bustle, the surroundings of Marseille offer a multitude of peaceful and picturesque options where life is really good. These Provençal nuggets, small charming towns and charming villages, combine authenticity and serenity while remaining close to Marseille and its amenities.
Discover the towns and villages that surround Marseille, perfect for a peaceful life in the heart of Provence.
Located about 30 minutes from Marseille, Cassis is one of the most well-known and popular villages in the Marseille region. Initially a small, peaceful fishing port, the village has become a must-see tourist destination thanks to its charming old quarters, its shady and cool squares where great games of pétanque are played, and its direct access to the most beautiful creeks in the region. The village is known for being one of the only ones in the region to have preserved its coast: here no concrete breaks the beauty of the landscape!
Its summer tourist attraction hides a sweet and peaceful life the rest of the year. A small town of 7000 inhabitants, Cassis has several health centres, nurseries, primary and nursery schools, a secondary school, a cinema and a library and many restaurants. The nearest hospital is only 6km away (in Aubagne). If in summer, the city is filled with open-air exhibitions, concerts and activities, in winter, it is the inhabitants who are looking for calm and serenity that it will appeal the most. For the others, as Marseille is only a few kilometers away, there is never a lack of anything!
Of course, so many advantages have a cost: the price per square meter Cassiden is not very far from Parisian prices, so it's not a market for all budgets!
Located between Marseille and Toulon, La Ciotat is a Mediterranean city that has preserved its charm while offering an exceptional quality of life. With its authentic port, its fine sandy beaches and its famous creeks, La Ciotat is an ideal place for those looking for a festive place in summer, peaceful in winter, and close to nature.
The historic centre is dotted with narrow streets, shady squares and small restaurants offering authentic Provençal cuisine. Big plus: La Ciotat has a rich cultural life, even in winter! The city organizes events all year round, in addition to the sports activities offered, especially for children.
La Ciotat also has all the necessary amenities, with schools, health centres, and easy access to the surrounding major towns.
Although the cost of real estate remains more affordable than in Cassis, it remains high due to the growing attraction of this booming city.
Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Gordes is a true pearl of the Luberon. Perched on a rocky promontory, this quintessential Provençal city attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its typical architecture and breathtaking views. Gordes is entirely made up of dry stone houses, which can be admired while strolling through its winding streets from which, from time to time, an extraordinary view of the valley springs up.
Although it is very touristy, the village is particularly appreciated for its peaceful and authentic atmosphere, offering an ideal living environment for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
Gordes is also an ideal starting point for exploring the Luberon, with its Provençal markets, lavender fields, and hiking trails.
The real estate market in Gordes is oriented towards luxury, with high prices justified by the uniqueness of the village and its international popularity.
Aix-en-Provence is a very interesting option for those who want to settle in the city, but do not live in Marseille. A city of art and history, known for its avenues lined with plane trees, its elegant fountains, and its rich cultural heritage, Aix, often nicknamed "the little Paris of Provence", offers an upscale living environment, where it is good to stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic center, visit the many art galleries, or enjoy the sunny terraces of the cafés.
While it is true that the city has a fairly bourgeois setting and attracts a lot of retirees, Aix is also a large university city, which brings dynamism and youth. University also means entertainment: far from the small seaside villages that only live in summer, Aix benefits from a real cultural scene that flourishes throughout the year.
Aix-en-Provence combines the charm of Provence with the advantages of a medium-sized city well equipped with services and shops.
Property prices are high, reflecting the high demand for this popular destination, both for its quality of life and for its exceptional setting.
Located north of Marseille, between the Camargue National Park and the city of Aix-en-Provence, the Etang de Berre is a very popular place for those who wish to leave the city to settle on the outskirts. Saint-Chamas, Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts, Berre-l'Étang, Rognac, Marignane, Châteauneuf-les-Martigues, Martigues... all these villages that surround the lakes offer an extraordinary, calm and peaceful living environment, in a very beautiful environment while remaining a stone's throw from Marseille and all its amenities.
Martigues, nicknamed the "Venice of Provence", is perfect for those looking for a peaceful lifestyle while still being less than 40 minutes from Marseille. A little further south, Istres attracts with its surrounding nature, between hills and beaches of the pond. The city, dynamic and expanding, has modern infrastructures while maintaining its authentic side. Vitrolles, on the other hand, offers a strategic geographical location just a stone's throw from Marseille-Provence airport and the Aix-en-Provence TGV station, which makes it a popular place for working people. Finally, small towns such as Saint-Chamas and Miramas offer a quieter living environment, with typical Provençal houses and a village atmosphere throughout the year, far from the summer hustle and bustle.
The price of real estate is variable: the villages near the sea are around 3,700 euros per square metre, while those north of the lake are around 2,900-3,000€.
Roussillon is a village in the Luberon, renowned for its spectacular ochre cliffs, a colour that can be found on the walls of the town, giving it a warm atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, this hilltop village is one of the most visited in the region, attracting visitors from all over the world. Its houses and alleys are tinted with shades of red, yellow and orange, creating a unique setting in Provence. Roussillon is also a centre of art and culture, with many galleries, artists' studios, and the Ochre Trail, a hike that allows you to discover the surrounding ochre quarries. It is an ideal place for those looking for a second home that combines natural beauty and an artistic atmosphere.
The real estate market in Roussillon is in high demand, especially for stone houses with views of the ochre cliffs, and although prices are high, they are still relatively affordable compared to other emblematic villages in the Luberon.
Ménerbes, another gem of the Luberon, is a hilltop village that offers breathtaking views of the Provençal countryside. Immortalized by Peter Mayle in his book "A Year in Provence", Ménerbes is a village where you will find all the charm and tranquility of the south of France. Its cobbled streets, stone houses, and authentic atmosphere appeal to those looking for a peaceful and authentic living environment.
Ménerbes is surrounded by famous vineyards and lavender fields, making it a popular destination for wine and nature lovers. The village has a few shops and restaurants, but it is above all the calm and beauty of the landscape that attracts residents and visitors.
The property market here is dominated by character properties, often bastides and Provençal farmhouses, with prices reflecting the demand for this idyllic location.
Les Baux-de-Provence is a medieval village perched on a rocky spur in the heart of the Alpilles. Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, it offers spectacular panoramas of the surrounding plains and olive groves. The village is famous for its historical heritage, with its ruined castle, its ramparts, and its narrow streets lined with stone houses. The village is also a mecca of Provençal culture, with many museums, art galleries, and the famous Carrières de Lumières show, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.
For those looking for a residence, Les Baux-de-Provence offers a unique combination of heritage, culture and nature. However, the real estate supply is limited due to the small size of the village and the protection of the site, which drives up prices. The properties available are often historic houses, carefully restored, offering an exceptional living environment.
Located to the east of Marseille, on the heights, Allauch is a peaceful village with spectacular views of the bay of Marseille and the surrounding hills. This proximity to nature and the splendid view of the surroundings are also among the preferred criteria of the Allaudians, who are full of praise for it!
This authentic village, appreciated for its calm and historical heritage, is only 20 minutes by car from the city center of Marseille, allowing easy access to all amenities. Although close to Marseille, it retains a tranquil village vibe, ideal for those looking for a greener alternative to city life.
The village is well served with several local shops, schools and a local market, although the activity remains moderate compared to other more dynamic peripheral areas. It is a great option for those who want to settle in the suburbs of Marseille!
About thirty kilometers, west of Marseille this time, Carry-le-Rouet, often called the "pearl of the Côte Bleue", is a charming village on the edge of the sea. Its marina, beaches and coves are particularly attractive to sea lovers. The village has all the necessary amenities: shops, restaurants, health centers, while offering quick access to Marseille by car or train. In the summer, the city welcomes a significant number of tourists, but remains pleasant the rest of the year for those who wish to live by the water.
Although property prices are relatively high, the proximity to the sea and the unspoilt setting of the Côte Bleue largely justify this investment.
At the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif, Gémenos stands out for its picturesque streets, fountains and green setting. Located between Marseille and Aubagne, this Provençal village offers a peaceful living environment while remaining close to the big cities.
Ideal for those looking to combine nature and urban proximity, Gémenos is particularly popular with families for its many infrastructures: schools, shops, and parks. The surrounding hills offer magnificent hiking opportunities, enhancing the village's appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Although far from the coast, Gémenos makes up for it with its natural setting and tranquillity, even if some might regret a more limited offer in terms of entertainment and leisure compared to other municipalities in the region.
Located about 20 kilometers from Marseille, Roquevaire is an authentic Provençal village nestled in the Huveaune valley. This village, with its stone houses, small markets, and rich cultural heritage, offers a typical Provençal living experience. Less touristy than other localities in the region, Roquevaire is particularly appreciated for its tranquil atmosphere and rural setting, while remaining close to Aubagne and Marseille for amenities and services.
The real estate offer is more affordable than in other nearby villages, which makes it an interesting option for those who want to invest in the region without suffering from the exorbitant prices of the coast.
Whether you choose the city or the countryside, settling around Marseille will offer you a particularly pleasant and sunny living environment, close to the sea, in the heart of a Provençal and warm. Whether you are attracted by the beaches of Cassis, the hills of Allauch, or the historic streets of Gordes, these towns and villages offer an incomparable living environment, combining calm, natural beauty and proximity to the big city. The Marseille region is full of hidden gems where life is good, away from the hustle and bustle while enjoying the advantages of urban proximity. Why not make this Provençal dream a reality?
