Love Marseille but Want It Quieter? 4 Towns Within an Hour
While researching Marseille, a common theme came up in the expat groups. Several people said they love the city but live just outside it, and one put it simply: "Most people I know live around Marseille but not in Marseille."
Tia
11/8/20264 min read
Aix-en-Provence
Aix is the popular alternative, with 153k people. The train to Marseille takes about 40 to 46 minutes from Aix Centre, and Aix has its own TGV station for trips to Paris. One Frenchman who also lived in the US said it's a better place to be with many US citizens too. Not everyone agrees. Another resident called it "much smaller and more expensive than Marseille," and one said she would never live there because it is "too small and conservative for my taste." This walkable city is charming, artsy (thanks in part to Paul Cézanne), filled with cobbled streets, squares and popular markets of all kinds. It is surrounded by Roman and medieval architecture. And its large student population gives it a lively atmosphere. Expect a higher cost of living here, as this is a university town, too. A comfortable budget might be around €2500-€3100.
Toulon
Toulon surprised me. With 180k people, it is actually larger than Aix, and it is home to France's main naval base. It is a coastal city with a growing art scene and one of the oldest opera houses in France. The fastest train to Marseille takes 41 minutes, with about 59 trains a day. One commenter suggested it may be a better place for more quiet, which makes it worth a look if you want city services without Marseille's intensity. On a post at International Living, costs from 2025 placed a comfortable monthly budget at just €2500. But make sure you know at least basic French. With 28% of the population over 60 this makes a good option for retirement. Its central, historic and waterfront areas are very walkable. Though the locals recommend not looking for a place to live right in the pedestrian center. The area of Le Mourillon is popular here for its sandy beaches, boutiques and cafes.
La Ciotat
La Ciotat is a seaside town of about 40k people, roughly 22 to 24 minutes from Marseille by train. One resident said they live in La Ciotat and find it more beautiful but it's also much smaller. Another mentioned how windy it is. La Ciotat has rocky inlets, or Calanques just like Marseille and it sits near some of the highest cliffs in Europe. One highlight is the Parc and Calanque du Mugel. Where you can enjoy botanical green spaces and rocky coves. La Ciotat has a resort-like vibe and is good for young families. Shipbuilding is a part of its history with superyacht refitting being an industry standard here. It houses the Eden Théâtre, which is the oldest cinema in the world! Fun fact: the Lumière brothers filmed their famous Arrival of a Train in the Station here in the 1890s. Here you can find luxury homes with staggering views, or live near the port in a 1 bedroom for under €900 when available. A monthly budget here can be as low as €2000/mo.
Cassis
Cassis is the smallest and most picturesque of the four, with just 6,661 people. The train to Marseille takes about 16 minutes, but the station is 3 km from the town center, so you will rely on the shuttle bus or a taxi. The center is walkable and charming. There are fewer cultural activities here but the romance of it may capture you. It is the gateway to the Calanques, and it came up often as a quieter option for people who want Marseille close by without living in it. This is an upscale, boutique fishing village tailored to high-end tourism and affluent retirees. Cost of living is higher here due to the restaurants catering to high end tourists at the harbour. Short term leases are popular due to the famous AOC white wines you’ll find here. This makes housing more challenging and expensive to find. A comfortable monthly budget here might be around €3000.
Which would you choose?
Each town gives you something different, from Aix's elegance to Cassis's small-village calm. If you are still considering Marseille, have a close up look in my latest videos. Which of these four would you pick?
Cover Photo by Amandine MONARDO on Unsplash
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