Off to Provence: The South Begins in Lausanne | railtour travel blog
Provence is one of those destinations that immediately brings to mind light, a sense of ease and Mediterranean joie de vivre. Nestled between the sea, vineyards and historic villages, this region offers a particularly charming blend of culture, cuisine and nature. Here, you can stroll through weekly markets brimming with regional specialities, discover vineyards and picturesque villages, or get out and about – on foot, by bike, in a kayak or on the water. Hills, garrigue and hilltop villages characterise the landscape, making Provence the ideal place for leisurely explorations at a gentle pace.
The region is at its most beautiful in spring and autumn: the temperatures are pleasant, the light is soft, and in many places markets, exhibitions and events create a lively atmosphere. For travellers from Switzerland, Provence is now easier to reach than ever. Thanks to the direct TGV Lyria service, you can travel from Lausanne or Geneva to Marseille, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence without changing trains – ideal for a long weekend or a few sunny days in the south. Between April and November, direct trains run from Thursday to Monday in the early and late seasons, and daily in July and August. The journey takes around 3 hours 30 minutes from Geneva and about 4 hours 30 minutes from Lausanne. The landscape begins to change even as you travel: the Rhône Valley gradually gives way to vineyards, rolling hills and that warm Mediterranean light that makes the south of France so distinctive.
Travel in Comfort – The South Begins on the Train
With TGV Lyria, the journey doesn’t begin at your destination, but the moment you step on board. The direct link between Switzerland and Provence combines comfort with a sense of calm, making the journey itself part of the holiday experience. Passengers can choose between Standard and Première classes and enjoy comfortable seats on board with ample legroom and a personal power socket, free Wi-Fi, and an entertainment portal featuring films, TV series and newspapers. The journey is also a culinary delight: the on-board catering combines French and Swiss influences; the menu can be viewed online and ordered directly to your seat via Click & Collect. Added to this are generous luggage racks, plenty of room to move about, and a family-friendly offering featuring a children’s area, a dedicated Carriage 8 with toys, and a children’s menu. Particularly pleasant: there is no check-in, no lengthy security checks and no luggage stress – instead, there is time to sit back and watch as the Alps gradually give way to Mediterranean landscapes.
Marseille: A Mediterranean Spirit with Rugged Charme
Marseille, France’s oldest city, possesses an energy that is instantly infectious. Lively, sun-drenched and deeply rooted in its own identity, it captivates visitors with its contrasting neighbourhoods, its maritime atmosphere and its rich history. Markets, local crafts and generous Mediterranean cuisine characterise everyday life, whilst the Calanques, narrow streets and terraces form the backdrop to a city best explored with all the senses.
Among the major highlights is Notre-Dame de la Garde, arguably the most beautiful viewpoint over Marseille. The famous statue of the ‘Bonne Mère’ will shine in new splendour following its renovation in 2025. Equally unmissable is the Vieux-Port, the lively historic heart of the city, where locals and visitors mingle in a relaxed atmosphere and the fish market is a daily feature of the cityscape. Those wishing to combine history and literature should visit the Château d’If, the former fortress and later state prison made world-famous by *The Count of Monte Cristo*. And for nature lovers, the Calanques National Park offers a breathtaking experience: a wild, sun-drenched coastal panorama that can be explored at a more leisurely pace, particularly outside the months of July and August.
Aix-en-Provence: Elegance and the Provençal Way of Life
Aix-en-Provence embodies that cultured, carefree way of life typically associated with Provence. Over 300 days of sunshine a year, elegant squares, city palaces and a daily life that largely takes place outdoors give the city its unique rhythm. Aix reveals itself as you walk: whilst strolling through the old town, lingering on a terrace, on the way to an exhibition or over a coffee between two market stalls.
Don’t miss the colourful markets, which, with their fruit, vegetables, flowers and second-hand books, are a feature of daily life. A cultural highlight is the Hôtel de Caumont – Centre d’Art, one of the finest 18th-century city palaces in the Mazarin district, which hosts major exhibitions of great masters from the 14th to the 19th century. And, of course, no visit is complete without a Calisson d’Aix: this traditional sweet is famous far beyond the city and has been closely associated with Aix since the 15th century.
Avignon: History and Culture Along the Rhône
Avignon combines history, culture and nature in a particularly harmonious way. With the Papal Palace and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the former papal city boasts an exceptional architectural heritage that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. At the same time, Avignon is a city of theatre: the famous Festival d’Avignon and numerous venues give it a vibrant cultural atmosphere that extends far beyond the summer months. The Maison Jean Vilar complements this with the permanent exhibition ‘Les Clés du festival’.
Just a few minutes from the centre, the Île de la Barthelasse, with its 700 hectares of nature, offers a charming contrast to the historic city. Here you can go for a walk, a bike ride or a canoe trip – always with a beautiful view of Avignon. Particularly worthwhile are the newly renovated Rocher des Doms, which offers a green break with a view after a visit to the Papal Palace; a gourmet city tour with Avignon Gourmet Tours, including local specialities and a visit to the market; and a cycle tour across the Île de la Barthelasse with a stop at the Ferme de la Reboule for fresh seasonal produce.
