Niolon takes a little earning: the village sits at the end of a small road, at the foot of a cliff. That is exactly what protects it. Here are the two ways in, and the traps to avoid.
The Côte Bleue train, the option we recommend
From Marseille Saint-Charles, the Côte Bleue regional line runs towards Miramas along the coast. Niolon stop after about 20 minutes, with the sea below and viaducts above the calanques: the journey is part of the trip.
Worth knowing:
- Niolon station is 300 m from the house, downhill through the village.
- Several trains run each day; tickets at the station or on SNCF Connect.
- In the evening, check the time of the last train back before heading into the city for dinner.
The train also earns its keep during the stay: the Carry-le-Rouet market, a day in Marseille, or the ride back from a one-way hike on the customs officers' path.
By car from Marseille
Allow 25 to 30 minutes from central Marseille:
- A55 towards Martigues
- Exit towards Le Rove on the D568
- In Le Rove, follow Niolon via the D5 then the D48
- The road drops towards the calanque; the car park comes before the village
One tip on the way: the Le Rove supermarket is the last serious supply point before the descent. Do the big shopping there; the village grocery fills the gaps.
Where to park in Niolon?
The real question in summer. The rule is simple: do not drive down into the calanque. The lanes are narrow, the harbour has no spaces, and a three-point turn on an August Saturday is a bad memory for everyone involved.
- Park at the car park at the entrance to the village, then finish on foot.
- In high season, arrive before 10 am: the car park fills quickly.
- Precise parking instructions are sent with the arrival guide, 48 hours before the stay.
And from the airport or the TGV station?
Marseille-Provence airport sits on the same side of the city as the Côte Bleue: with a rental car, you reach Niolon via the D568 without crossing Marseille. Without a car, go via Marseille Saint-Charles (shuttle or regional train from Vitrolles), then take the Côte Bleue train.
From the Saint-Charles TGV station it is even simpler: the Côte Bleue train leaves from the same platforms, direction Miramas via Niolon.
Once you are there
You will hardly need the car. Swimming is a 5-minute walk, the trails start from the village, the train does the rest. That is the point of the place: you arrive, you put down the keys, you slow down.
To plan the rest of the stay, the complete Niolon guide and our local guide take over.