Gréoux-les-Bains is a village in Haute-Provence, set at 365 metres altitude between the Verdon Gorges and the Valensole plateau. Its position slightly off the main transport routes is good news: it's what makes it so peaceful. But it does call for a little planning, especially if you're coming from far away or without a car.
This guide brings together everything you need to know: driving routes from the main cities, train options (TGV or regional TER), bus connections and transfers from the airport — each with the tips you only learn after making the trip a few times.
By car: routes from 6 major cities
By far the simplest way to reach Gréoux is by car. The general rule is straightforward: the A51 motorway (the “Val de Durance”) serves the village directly, with two possible exits depending on which way you're coming from.
The two-exit rule
Whatever your starting point, you'll end up on the A51. Depending on your direction, you'll take one of these two exits:
- Exit 17 — Saint-Paul-lès-Durance / Vinon-sur-Verdon / Gréoux-les-Bains. This is the usual exit when coming from the south (Marseille, Aix, the Riviera). Once off the motorway, allow 15 minutes on the D952 to reach Gréoux.
- Exit 18 — Manosque / Valensole / Gréoux-les-Bains. This is the exit when coming from the north (Lyon, Grenoble, Sisteron, Digne). Again, allow 15 minutes via Manosque or the direct Manosque–Gréoux road.
Distances and journey times from 6 cities
| Departure city | Distance | Average time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aix-en-Provence | 62 km | 50 min | A51 exit 17 |
| Marseille | 95 km | 1 hr 10 | A7 then A51 exit 17 |
| Avignon | 120 km | 1 hr 25 | A7 south, then A51 exit 17 |
| Nice | 200 km | 2 hr 10 | A8 west, then A51 exit 17 |
| Lyon | 340 km | 3 hr 30 | A7 south, then A51 exit 18 |
| Paris | 790 km | 7 hr 30 | A6, A7, then A51 exit 17 or 18 |
Journey times are indicative, outside rush hours and the summer season. In July and August, always allow an extra 30 to 60 minutes when arriving or leaving on a Saturday.
Pitfalls to avoid on the road
- Summer Saturdays (July–August): the A7 between Lyon and Marseille is one of the most congested motorways in France. If you can, travel on a Friday or Sunday, or very early in the morning (before 7am).
- The Aix-en-Provence ring road: at rush hour (8–9am and 5–7pm), allow an extra 20 to 30 minutes, especially heading into Aix from Marseille.
- Tolls: the A51 stretch from Aix to Manosque is a toll road (about €6). Have coins or a bank card ready at the booth — some machines don't take cheques or cash late at night.
- Fuel: the last service station on the A51 before the Gréoux exit is the Manosque rest area (exit 18). In Gréoux itself, there's a Total station in the village.
Car-sharing
BlaBlaCar and Karos regularly offer rides to Manosque or Gréoux, especially from Marseille, Aix and Lyon. Prices are around €10–15 from Marseille and €25–35 from Lyon. It's an affordable, sociable option, particularly handy if you arrive without a car and plan to rent one locally.
By train: Aix-TGV, Marseille or Manosque
First things first: there is no station in Gréoux-les-Bains itself. Three stations can serve as your arrival point depending on your situation, each with its own advantages.
Option 1: Manosque-Gréoux station (the closest)
The station is officially called “Manosque – Gréoux-les-Bains”, but it's physically in Manosque, not Gréoux. It's served by regional TER trains on the Marseille – Briançon line (and therefore by all trains stopping between Marseille Saint-Charles, Aix, Manosque, Sisteron, Gap...).
To reach Gréoux from this station, two options:
- By bus: the DLVA line (the local agglomeration's transport network) links Manosque's bus stop to Gréoux in 15 to 20 minutes. Note: the last bus leaves around 6:20pm Monday to Friday, and 4:45pm on Saturday. No service on Sundays. Fare around €2.
- By taxi: allow €25–30 for the trip. There are usually taxis outside the station, but in the evening it's best to book ahead (numbers available from Manosque town hall or your host).
Option 2: Aix-en-Provence TGV station
This is the fastest option from Paris (3 hrs on a direct TGV). The station is modern, set in open countryside south-west of Aix.
From there, two ways to reach Gréoux:
- Easiest: rent a car at the station. All the major brands (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) have a desk on site. Allow €50–80 a day depending on the model. An hour's drive and you're in Gréoux.
- By public transport: shuttle Aix-TGV → Aix centre (15 min, every 15 min, €4.20), then the ZOU LER 27 bus → Gréoux. Be warned, though: connections are infrequent and the LER 27 runs only 1 to 3 times a day. Worth planning carefully before you travel.
Option 3: Marseille Saint-Charles station
Marseille Saint-Charles has one big advantage: it's the only place with a direct bus to Gréoux, with no change. The ZOU LER 27 line, run by Sumian coaches, links Marseille's bus station to Gréoux in about 1 hr 30.
How to find the bus from your TGV:
- On arriving at Saint-Charles, as you leave the platform, follow the signs for the “Gare routière” (bus station) (one level up, on foot via the escalators).
- The bus station is right above the railway station. The Gréoux bus usually leaves from bay 8 (check the departure board on arrival).
- Buy your ticket directly from the driver, or online on the ZOU website. Allow €5–10 depending on fares and discounts.
Indicative timetable: 1 to 3 departures a day, generally morning and afternoon. Times vary by season — check zou.maregionsud.fr or contact Sumian coaches directly (+33 4 42 54 72 82) before travelling.
By bus: the direct Marseille – Gréoux line
The ZOU LER 27 line is the regular service between Marseille and Gréoux-les-Bains. It's run by Sumian coaches, a Provençal family firm that has operated this line for decades.
The journey:
- Departure: Marseille Saint-Charles bus station (one level above the railway station)
- Intermediate stops: Aix-en-Provence (bus station), Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, Vinon-sur-Verdon
- Arrival in Gréoux: the “Les Marronniers” stop in the village centre
- Total time: about 1 hr 30
- Fare: between €5 and €10 depending on your category (full fare, youth, senior...)
The line then continues to Riez and Castellane, which means it can also serve for the odd day trip to those villages during your stay.
By plane: from Marseille-Provence or Nice
There is, of course, no airport in Gréoux. The two usable airports are Marseille-Provence airport (by far the most convenient) and Nice-Côte d'Azur.
Marseille-Provence airport (the closest)
Located in Marignane, about 95 km from Gréoux (1 hr 15 by car). It's the simplest option if you're coming from abroad or elsewhere in France. Direct flights from Paris, Lille, Nantes, Bordeaux, Lyon (yes — though rarely worth it from Lyon, as the train is just as quick) and many European cities.
To reach Gréoux from the airport, two options:
Easy option: rent a car at the airport. All the brands are at terminal MP1. An hour and a quarter's drive and you're in Gréoux. This is the recommended option if you plan to explore the region (Verdon, Valensole, Moustiers).
Budget option: the shuttle + train + bus chain. More involved, but far cheaper. Here are the steps:
- “LeCar” shuttle, line A2 (formerly line 40): airport → Aix-TGV. Every 30 minutes, 40-minute journey, about €10.
- Regional TER Aix-TGV → Manosque-Gréoux. Several trains a day, 35-minute journey, about €9.
- DLVA bus Manosque → Gréoux-les-Bains. About 15 minutes, €2.
Total: about 2 hr 30 to 3 hr door to door, and €20 in fares. Choose this if you don't need a car locally and are travelling light.
Nice-Côte d'Azur airport (second option)
Further away (200 km, 2 hr 10 by road) but useful if you fly with an airline that doesn't serve Marseille, or if you want to combine Gréoux with the Riviera. There's no practical public transport from Nice to Gréoux: a car (rented at the airport) is the only sensible option.
Coming and staying without a car — is it possible?
Yes, it's entirely possible — and common among spa-goers. Many people on a cure choose not to drive during their three weeks of treatment, whether because they have no car, for peace of mind, or for health reasons. Here's how it works in practice.
Once in Gréoux, everything is on foot
The village is compact. From most accommodation you'll be less than 10 minutes' walk from:
- The Thermes (500 metres and a 6-minute walk from Le Clos)
- The village centre (shops, restaurants, the Thursday and Sunday market)
- The place de l'Hôtel de Ville and the tourist office
- The thermal park and its shaded walks
No steep slopes, no heavy traffic: it has a peaceful, easy-going village feel.
For day trips, several options
To discover the Verdon, Valensole or Moustiers without a car, here are the options that work:
- Organised coach excursions: several local agencies run day trips to the Verdon Gorges, Lake Sainte-Croix and the Valensole plateau. Allow €30–60 a day. Book at the Gréoux tourist office.
- Day car hire: in Manosque (15 km) or Aix (60 km). Allow €50–80 for a day. Ideal for two or three outings in the week without the cost of a long-term rental.
- A taxi for short trips: a return trip to Lake Esparron or Manosque costs about €30–40.
- Car-sharing between spa-goers: small groups form naturally to share a car. Chats at the Thermes cafeteria or back at the residence are a good way to find fellow day-trippers.
On arrival in Gréoux: parking and getting your bearings
You've made it. A few useful pointers for the first few hours.
Parking in Gréoux
Good news: parking is free in almost all of the village. There are several public car parks near the centre and the Thermes. At Le Clos des Oliviers, each unit has its own dedicated space inside the residence — no need to go looking.
Finding your way around the village
The main landmarks are easy to remember:
- The Thermes are on avenue des Thermes, which runs through the village. Le Clos des Oliviers is on that same avenue, at number 776.
- The historic centre (town hall, Templar castle, church) is about 500 metres from the Thermes, in the opposite direction to the residence.
- The thermal park and promenade adjoin the Thermes.
- Everyday shops (bakery, pharmacy, Casino supermarket, markets) are clustered around the place de l'Hôtel de Ville.
Handy shops
- Casino supermarket: for everyday shopping. A 5-minute walk from Le Clos.
- Several bakeries in the village.
- Pharmacy: avenue des Alpes, open Monday to Saturday.
- Provençal market on Thursday and Sunday mornings in the main square (mid-March to mid-November).
- Tourist office: place de l'Hôtel de Ville, for brochures, up-to-date bus timetables and all the local information.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a station in Gréoux-les-Bains?
No. The nearest station is Manosque-Gréoux-les-Bains, 13 kilometres away, served by regional TER trains. For TGV high-speed trains, get off at Aix-en-Provence TGV or Marseille Saint-Charles.
Which motorway exit is it for Gréoux?
On the A51, take exit 17 (Vinon-sur-Verdon / Gréoux) if coming from the south, or exit 18 (Manosque) if coming from the north. Both are about 15 minutes from the village.
Is there a direct bus from Marseille?
Yes — the ZOU LER 27 line (Sumian coaches) links Marseille Saint-Charles bus station to Gréoux in 1 hr 30. Several departures a day, from bay 8.
Which is the nearest airport?
Marseille-Provence airport, about 1 hr 15 by road. A public-transport chain (shuttle + TER + bus) also exists — allow about 3 hours door to door.
Can you come and stay without a car?
Yes — it's very common among spa-goers. The direct bus from Marseille lets you arrive without changing, and everything in the village is within walking distance. For trips beyond the village, options exist (organised excursions, occasional car hire, taxi, car-sharing between residents).
Do you have to pay for parking?
No — parking is free in most of Gréoux's public car parks. At Le Clos des Oliviers, each unit has its own dedicated space.
Can you be picked up from the station or airport?
Le Clos des Oliviers doesn't run a regular transfer service, but on request we can put you in touch with a reliable local taxi, especially if you arrive late in the day. Do contact us before your arrival.
In short
To reach Gréoux-les-Bains smoothly:
- By car: A51 motorway, exit 17 (south) or exit 18 (north)
- By train + bus from Paris: TGV to Marseille Saint-Charles, then the direct LER 27 bus (1 hr 30)
- By plane: Marseille-Provence airport, then a rental car (1 hr 15) or the shuttle + TER + bus chain (3 hr)
- Without a car locally: perfectly workable for a cure; for day trips, options exist (organised excursions, occasional hire)
- On arrival: free parking, a compact village, everything within walking distance
Le Clos des Oliviers awaits you
500 metres from the Thermes and in the heart of the village, our residence has welcomed visitors to Gréoux for over fifty years. 12 units, private parking, a personal welcome.
If you have any question about your journey or arrival, don't hesitate — we'll be glad to help you plan your trip.
📍 Address: 776 avenue des Thermes, 04800 Gréoux-les-Bains
📞 Phone: +33 4 92 70 62 00
✉️ Email: info@leclosdesoliviers.fr
🗺️ GPS: 43.7574, 5.9073