Help with where to go from Marseilles and Villefranche

We are a group of 6 people in our late 20's and will be arriving in Marseilles on September 8th and Villefranche on September 9th on RC's Liberty of the Seas. There are the only 2 ports that I'm reading mixed reviews on which towns to visit and can't seem to figure out where to go.

In Marseilles I've narrowed it down to Luberon, Cotes du Rohn, Aix en Provence and Cassis. Ideally we'd love to see the lavender fields, experience the culture and history and taste the wine, of course!

In Villefranche it was suggested we do a tour and visit Nice (45 min.), Saint Paul de Vence (1 hr. 30 min.), Eze (1 hr.) and Monaco (Old Monaco 1 hr. & Monte-Carlo 45 min.) Is this enough free time and are all of these places worth going to in one day? I've been told Nice is worth skipping, but I'd love to hear from people who have visited recently.

Any insight would be so appreciated. We don't want the days to be rushed either, so I'm trying to figure out how to make each visit meaningful yet still enjoyable.

Thank you!

First, I assume you meant the wine growing region near Lyon where the appellation Cotes du Rhone is located.if so is over a three hour drive from Marseille so you should rule that out unless you are in port overnight. The second, the lavender fields in Provence in general, including Luberon, bloom from about June through October. So based on you list that leaves you Aix in Provence, Another option from Marseille, a bit further but doable if you rent a car is one of my favorite spots in France, Le Baux. The town form which the word bauxite is derived is a truly spectacular looking white town perched high on a hill.

With respect to Villefranche, you could spend the day there or do one of the options you suggested. If you try to hit all the spots on your list your day will be remembered as one big blur. If you can get there early before the many tourists buses my vote would be St. Paul. We often stay there a few nights pre or post cruises beginning or ending in Monte Carlo.

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Go to library or bookstore, get travel book on South of France. Each of these are 1/2 day trips at minimum. And a ways apart.Do a Google map search for distances. All served by excellent bus/trains.Take train or bus to Aix out of Marseilles. Nice has nice market near old port.Monaco too far away, have to dress up to get in Casino.

It also depends on how long you have at each port. If it is a long day, from Marseille you can go to Aix in the morning and then to Cassis for lunch and a swim. It would be best to rent a car. As for the local wines, Cassis has excellent whites and the whole area (Cotes de Provence) has really good roses and reds. Especially, the Bandol roses.

As an alternative, go to Les Baux and Arles if you have a long day in port. If not, pick one of them.

Again, for Nice, how long do you have? You can do two out of the four places you mention: either Nice and St Paul or Eze and Monaco. Not all of them. Look at a map. Also, if you stay at Villefranche, you can tour there and St Jean-Cap Ferrat which is right next door. That gives you three options for Villefranche.

But follow zoncom's advice!

Whoops meant lavender blooms June through August--- not October!

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We too were on the Liberty Of The Seas … but in June 2014.

From MARSEILLE, our group of 8 chose to explore the les Alpilles region. From the moment our fabulous private guide picked us up from the ship, she provided a running commentary of the culture, history and beauty of Provence and, specifically, the les Alpilles region. We wended our way up from the Rhone valley toward the limestone peaks to the picturesque mountain-top village of Les Baux de Provence for a wonderful visit and a sumptuous patio lunch. Then, on our way to visit Saint-Remy-de-Provence, we first stopped at a winery to taste a variety of local wine, and then at an olive vineyard for an informative and enticing olive-oil tasting. In Saint-Remy, she guided us through the hospital at which Van Gogh had spent a year. We had a truly outstanding and memorable day.

In VILLEFRANCE, we explored the “Inside of the French Riviera.” From the port, we were expertly and safely driven up and up… on a breathtaking drive along a steep winding road to discover the remote and less-frequented villages of the Cote d’Azur – each of which is set among the rocky cliffs: first, to PEILLE, an attractive village entered through a medieval gateway which led to small squares, vaulted passages, and steep and narrow cobblestoned streets lined with houses and buildings whose architecture dated to the Medieval period; then, to SAINTE-AGNES, the highest-perched village in Europe … at which we were able, from the vista provided on the patio of the restaurant at which we enjoyed a delicious lunch, to revel in the amazing panoramic views of the Mediterranean Coast and the steeply-rising mountains surrounding the village. For dessert, we were taken to yet another terraced restaurant at which we devoured scrumptious freshly-baked peach, lemon, and berry tarts. Needless to say, this excursion was the highlight of our entire trip.

Hope this information helps in your decision-making. Have a wonderful trip ... we did!!

When we were on LOS we also had a stop at Villefranche. We spent the morning walking around town

https://markandkareneurope2012.shutterfly.com/pictures/564

Then, went back to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon we had a tour that went to Nice and Eze. Had a great day.

https://markandkareneurope2012.shutterfly.com/pictures/626

https://markandkareneurope2012.shutterfly.com/pictures/668

From Villefranche, Nice, St Paul and Eze are doable with a driver/guide. We did it a year ago with Kultours. She did not recommend trying to fit in Monte Carlo which I agree. Ingrid did an excellent tour. We enjoyed St Paul and Eze the most. Nice was OK but not our favorite. With 6 people the cost per person of a tour is reasonable and lets you relax and enjoy the day.

In May we DIY and took the train to Monte Carlo for the morning, then to Nice for a few hours and back to Villefranche. Not as relaxing a day as a guided tour but an economical way to see the sights.

Villefranche itself is nice to walk around if you just want a relaxing day.

We too were on the Liberty Of The Seas … but in June 2014.

 

From MARSEILLE, our group of 8 chose to explore the les Alpilles region. From the moment our fabulous private guide picked us up from the ship, she provided a running commentary of the culture, history and beauty of Provence and, specifically, the les Alpilles region. We wended our way up from the Rhone valley toward the limestone peaks to the picturesque mountain-top village of Les Baux de Provence for a wonderful visit and a sumptuous patio lunch. Then, on our way to visit Saint-Remy-de-Provence, we first stopped at a winery to taste a variety of local wine, and then at an olive vineyard for an informative and enticing olive-oil tasting. In Saint-Remy, she guided us through the hospital at which Van Gogh had spent a year. We had a truly outstanding and memorable day.

 

In VILLEFRANCE, we explored the “Inside of the French Riviera.” From the port, we were expertly and safely driven up and up… on a breathtaking drive along a steep winding road to discover the remote and less-frequented villages of the Cote d’Azur – each of which is set among the rocky cliffs: first, to PEILLE, an attractive village entered through a medieval gateway which led to small squares, vaulted passages, and steep and narrow cobblestoned streets lined with houses and buildings whose architecture dated to the Medieval period; then, to SAINTE-AGNES, the highest-perched village in Europe … at which we were able, from the vista provided on the patio of the restaurant at which we enjoyed a delicious lunch, to revel in the amazing panoramic views of the Mediterranean Coast and the steeply-rising mountains surrounding the village. For dessert, we were taken to yet another terraced restaurant at which we devoured scrumptious freshly-baked peach, lemon, and berry tarts. Needless to say, this excursion was the highlight of our entire trip.

 

Hope this information helps in your decision-making. Have a wonderful trip ... we did!!

It seems to be difficult to have company answer me in Marseille! Can you give me the name of the company you used?

Thanks so much

When we were in Villefranche, we didn't go anywhere. We were happy to stay put. We had an hour or so on the beach, followed by a very leisurely lunch, then a wander around the shops.

Dear CATSFORKIDS,

As you requested, following is the information relating to our Marseille and Villefranche guides:

Port: MARSEILLE - CATHERINE D’ANTUONO, a Certified Lecturer Guide and the owner of TOUR DESIGNER IN PROVENCE PRIVATE TOURS.

Her email address is: tour.designer@provence-travel.com

Port: VILLEFRANCHE - SLVIE DI CRISTO, a Licensed French Tour Guide.

Her email address is: dicristosylvie@gmail.com

Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions.

Dear CATSFORKIDS,

 

As you requested, following is the information relating to our Marseille and Villefranche guides:

 

Port: MARSEILLE - CATHERINE D’ANTUONO, a Certified Lecturer Guide and the owner of TOUR DESIGNER IN PROVENCE PRIVATE TOURS.

Her email address is: tour.designer@provence-travel.com

 

Port: VILLEFRANCHE - SLVIE DI CRISTO, a Licensed French Tour Guide.

Her email address is: dicristosylvie@gmail.com

 

Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions.

Thank you so much!

This summer we took a boat ride to the Calanques from Marseille. It was great. You have a several options/hours to choose from. If you’re at the far end/mouth of the harbor of the Old Port (Vieux), their booth was on the upper left corner. We were there on a Saturday, so I didn’t see other options for a Calanques tour, but I’ve heard there are more. You can also do a boat excursion to Chateau d’If and to the Frioul Islands. These boats are on both the upper right and left corner of the harbor and have regular departures (several companies offer these trips). See http://www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/what-to-do/visit-marseille/boat-excursions/ and http://www.croisieres-marseille-calanques.com/ for more. Advance reservations are not necessary (but I do recommend getting there early for a shaded seat).

As you’re exiting the harbor on these vessels, look back at Marseille for an amazing view! (Note: the view coming out of the harbor is even better than the view from the ship).

Though I didn’t go, the Palais Longchamp is a beautiful setting for a stroll. Of course, there’s the Cathedral not far from the Old Port and the Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde that sits above the city.

--

From Villefranche, consider Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The house is beautiful (free audio guide included), but the best part is the 9 beautiful gardens, planted to bloom in every season. The views from this peninsula of Cap Ferrat are spectacular! Villefranche harbor on one side, Beaulieu on the other. If you enjoy visiting gardens set in stunning scenery, you will enjoy your time here.

For those who don't want to walk from Villefranche (although many do enjoy it), Bus 81 connects Cap Ferrat to Villefranche, Nice and Beaulieu. Get off at the Passable stop and walk up the hill/entrance to Villa Ephrussi (clearly marked). It’s only about 15 minutes from the Octroi bus stop in Villefranche.

Visit http://www.villa-ephrussi.com for more info.

You can also purchase a combo ticket for nearby Villa Kerylos, a replica of an ancient Greek villa in Beaulieu. http://www.villa-kerylos.com (Kerylos bus stop on the #81)

Visit http://www.saintjeancapferrat-tourisme.fr/index.php?lang=en for more info on this area and a guide to walking trails and other sites of interest.

Enjoy France!

When we were in Villefranche, we didn't go anywhere. We were happy to stay put. We had an hour or so on the beach, followed by a very leisurely lunch, then a wander around the shops.

Is there a beach and town right near the port?

Thanks

How did you get there? do you speak french:o

Thanks

Kerri

Is there a beach and town right near the port?

Thanks

How did you get there? do you speak french:o

Thanks

Kerri

The itinerary you have posted in your signature does not show Villefrance as a port on your cruise. Villefrance is a long way from Marseille.

The itinerary you have posted in your signature does not show Villefrance as a port on your cruise. Villefrance is a long way from Marseille.

:o Yes it is lol

I was reading responses that were going between villefrance and marseille

got mixed up.

Thanks;)

Kerri

:o Yes it is lol

I was reading responses that were going between villefrance and marseille

got mixed up.

Thanks;)

Kerri

Cassis might fit for a beach excursion from Marseille. But you would have to do some research of your options on how to get there from Marseille.

We just got back from a port stop in Marseille. We did a private tour with 6 people from 9am-4pm with provence-reservations.com. We toured the Luberon area visiting L'Isle Sur La Sorgue, Bonnieux (market day), Rousillion, and Gordes. We also drove by Menerbes and Lacoste.

We were on the Liberty of the Seas in July and here are what we did in Marseille and Villefranche:

Marseille: we booked a private tour (5 hrs) with Provence Connection.

We went to Cassis, had lunch there and then visit Marseilles. We had a wonderful time.

With a private car, you can see a lot of sight in a short time. There is a beach in Cassis and lots of restaurants along the port.

Villefranche: we took the train to Nice. It was a very quick and easy trip (2 stops).

In Nice, we walk down to the "Promenade des Anglais". Then have a very good lunch in the "Saleya Market".

Then we walk back to the train station and shop along the Jean-Medecin avenue.

Hope this helps.