Marseilles - how to get around, what to do, etc.?

[africanviolet]

I will be on the Voyager. Are you able to walk into town from where the ship docks? Is it easy to get public transportation, etc.? Thanks.

[TLCOhio]

I will be on the Voyager. Are you able to walk into town from where the ship docks? Is it easy to get public transportation, etc.? Thanks.

 

Marseilles is fairly large, commercial port that has lots of that "blue collar" feel in this town. There are things there and you can get to the main town from the main docking points, but is there any way you work out getting to the nearby and much more charming Provence area? Have you been in this area of France before? Below are just a small sampling of what's in Aix and other parts of Provence to sample and enjoy.

 

Maybe a ship tour or rental car would give you a wider range of options than just walking around in Marseilles.

 

Provence enjoys a southern sun that shines 320 days yearly, giving the region blue skies and mild temperatures year round. It is most picturesque in the spring with its flowering trees and shrubs. Summer offers local markets full of fresh harvests. Mid July is when the lavender field are in full bloom, filling the country air with a soothing fragrance. Getting lost can be fun in Provence. You can stumble across a charming village, history abbey or great tree-lined roadway.

 

AIX-EN-PROVENCE (population of 125,000) with Cezanne's studio on the road to Entremont; university town founded 122 B.C. as first Roman settlement in Gaul, near thermal springs. An elegant and beautiful town, the visitor will enjoy discovering its ‘thousand fountains’ as he or she roams through its labyrinth of narrow streets.

 

Car travel to such nearby areas as ARLES, highest priority area city with Roman ruins, including 20,000 seat arena where bull fights are held in the summer; founded 49 B.C. by Julius Caesar, population of 52,000, Van Gogh's former home. Tarascon has its 15th century castle. LES BAUX is a very neat medieval village with great views that has no major population now, but tourist flock to soak up its history and great views. You should dine right near there at L'Oustau de Beaumaniere for ONE OF THE BEST MEALS YOU CAN HAVE IN FRANCE (lunch is more affordable).

 

PONT DU GARD (Roman aqueduct/bridge) to the west of Avignon is a must see with its well-preserved history and beautiful setting.

 

ST. REMY has its Roman ruins, a population of 9000 and is the setting of world-famous literature. Saint-Remy is one of the most representative of Provençal towns and allows the visitor to appreciate the true charm of this oft-celebrated region of the country. It comes as no surprise that Saint Remy, like Cannes or Saint Tropez, is a destination for many well-known personalities. This Gallo-Roman village is on the plains 20 km south of Avignon. Residents more recent than the Romans include Dr. Schweitzer, Dr. Nostradamus and Van Gogh. The picturesque, old village is protected by the circular 14th-century wall which is lined by its protective circle of buildings. Its dolphin fountain is located in the shaded square in front of a 16th century old convent. This is a busy, active village, with a good selection of restaurants and hotels for the traveller. Among the shops are a few with some regional pottery, including some beautiful sunflower plates influenced by Van Gogh. The road between St. Remy and the autoroute (at Cavaillon, 17 km to the east) is a scenic drive out of the past: the road is lined by plane trees.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[CintiPam]

My plan in May is to skedaddle out of Marseilles by train or rental car to Arles for the day.

[HeinBloed]

I will be on the Voyager. Are you able to walk into town from where the ship docks? Is it easy to get public transportation, etc.? Thanks.

 

Of course... subject you want to walk about 1 1/2 hour...

 

The MPCC Marseille Provence Cruise Center is far away from the City Center.

 

Public Transport is available at the port gate which is about 1 mile away from the cruise pier.

 

I would use the shuttle for 6 USD which takes you to the old port.

 

Here are some impressions from our Marseille visit:

 

http://heinbloed-cruiseguides.blogspot.com/2009/05/marseille-france-private-tour-marseille.html

 

There is no need to make larger tours outside Marseille if you have never been there.

 

Regards,

HeinBloed