Traveling to Port in Marseille

[GrammieCruising]

We’re considering a cruise from Marseille. Hoping folks that have experiences of different ways of getting there from the US willing to share their experience (like flight to Paris then the train; Nice and a car rental; direct into Marseille; or other mode or advice). We would arrive in France at least 2 days in advance. 
     Also best things to do in Marseille for 1st timers.

    Thanks in advance (TIA)

[edinburgher]

All of the above are options, although you could forego the rental from Nice and take a train instead.  The Nice/Marseille  route has frequent and fast train connections and it would save a lot of hassle with a rental. (remember you will be jetlagged and automatics are not as easily available) You would also have some difficulty finding parking in Marseille. The train stations are central to both cities, unlike the airports so flying could be longer door to door.

 

i would go with whichever flights work best for you in terms of cost, flying time, whether direct or indirect and take it from there.

 

Much online about sightseeing options in Marseille. Check past posts and sites such as Tripadvisor the Marseille Tourist Info website, Marvellous Provence and others. (Marseille isn't actually in Provence (Bouche du Rhone) but is on that website.

Edited November 7, 2022 by edinburgher

[edinburgher]

Most direct would be to fly into Marseille itself, but as above, direct v indirect routing, cost and other factors would need to be taken into account.  Train from Paris should be easy too, as would train from Nice.Marseille is a nightmare for parking.

 

Trains would put you in Marseille city centre at the main train station, but if flying into Marseille airport, there is a frequent shuttle bus service which runs between the airport and the main train station Gare St Charles.

Edited November 7, 2022 by edinburgher

[Hlitner]

I agree with Edinbergher that if one wants to visit Paris (DW's favorite city) than it makes sense to simply take the train to Marseille.  But as very independent travelers we could also suggest many other pre-cruise options.  If one has the time (and the money) than getting from Paris to Marseille can be a very fun adventure.  There are many fantastic driving routes (such as visiting the wonderful Loire area and spending some nights in Chateau/hotels).  In France it is possible to get one-way rental cars and turn the journey to Marseille into lots of fun.

 

Another possibility is to fly directly into Nice (Nice/Cote d'Azur Airport).  There are some direct flights from the NYC area (this varies depending on the time of the year).  That airport puts you into the gateway area to all of Provence and also allows for lots of pre-cruise options.  We love Provence (a very popular part of France) and there are many wonderful places in the region.  To fully appreciate Provence one does need a car.

 

As to rental cars, we have done a lot of driving in France and its a great option as long as you do not drive in Paris!  We have often rented cars in Paris (to leave for other parts of France and Europe) and I cannot get out of town fast enough :).  But outside of that major city (with awful traffic) driving in France is relatively easy although one does need to stay within the speed limits (speed cameras are on many roads) and do some reading about the parking rules.

 

Hank

[Hlitner]

Speaking of rental cars, if renting a car for 3 or more days we strongly recommend checking out Autoeurope and Kemwel (sister companies located in New England).  They are "consolidators" (discounters) for multiple major rental car companies (i.e. Hertz, Europcar, etc) and usually have decent prices with a zero deductible.   Just keep in mind that many rental cars in Europe come with a manual (stick) shift.  If you need an automatic (they do cost more) you need to make sure to specify that with your reservation.

 

Hank
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