If you had one choice of a tour of either Marseille, Aix en Provence, Avignon?

[kaypeg]

If you had one choice of a tour of either Marseille, Aix en Provence or Avignon? Which would you choose and why? Would love to know.

 

thanks!

[Hlitner]

I would eliminate Marseille from your list and look closely at the tour specifics for both Aix and Avignon. Aix is a bit closer to the port and a beautiful city. Aix is a nice place to be without a tour and we love to have a nice lunch on the Cours Mirabeau...but we do spend quite a lot of time in the region. If this is your first visit, and you only have a port day, we would generally recommend going to Avignon. Its a large city with an amazing walled old town, has lots of shopping, the Palace of the Popes, etc. If they include a visit to St Remy (where we like to rent apartments) or a visit to Les Baux than the Avignon tour would be a real winner.

 

Hank

[Mexfolkart]

We had a fabulous day last year with a stop in Cassis which was SO charming and then on to Aix and lunch and walking there with a stop at the Cezanne house..wonderful day! Avignon is also nice but I prefer Aix.

From past trips..bypass Marseille.

[alexandra cruiser]

Just got back from a rivercruise that stopped in those 3 cities.Prefer Avignon for reasons listed above.Wonderful to walk in,loads of great cafes and shops.Take the small tourist tram located at Palace of Popes to get feel for city after seeing Palace,runs every one half hour for a one hour or more tour.Aix is great also,but would avoid Marseille.Sort of crowded and little down in the heels looking a some areas.Try googling all 3 and see which sounds best to you,everyones different.Have a great time...;)

[kaypeg]

Hi again,

If we are docked in Cassis can you take a taxi to either Aix or Avignon? How far are they by taxi and do you need a tour guide in Avignon to really see it?

 

thanks!

[Hlitner]

Hi again,

If we are docked in Cassis can you take a taxi to either Aix or Avignon? How far are they by taxi and do you need a tour guide in Avignon to really see it?

 

thanks!

 

It is about 30 miles from Cassis to Aix and 75 miles to Avignon. A taxi would cost you hundreds of Euros. As to Avignon, most tourists elect to spend their entire visit in the old town area which is enclosed by the wonderful walls. The only effective way to explore this old town is by walking and you should be prepared for a lot of walking. Whether you want a tour guide is simply personal preference. We would never use a tour guide to walk around a city, but others love to have guides. In Avignon if you have a guide book with a map (you can get free maps in lots of places on the internet and in Avignon) than you should be fine. I should add that trying to get to Avignon from Cassis by train would take about 2 hours each way since you would have to change in Marseille. We spend a lot of time in France and Italy and almost always prefer to rent cars. The European trains are terrific for longer routes between cities, but really limit you when trying to explore a region. This is particularly true in Provence where most of the best places are not even on the train lines.

 

 

Hank

[CJcruzer]

We had a private tour for 8 going to Avignon (Palace of the Popes), St Remy (lunch and visit to sanitorium/hospital where Van Gogh stayed and painted), and then onto Les Beaux (unique perched village)....It was a wonderful day blending a World UNESCO site wih a small french town and then a Provencal village.

[Hlitner]

We had a private tour for 8 going to Avignon (Palace of the Popes), St Remy (lunch and visit to sanitorium/hospital where Van Gogh stayed and painted), and then onto Les Beaux (unique perched village)....It was a wonderful day blending a World UNESCO site wih a small french town and then a Provencal village.

 

That is a darn good itinerary (and we know all those places quite well)! But again, another post about private tours without the cost. Cost/benefit is an important part of most folks decision making. Can you please post what you paid for that tour?

 

Hank

[ericnyc]

We are in Marseilles port for 10 hours what would you recommend if we want to travel on our own.

[Hlitner]

We are in Marseilles port for 10 hours what would you recommend if we want to travel on our own.

 

For first time visitors who do not want to rent a car I would suggest taking the ship's shuttle bus into town (they drop you at the old port area). You could also ask how much the taxis want to take you to the train station (might be reasonable if you have 4) to save a few minutes. Than, you can walk the few blocks to the train station and take a train to Aix en Provence where you can explore that very picturesque Provence town and have a nice lunch at one of the well-placed cafes located along the Cours Mirabeau. Than take an early afternoon train back to Marseille and spend the remainder of your time walking around the old port part of Marseille (where you will also get the shuttle bus back to your ship).

 

Hank

[CintiPam]

For first time visitors who do not want to rent a car I would suggest taking the ship's shuttle bus into town (they drop you at the old port area). You could also ask how much the taxis want to take you to the train station (might be reasonable if you have 4) to save a few minutes. Than, you can walk the few blocks to the train station and take a train to Aix en Provence where you can explore that very picturesque Provence town and have a nice lunch at one of the well-placed cafes located along the Cours Mirabeau. Than take an early afternoon train back to Marseille and spend the remainder of your time walking around the old port part of Marseille (where you will also get the shuttle bus back to your ship).

 

Hank

 

I'll piggyback my question onto ericnyc's question. We also have 10 hours in Marseilles, in May, but plan to rent a car. Trying to decide between most of the day in Arles or in Avignon. We are history/archaelogy/art people, and prefer quality over quantity to our port days. Hank (and others who have visited both), what do you think? And do your have a car rental agency rec? Or would you just take a train because I assume we will use the car only to travel to and from either city.

 

Thanks,

Pam

[Hlitner]

Pam, You ask a very good question about trains vs. cars. Personally, we prefer rental cars because we have done a lot of driving in Europe and love to have the flexibility that one can only have with their own car. That being said, if you are simply going from point A to point B and they are connected by a train than a train is often the best bet. It takes about 1:05 to take a regional (TER) train from Marseille to Avignon and the Avignon regional train station is right across the street from the walled part of the city (where you want to be). You could also take the more expensive TGV train (you need reservations) which does the same journey in 34 minutes, but leaves you at the somewhat isolated TGV station in Avignon. From that station you than need to take a local bus to get to the walled city which really defeats the purpose of taking the faster (and more expensive train). Driving in Avignon can be somewhat tricky (a GPS really helps) and it can be a hassle finding a parking spot just outside the walls (there are quite a few parking lots but they are often full during busy weekdays). Marseille to Arles is about 50 min by train and its also possible to take a train from Arles to Avignon in about 20 min.

 

One advantage of driving to Avignon is that you can also visit Les Baux and perhaps St Remy (there are some interesting ruins just outside of St Remy). There are other places in the region such as Pont du Gard (closer to Arles) which can also be visited with a car. So, if you do want to visit places other than Arles and/or Avignon you definitely need a car. As to rental car companies, all the majors have offices at or near the Marseille St Charles train station so we would just look on-line for the best deal and reserve before the trip (usually no obligation). We tend to stick to the majors like Hertz, Avis and Europcar but sometimes you can find smaller local companies that cost less money. We strongly recommend renting a GPS unit (we finally bought our own) which can be real helpful when in a city such as Avignon.

 

Hank

[CJcruzer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJcruzer

We had a private tour for 8 going to Avignon (Palace of the Popes), St Remy (lunch and visit to sanitorium/hospital where Van Gogh stayed and painted), and then onto Les Beaux (unique perched village)....It was a wonderful day blending a World UNESCO site wih a small french town and then a Provencal village.

 

That is a darn good itinerary (and we know all those places quite well)! But again, another post about private tours without the cost. Cost/benefit is an important part of most folks decision making. Can you please post what you paid for that tour?

 

Hank

 

 

We did this tour Oct 2008 - we paid 75 Euros per person, lunch was not included, nor was the entrance to Avignon - since my husband paid for lunch for the tour operator, she paid our admissions (group of 8) to the sanitorium in St. Remy....

 

the price for the tour was 600 Euros for a full day (probably about 8 to 8-1/2 hours - comfortable air conditioned Mercedes van - and the tour operator had a mini-mike system so everyone heard her clearly.

[Hlitner]

That is a terrific deal. At 75 Euros per person we would join your tour :)

 

Hank

[MJPTravellers]

We are in Marseilles port for 10 hours what would you recommend if we want to travel on our own.

Hi - I have spent a week in Provance this spring, and Marseilles is not a city I would recommend for a day's touring... so many other towns to explore that are far more beautiful... we will be there again on a cruise in October, a day in Marseille as well, definitely going to explore Aix and surrounding areas, using local transportation. That said, the Notre Dame de la Garde is beautiful in Marseilles!

[Hlitner]

The last post brings up an issue of some interest to those that want to explore Provence. So-called local transportation is very limited in Provence because the region is very rural. Yes, you can use the train to get to a few of the major cities (Arles, Aix en Provence or Avignon) but this missed a lot of the real charm of the region which can only be discovered in a car or a tour. For example, getting to St Remy de Provence on public trainsit is difficult since there is no train station and bus service is often limited to 2 or 3 buses per day. Its the same for Les Baux, which is a great tourist destination. A little futher North gets you into the Rhone wine area (like in Chateau Neuf de Pape) which has no public transit. Visiting the larger cities is a great way for a first-time visitor to discover those large cities, but the real Provence is made up of the smaller villages. To put this in even better perspective, we recently spent two weeks at an apartment in St Remy de Provence which is about 20 min outside of Avignon. Yet, in those two weeks we never even bothered to go to Avignon other than to pick-up some friends at the TGV station. Our focus was the smaller villages located throughout the region and quite a few of the wineries. As another example, many have read Peter Mayle's book (A Year in Provence) and want to see that area (the Luberon). There is no public transit that can take you through the Luberon so again, you need to rent a car of join a tour that includes that region.

 

Hank

[CJcruzer]

Hank- you are so right - I would love to go back and go to Luberon and all the small Provencal villages ---

 

Sometimes you have to list and balance all the sightseeing and relegate them to groups: Cathedrals, walking tours, small villages, museums, etc... We were going to St. paul de Vence, and Eze and after to Cinque Terre villages - so we opted for a little "larger" venue - meaning Avignon and St. Remy - Les Beaux was fabulous, what a ride up to the village.....

 

I would have loved to wander around Aix, but the day before we had been in Sete, and along with walking the waterfront and eating mussels:p, we had gone on a walking tour of Montpellier....Whereas Aix is the capital of Provence, Montpellier is the capital of Languedoc region -- and both are "university" towns filled with beautiful architecture.

 

Therefore we "mixed up" the venues and decided on Avignon, St. Remy, and Les Beaux - we were not disappointed.

 

I think the poster should look at what else they have planned and try to not get too many similar type of venues linked together one after another ----

Too many museums, too many cathedrals, etc - and one becomes a little bored from repetition....

[Hlitner]

CJCruiser, You have given some excellent advice. We are often amazed at how many cruisers, who are in the Med for the very first time, fill most of their port days with museums. Often, these folks never go to a museum at home, but they feel it is the way to see Europe. We love some museums, but spending most of your day inside a building looking at art is not the way to see Europe. As you have said, the trick is to find the right balance.

 

Hank

[CintiPam]

Pam, You ask a very good question about trains vs. cars. Personally, we prefer rental cars because we have done a lot of driving in Europe and love to have the flexibility that one can only have with their own car. That being said, if you are simply going from point A to point B and they are connected by a train than a train is often the best bet. It takes about 1:05 to take a regional (TER) train from Marseille to Avignon and the Avignon regional train station is right across the street from the walled part of the city (where you want to be). You could also take the more expensive TGV train (you need reservations) which does the same journey in 34 minutes, but leaves you at the somewhat isolated TGV station in Avignon. From that station you than need to take a local bus to get to the walled city which really defeats the purpose of taking the faster (and more expensive train). Driving in Avignon can be somewhat tricky (a GPS really helps) and it can be a hassle finding a parking spot just outside the walls (there are quite a few parking lots but they are often full during busy weekdays). Marseille to Arles is about 50 min by train and its also possible to take a train from Arles to Avignon in about 20 min.

 

One advantage of driving to Avignon is that you can also visit Les Baux and perhaps St Remy (there are some interesting ruins just outside of St Remy). There are other places in the region such as Pont du Gard (closer to Arles) which can also be visited with a car. So, if you do want to visit places other than Arles and/or Avignon you definitely need a car. As to rental car companies, all the majors have offices at or near the Marseille St Charles train station so we would just look on-line for the best deal and reserve before the trip (usually no obligation). We tend to stick to the majors like Hertz, Avis and Europcar but sometimes you can find smaller local companies that cost less money. We strongly recommend renting a GPS unit (we finally bought our own) which can be real helpful when in a city such as Avignon.

 

Hank

 

Hank, thanks for your prompt and, as always, helpful response. (I have been away from cruisecritic on a Chicago trip with fellow art museum docents feasting on art, architecture and Frank LLoyd Wright.)

[AliceS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJcruzer

We had a private tour for 8 going to Avignon (Palace of the Popes), St Remy (lunch and visit to sanitorium/hospital where Van Gogh stayed and painted), and then onto Les Beaux (unique perched village)....It was a wonderful day blending a World UNESCO site wih a small french town and then a Provencal village.

 

 

 

We did this tour Oct 2008 - we paid 75 Euros per person, lunch was not included, nor was the entrance to Avignon - since my husband paid for lunch for the tour operator, she paid our admissions (group of 8) to the sanitorium in St. Remy....

 

the price for the tour was 600 Euros for a full day (probably about 8 to 8-1/2 hours - comfortable air conditioned Mercedes van - and the tour operator had a mini-mike system so everyone heard her clearly.

 

Would you please give the name and contact information for the tour? Thanks. Alice

[NANCYR2]

Hello Alice,

 

How are you?

 

I just noticed your post and question about a tour in the area. We are going on the Equinox on Nov 5th, and that is our first stop is Marseilles. We booked Michel Legrand of Revelation Tours. Previoulsy, we have used him in Nice and Provence. Both tours were the best. Both days were wonderful. The one this year is for 8 hours for 8 people for 700e.

 

Nancy

[ERR]

Hello Alice,

 

How are you?

 

I just noticed your post and question about a tour in the area. We are going on the Equinox on Nov 5th, and that is our first stop is Marseilles. We booked Michel Legrand of Revelation Tours. Previoulsy, we have used him in Nice and Provence. Both tours were the best. Both days were wonderful. The one this year is for 8 hours for 8 people for 700e.

 

Nancy

 

We just booked the Equinox, 11/5 also. Is there any room in your Marseilles tour?

 

Elaine Rubin

[Desert Cruizers]

I also have a question and might be directed to another area which is fine. I am looking at a 2 - 3 differant TA Itneraries we hope to do for Fall 2011. I only have the 2010 schedules presently to compare. Itnerary # 1

Navigator of the Seas out of Rome late Oct 2010: Rome, Marseilles, Barcelona, Cartegna, Tenerife 7 Sea Days, FT lauderdale.

Itnerary # 2

Voyager of the Seas out of Barcelona late Nov 2010:

Barcelona, Cartegna, Sea Day, Funchal, Portugal, Santa Cruz, Canary Islands, 6 Sea Days, Nassau, 2 Sea Days, Galveston.

Itnerary # 3 Independance out of Southampton late Nov 2010 Schedule:

Southampton, Lahavre, France, Cherbourg, Sea Day, Virgo Sprina, Sea Day, Funchal Portugal, 6 Sea Days, Ft lauderdale.

Opinions on better itnerary for 1st time travels to Europe. Advantage to us for the Voyage, closer to home ( Calif), but was considering the Navigator or Independance. Thank You

[ORV]

We recently did a tour of the provence country side with Alain of

 

http://www.ventoux-decouvertes.com/Aix-en-Provence-Tour.html

 

While I was underwhelmed with Aix we were amazed at the villages of Lourmarin, Gordes, Rossillon & Bonnieux. This was one of our favorite days on our cruise and an area that we would consider returning to for a land based vacation.

 

I would highly recommend Alain as a knowledgeable and professional driver. His van seats 8 and the price was 468 Euro for a full day. We also stopped at a winery for a tasting. You can tailor your tour however it suits you. Alain did recommend that if we come back that we really should visit Avignon.

 

This area is a don't miss while you are there.

[Maineac]

I too would like the tour name and contact info. ;)

 

 

 

Would you please give the name and contact information for the tour? Thanks. Alice