Aix-En-Provence

[Grannycb]

I tried to do a search but got an error message. Hmmm. Is the search not working this morning?

 

Princess has a shore excursion Aix-En-Provence and Marseille on Your Own. Our ship is in port on a Thursday, which also is a market day in Aix. Has anyone done this tour or been in Aix for a market day? It looks like it could be very interesting. Any must see points in Aix?

[texancruzer]

We did a 1/2 day "on your own" in Aix-en-Provence with the ship tours (Royal Caribbean). This was the day before we were to disembark in Barcelona and had packing to do - so opted for the 1/2 day tour (they had a whole day one too).

 

We enjoyed our day in Aix (not a Thursday). It was Dec. 1st (Friday) and the main boulevard had a large holiday market all along it. Very festive.....fun shopping. Lots of unique items - lavender, cloissinne (enamel items) and lots more. Market days always make a place better !

 

The tour included a short guided part that we broke away from very very early :rolleyes: and we just wandered the old streets. Found a wonderful antique book store, a gourmet shop and a small church that was open and empty - or so we thought until the organ player began practicing for services the next day :D Lots of great memories of Aix.

[Hlitner]

You might want to keep in mind that there are lots of trains (usually more then once an hour) running between Marseille and Aix. It is relatively simply to take the shuttle (or a taxi) from port into Marseille, walk to the St Charles train station and grab the next train (these are like commuter trains with no reservations) up to Aix (the train takes about 45 min each way). The cost of using the train will less than $20 round trip

 

Hank

[CintiPam]

You might want to keep in mind that there are lots of trains (usually more then once an hour) running between Marseille and Aix. It is relatively simply to take the shuttle (or a taxi) from port into Marseille, walk to the St Charles train station and grab the next train (these are like commuter trains with no reservations) up to Aix (the train takes about 45 min each way). The cost of using the train will less than $20 round trip

 

Hank

 

We plan to take the train to Arles in early May from Marseille, but must catch the 9:14 AM train or there is not another until 11. If our ship docks at 8, is there time to get to the train station to catch this train? How far/long is the ride? Are taxis readily available at the port?

 

Thanks,

Pam

[Hlitner]

Pam, There are usually a few taxis at the port and they can take you directly to the Marseille St Charles Station (less then 10 min ride). If you can get off the ship pretty early and get a ship shuttle bus without waiting, then you can walk from the shuttle bus stop (usually at the old port) to the train station in about 15 min. One problem we have with the shuttles is that most of the cruise lines charge for this service and some are even charging more then $5. If you have 4, a taxi is probably cheaper (and faster).

 

Hank

[moyaroo]

You can walk to the center of AIX in 5-10 minutes from the train station. the market is fun but is mostly IIRC food and clothing not a lot of art, but great display of linens which are a prime souvenier of Provence. The old church is Saint Saveur and has an ancient baptismal in one ofthe towers. Nearby is Cezanne's Atelier. Be sure to have lunch on the Cours Mirabeau, the original home of the sidewalk cafe.

[CintiPam]

Pam, There are usually a few taxis at the port and they can take you directly to the Marseille St Charles Station (less then 10 min ride). If you can get off the ship pretty early and get a ship shuttle bus without waiting, then you can walk from the shuttle bus stop (usually at the old port) to the train station in about 15 min. One problem we have with the shuttles is that most of the cruise lines charge for this service and some are even charging more then $5. If you have 4, a taxi is probably cheaper (and faster).

 

Hank

 

Thanks, Hank. Nice to know that we definitely will have time to catch this train. Now I just need to figure how to get back from Eze to Monaco on Sunday, May 9. The ship docks in Nice in the AM, but leaves late that evening from Monaco, and I understand that the few Eze to Monaco buses do not run on Sundays (although that seems very odd to me). Where can we go instead to catch a bus or train back from Eze to Monaco?

[Grannycb]

Thanks for the info, especially the lunch recommendation.

 

Now for part two of my question:

 

We will be going with Princess tours for our own level of comfort at this port. There are two tours that go to Aix. One goes to Loumarin with free time, the other goes to to Notre-Dame de Gerde and Le Vieux Port for free time. Is one a stand out over the other?

[moyaroo]

Loumarin will put you on the bus for longer. Notre Dame De la Garde has fantastic views of the city and the old port is prety cool inthe morning when the fish market is going.

[Cruise Junky]

Thanks for the info, especially the lunch recommendation.

 

Now for part two of my question:

 

We will be going with Princess tours for our own level of comfort at this port. There are two tours that go to Aix. One goes to Loumarin with free time, the other goes to to Notre-Dame de Gerde and Le Vieux Port for free time. Is one a stand out over the other?

 

Oh No, ships tours are starting to go to Lourmarin? Hoping to keep that little piece of heaven to ourselves.

[Hlitner]

Oh No, ships tours are starting to go to Lourmarin? Hoping to keep that little piece of heaven to ourselves.

 

Amen! Last year we spent a few weeks in St Remy (rented a flat) and were dismayed to see a few large buses, with their cattle, being herded around "our" wonderful village. Noting is sacred!

 

Hank

[Grannycb]

Moo!

[Hlitner]

moo!

 

rofl :)