Aix and Marseille

[cleobella]

Is it possible to see Aix and a bit of Marseille within a 6 or 7 hour window? I want to book an excursion to Aix that leaves the ship at 12:30pm. Ideally, it would be nice to get a look at Marseille too, maybe even just the Old Port area (shopping) in the morning. Is the Old Port area within walking distance of where the ship docks-or would we have to get some transportation there? Any ideas would be appreciated.:)

[Hlitner]

You will need a shuttle bus or taxi to get into Marseille from the port. You might also want to consider that there are excellent train connections between Marseille's St Charles Train Station and Aix and the train is a lot cheaper than most excursions. It makes a lot of sense to take a morning train to Aix, enjoy a nice lunch at one of the picturesque outdoor cafes on the Cours Mirabeau, grab an early afternoon train back to Marseille, and finally walk around Marseille before returning to the ship.

 

Hank

[TLCOhio]

Is it possible to see Aix and a bit of Marseille within a 6 or 7 hour window? I want to book an excursion to Aix that leaves the ship at 12:30pm. Ideally, it would be nice to get a look at Marseille too, maybe even just the Old Port area (shopping) in the morning. Is the Old Port area within walking distance of where the ship docks-or would we have to get some transportation there? Any ideas would be appreciated.:)

 

Per Hank's excellent comments, it is clearly "possible", maybe, to do both, but then there is question for HOW WELL you can see and do thing in both of these fairly large towns with many options. Do you just want to walk around and say you were there? Or, is there something, in depth, you want and need to see and do?

 

There is also the question of what and how do you want to “ENJOY" and "EXPERIENCE" things in this part of France, etc? Rush-rush and gulp it down like soda pop or beer . . . OR . . . sip and savor the moment like fine wine, doing people watching, sensing an enjoyment of life and the humanity, the architecture, history and charm? It's your choice. Tell us more on your exact interests and travel style.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 29,300 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[cleobella]

Thanks Terry and Hank...you guys must be very well traveled and I really appreciate your posts-always insightful! Our trip will be great, thanks to the assistance you have given me with my planning! :):):)

[kaye14]

You will need a shuttle bus or taxi to get into Marseille from the port. You might also want to consider that there are excellent train connections between Marseille's St Charles Train Station and Aix and the train is a lot cheaper than most excursions. It makes a lot of sense to take a morning train to Aix, enjoy a nice lunch at one of the picturesque outdoor cafes on the Cours Mirabeau, grab an early afternoon train back to Marseille, and finally walk around Marseille before returning to the ship.

 

Hank

Do you have any idea where the train station is in relation to the port? How can you fnd out the train schedule?

[Hlitner]

Do you have any idea where the train station is in relation to the port? How can you fnd out the train schedule?

 

The port is located outside the city and you will need to use a shuttle bus or a taxi to get to the train station. The shuttle buses drop passengers at the Veiux Port (Old Port) which is an easy 10 min walk to the train station. As to the train schedule, if you are going to Aix just get yourself to the station and take the next train (they run at least once or twice and hour). The easiest way to get a schedule in the US is to simply go to raileurope.com. You would want to get the schedule from the Marseille St Charles station to Aix en Provence.

 

Hank

[pegsammax]

Or you could take the bus. The Marseille bus station is conveniently located next to the train station. The bus from Marseille to Aix down-town costs 4,10 €, leaves every ten minutes.

[kaye14]

The port is located outside the city and you will need to use a shuttle bus or a taxi to get to the train station. The shuttle buses drop passengers at the Veiux Port (Old Port) which is an easy 10 min walk to the train station. As to the train schedule, if you are going to Aix just get yourself to the station and take the next train (they run at least once or twice and hour). The easiest way to get a schedule in the US is to simply go to raileurope.com. You would want to get the schedule from the Marseille St Charles station to Aix en Provence.

 

Hank

Thanks so much for the information.....we haven't figured out what we are doing as of yet.:)

[AngloinProvence]

You can very easily get to Aix from Marseille by shuttle bus. It runs every ten minutes and takes half an hour. Here's the link to the timetable. http://www.navetteaixmarseille.com/IMG/file/horaires%202010/FH%20anglais.pdf

 

The bus (and train) station is a 15 mins walk from the Old Port. It's all uphill, especially at the end. The Metro runs from the Old Port to the station.

 

Personally I'd stay in Marseille... there's plenty to see there. http://www.marseille-provence.info/marseille-marseilles/what-to-see-tourist-attractions.html