HAL Tour -a Day in Provence from Marseille

[cd]

Looking for feed back - positive or negative from anyone who has taken the above tour visiting Rousslion and Gordes.

 

We were looking forward to visiting Sete but port of call changed to Marseille . Last time we were there we visited Aix in the morning and took the petite train in the pm.

 

The other option is to stay in Marseille- take the metro to Palais de Longchamp - a walk and lunch on Cours Julian

 

 

Thanks

[AngloinProvence]

The Palais Longchamp is a striking construction. Also in its grounds: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Natural History and the Planetarium. Across the street, the Grobet Labadie Museum offers an insight into how a wealthy 19th century family would have lived. http://www.marseille-provence.info/marseille-marseilles/what-to-see-tourist-attractions/31-marseille-the-main-tourist-attractions.html

 

I wouldn't in all honesty say that it was a must-see destination, though it's a very pleasant spot to stroll on a hot summer's afternoon.The Cours Julien is Marseille's hip quarter - full of great bars, shops and colourful street art. http://www.marseille-provence.info/family-friendly-children-kids/marseille-area/187-cours-julien-for-kids.html

[cd]

Thank you for your response . What places would you suggest for visit in Marseille ?

[Hlitner]

CD, You might want to think of Marseille as a gateway city to Provence. That being said, there are many options depending on your preference and spirit of adventure. As an example of a few cities within range there are Avignon, Arles, Les Baux, Aix en Provence, St Remy, etc not to mention some fascinating sites such as Pont du Gard. You simply need to decide do you want to take a cruise line excursion, book a private tour, or go on your own. If you want to go on your own you can either use the trains or rent a car (this gives you the most flexibility.

 

Hank

[AngloinProvence]

The key locations in Marseille are the Chateau d'If (of Count of Monte Cristo fame), Notre Dame de la Garde, the Old Port and the Old Town (also called the Panier) and the calanques (the dramatic rocky inlets).

 

The Chateau is a former prison-fortress on an island - it's Marseille's answer to Alcatraz. A great excursion, but you do need a couple of hours. Notre Dame is the emblem of Marseille - it's dramatically located on a hill overlooking the city with fabulous views across the bay. The church itself is beautiful and rather moving - it's crammed with curious votive offerings.

 

You can visit both Notre Dame and the Old Town on a "little train" - a tourist choo-choo that leaves from the Old Port (the two attractions are on opposite sides of the port and on separate itineraries). The tourist train is a good way to travel through the narrow streets and steep hills of the city.

 

Then go down to the Old Port for a bouillabaisse (typical fish stew). You probably won't have time for the calanques, which require at least a half-day boat trip

 

Marseille isn't seen as a classic tourist destination of Provence, but you can have a great day out there. More info on all this and other things to see in Marseille: http://www.marseille-provence.info/marseille-marseilles.html Enjoy!

[cd]

Thanks for the suggestions / ideas