Toulon to Aix-en-Provence-How to DIY?

[kadey]

We will be docking in Toulon and would like to spend most of the day in Aix en Provence. Is it a simple cab ride there? Is Toulon a nice place to spend the day? Thanks- Kade

[Hlitner]

My Letterman kind of answer would be that you should find a cruise that stops at Marseille rather then Toulon. But from Toulon to Aix is about 55 miles so if you decide to take a taxi you will need to get another mortgage on your home to pay the fare. You could do it by train from Toulon, but this means taking the train to Marseille (this takes about 45 min) and then taking another train to Aix (another 40 min). Probably the most economical way would be to simply rent a car for the day which usually costs about 100 Euros (maybe less) and just drive yourself. It takes about 1 hour each way and, if you can share with another couple, your cost per person will be no more then 25 Euros.

 

We have long speculated why some cruise lines have decided to call at Toulon instead of nearby Marseille. It finally occurred to us that perhaps the cruise lines find they can sell a lot more of their overpriced excursions in Toulon...and this generates profits. When in Marseille, it is relatively easy to use public transportation (train or bus) but Toulon is simply more remote from most places visited by tourists.

 

Hank

[kadey]

Fortunately, I like Letterman's humor and I had an extra laugh at your comment since I already found a new ship/itinerary this week! I was scheduled to be on the first Carnival Sunshine cruise out of Venice. I had planned the trip for about 6 months and now have 3 weeks to redo ports or plan new ones.

 

Thank you for your answer.I didn't realize it was so far way. I may have DH and I take the ship excursion there and leave the group to do the day on our own, then meet the bus for the ride back to the port!-Kade

[mskaufman]

We took the ship excursion there last year for around $50. There was plenty of free time.

[kadey]

Is it worth doing this excursion/town or is Toulon typical provincial french town with enough to do for a day?

[mskaufman]

Probably depends on how much shopping you like to do. There was certainly enough to do for 4 - 5 hours.

[kadey]

We like to shop (and eat!)!!

[mskaufman]

We just had a snack there. Eating in a nice place can add at least another hour. There were both open air markets and a lot of shops (selling a lot of lavendar). We were there on a Sunday so some shops were closed. We did go to three markets and there were artists displaying their works on the main street.

[mskaufman]

If it helps, here is a link to my pictures.

 

http://markandkareneurope2012.shutterfly.com/pictures/497

[nomad098]

Is it worth doing this excursion/town or is Toulon typical provincial french town with enough to do for a day?

Hi

Toulon is not your typical provincial french town it is alot larger as it is the main naval port for the french fleet in the med

It would be worth finding out if you are docking in Toulon or LA SEYNE-SUR-MER as this is across the bay from Toulon which involves catching a bus or small ferry to Toulon

 

heres two informative links

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1229876&highlight=la+seyne-sur-mer

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1226994&highlight=la+seyne-sur-mer

 

hope these help

 

Damon

[kadey]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond!

 

 

Mskaufman,your pictures are beautiful! I'm thinking we may take the ships excursion there and wander on our own and meet them at the end! If I do that I think it will give me an hour or so to see Toulon at the end. Thank you again!

[mskaufman]

Based on what I read on these boards we never even went into Toulon. You would probably have time to take the little train that wanders around town.

[kadey]

Thank you Mskaufman!