Marseilles village tour options

[jerseyjill]

We are docked in Marseilles for the day on NCL Epic in June. We love the idea of just meandering around the piers watching the boats, having seafood by the water and relaxing without a formal tour. Any suggestions? Can you just get off the ship and walk around on your own? NCL has one that offers Le Castellet tour but after the bus ride, it's a walking tour with a guide. We don't want to have to be led around at a fast pace, better to go at our own pace due to knee issues. Not sure that's what we want. Ideas welcomed!

[JHLH821]

38 minutes ago, jerseyjill said:

We are docked in Marseilles for the day on NCL Epic in June. We love the idea of just meandering around the piers watching the boats, having seafood by the water and relaxing without a formal tour. Any suggestions? Can you just get off the ship and walk around on your own? NCL has one that offers Le Castellet tour but after the bus ride, it's a walking tour with a guide. We don't want to have to be led around at a fast pace, better to go at our own pace due to knee issues. Not sure that's what we want. Ideas welcomed!

There are several Hop On Hop Off Bus options-   we usually view their routes while making a list of the sites we want to visit- good for letting you spend the amount of time you want around the city

https://www.colorbus.fr/en/tour/red-line-visit-marseille-hop-on-hop-off-city-bus-tour/

https://www.getyourguide.com/marseille-l292/marseille-hop-on-hop-off-bus-tour-and-secret-panier-tour-t403464/

 

[Hlitner]

Yes, you can simply get off the ship, catch a shuttle bus or taxi into the heart of town (The Old Port or Vieux Port) and walk around all day if that is what you desire.  You can also catch a boat (from this same Old Port area) over to the nearby island and walk around the famous Chateau d'If (Count of Monte Cristo) ruins.   For lunch, consider finding a place that serves real Bouillabaisse (the dish oft associated with Marseille).  

 

Let me also add that there are frequent travelers/cruisers that seldom to never take tours in European ports (count me in that crowd).  When you take a cruise you are free to explore any port (or region) on your own.  You can rent a car, use local buses, use trains, etc.  The only European exception to the rule would be Russia (if and when cruises return) where going on your own may involve getting a Visa (not an easy process).

 

Hank

[marazul]

If you want to go to Le Castellet, you can be sure you will be led around at a leisurely place.  It probably is a half day excursion so you will have plenty of time to walk around the  Old Port in Marseille if you want.

[slidergirl]

The op said 'village' of marseilles,  just wanted to let them know that Marseille is actually a city, the third largest of France...

if you don't want to take that tour, you can do your time in the Old Port, take a ride up to the cathedral, out to the fort, take a boat out to the island mentioned by hank. There is also a tourist train yu can do - look up 'marseille tourist train' on the 'net for details,  

[2Oldpeopleinlove]

The tram ride from the Vieux Port up to Notre Dame de la Garde is cheap, fun and a winding ride through neighborhoods. Once up at the cathedral, you will have a magnificent view of the city (and of my son’s house if you know where to look!). Marseille is certainly not a village, but it is a fun, interesting city. Just beware of strangers offering “help.”

[jerseyjill]

1 hour ago, 2Oldpeopleinlove said:

The tram ride from the Vieux Port up to Notre Dame de la Garde is cheap, fun and a winding ride through neighborhoods. Once up at the cathedral, you will have a magnificent view of the city (and of my son’s house if you know where to look!). Marseille is certainly not a village, but it is a fun, interesting city. Just beware of strangers offering “help.”

thank you for the info. Unfortunately we decided to cancel this cruise...maybe next time but at least we've done 2 previous Med cruises so we have our memories!

[Rysyonok]

On 9/18/2022 at 6:30 PM, 2Oldpeopleinlove said:

The tram ride from the Vieux Port up to Notre Dame de la Garde is cheap, fun and a winding ride through neighborhoods. Once up at the cathedral, you will have a magnificent view of the city (and of my son’s house if you know where to look!). Marseille is certainly not a village, but it is a fun, interesting city. Just beware of strangers offering “help.”

 

I imagine you're talking about T3 tram line. But isn't it in itself quite a distance from where ships dock? Seems like both subway lines and all three trams are a hike away.