We are leaving for a cruise on July 23rd departing from Marseille. We arrive on the evening of the 20th and wanted to spend a few days before the cruise touring the near by towns and villages.
My questions are.....
1. Should you use Marseille as a base then rent a car and drive to the villages near by?
2. Should we stay in another smaller town then the morning of the cruise drive into the port at Marseille?
3. What are the must see areas close by ( within a 2 hour drive ) from Marseille?
Also, after the cruse we come back for another 3 nights and we are debating whether to take the train to Nice for the 3 nights before heading back to Marseille to fly home. Any suggestions here......
Thank you for ANY help you could provide!
HELP!! Need ideas for post cruise......
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You have many options.
One option would be basing yourselves in Les Baux or St. Remy and visit the Provence from there - rich Roman heritage, picturesque towns, medieval history, beautiful scenery - places like Roman ruins in Arles, Nimes, Pont du Gard, Les Antiques, the ruined medieval village Les Baux, the Papal Palace in Avignon etc.
Another option would be to base yourselves in Cassis. You can enjoy the sea, swim, snorkel, make boat trips to the scenic coves. From Cassis, you can do a daytrip to the Cote d'Azur with spectacular scenery, breathtaking beaches, world-class art museums and lifestyle.
If you want to do daytrips both into the Provence and to the Cote d'Azur, Aix-en-Provence would make a strategic base. From Aix, you are within 1:15 at the Cote d'Azur. The provencal destinations are also within close range.
Hi JJ,
)
>What are the must see areas close by ( within a 2 hour drive ) from Marseille? <
It would be easier to tell you where not to go.
Marseille is an industrial town, not without its charm, but not near the top of the list.
Avignon, Nimes and Arles as well as Les Baux and St Remy de Provence are all well within a 2 hr drive.
I would spend some time in that vicinity both before and after your cruise. (In truth, I would skip the cruise.
This might help in your planning.
http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/ira-returns-from-22-loverly-days-in-europe.cfm
Enjoy your visit.