We are stopping in Marseilles for one day on our Mediterranean cruise, please advise whether it is worth taking a ship's excursion into the town or whether we should just hang around the port? Thanks

Try to get an excursion that takes you beyond Marseille--an entire day is too long just to hang around the port.

The trains are extremely easy to use and can get you to St. Tropez and Nice.

Not knowing where else your ship will be visiting, it's hard to suggest activities for Marseille. The port is a longish taxi ride from the old harbor etc., but going into the city is worth it. If you want to go shopping, Marseille has some quite decent pedestrian precincts with good shops, where things like clothing, Provencal fabric, etc. can be got for considerably less than in the higher-priced ports of call frequented by cruise ships (like Nice or Monaco.)

Oh, and La Boutique du Glacier - bakery/ice cream shop on Pl. Charles de Gaulle - die and go to heaven.

Marseille is definitely worth a visit. I don't know how much time you'd have, but you could take a taxi to the Old Port area, which is interesting in itself. As someone wrote, there are very good shopping opportunities in that area, including a large mall. Sephora, Galeries Lafayette, Longchamps, and designer shops are all within a couple of blocks of the Old Port. Lots of good restaurants too.

You could also take a ferry out to Chateau d'If, the setting of The Count of Monte Cristo, or a boat tour of the Calanques, or take a city tour and visit Notre Dame de Garde high on a hill overlooking Marseille, as well as other sites.

Check Fodors "Destinations" section for ideas.

Um, I don't think you can get to St-Tropez by train.

Thanks for the advice. Based on your sugestions,we will take an excursion into the city.