I'm studying abroad in France this summer, and our base is Aix. I definitely want to explore Aix all that I can, but I only have class until noon every day. What would you guys recommend as possible day trips? I most likely won't want to spend the night anywhere, as I will need to be back at a decent hour for dinner with my host family. I also won't have a car, so bus will likely be my main transportation. Is this even possible?

I've looked into Gréoux-les-Bains, Martigues, and Cassis. Anywhere I'm missing?

Thanks!, Meaghan

With the TGV, there are lots of opportunities.

Lyon is only 1 1/2 hrs away. There is a train that leaves at 1:00, and another at 2:00 from the Aix TGV station. Return departs Lyon at 8:00pm.

Marseille by bus or train.

Avignon is on the TGV line, so that would be a good choice.

Play with this site to find bus & train connections
http://www.reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

Note that dates are in dd/mm/yy format & times are military.

Stu Dudley

Which Aix ?

Cassis would be quite a long trip from Aix les Bains, so I assumed the OP is referring to Aix en Provence - which has quit a large student population.

Stu Dudley

Yes- Aix-En-Provence...sorry! Should have specified! Lyon sounds like a definite possibility. Thanks for the advice, Stu!

Stu.

You are wonderful, I have read a lot of your suggestions in the past and definitly you have influenced my travel plans a great deal.
Now I am planning a France vacation, after 3 days in Paris, I need help to make a nice easy week in Provence.
I don't like to hop around to much, so one or 2 H.Q. towns would be great.
So for one week in Provence can you please give me any suggestions?
Thanks
msliv

St Remy for 3-4 days, then the Luberon (Menerbes or Gordes or Roussillon or Goult, etc) for the remainder. This assumes that you will have a car.

Stu Dudley

Thank you Stu, I am sure we all look forward to your answers. They are righ on.
msliv