Will be in Marseille for one day( 12 hours), off a cruise.
Any suggestions as to the best to see?

First stop for breakfast and make a reservation at Chez Fonfon to have their famous Bouiliabasse. The restaurant is nestled in a tiny harbor.

ttt

Here's how we spent one day just outside of Marseille. Do the partial hike, it's worth the time!

Hike to Calanque Morgiou, we asked the TI how to drive to the parking area. They have a great map there and can give directions. We needed it. You drive east along the coast, towards Stade Velodrome. Rond Point is on the signs then follow the signs to Limouz. This is the location of the parking lot, or street parking for the hike into the Calanques. A bus also makes this trip, I think Bus 21.

It’s a pretty, but long hike just to the start of the hike to Morgiou. We decided upon arriving, that the hike down to Morgiou or Sugiton was going to take a very long time. Instead we hiked to the viewpoint. This was still at least 45 minutes or a hour one way with spectacular views! We were thrilled with the views and it turned out to be the right choice for us.

This is part of a trip report I posted in 2008.

Barry, we also had only one day in Marseille on a recent cruise. It is posted in the Europe forum under Transatlantic cruise, part 2, ports of call. Basically, we took the shuttle from the ship to the harbor in Marseille, walked about six blocks to the bus stop and took a bus from Marseille to Aix en Provence for the day. We returned, wandered a bit in Marseille, and took a taxi back to the ship. I highly recommend going to Aix for the day. It is charming. There is more in my report.

You could also take the train to Avignon.

In Marseille itself, see the old port, perhaps take the boat out to the Château d'If, go up to the plateau of the Basilica Notre-Dame-du-Gard to see the panoramic view (and the church, if services are not being held).

The number 60 bus picks up at the old port and goes to Notre Dame de Garde. The view is spectacular and the church very pretty. We ate at La Brasserie in old port area and their dauraude (sp?) special was the best fish I'd had for a long time. Check bus schedules-we waited about 20 minutes for bus going back.

A visit to Aix is also a possibility. See my "Provence Sandwich" report for more Aix info.

I agree with Underhill here. I was in Marseille for one full day and did about what he suggests plus lunch. I did spend the night but left very early the next morning. My son lived there and we had just the one day with him. If you go to Chateau d"If be sure not to miss the boat you will need as this caused us a delay. I would not try to go to Avignon though. Aix could be possible depending on transportation. I really enjoyed Marseille and think 12 hours will be about right. Happy travels!!!

thanks everybody for your input