Marseilles instead of Aix
 

My daughter and her friend are finally fine tuning their trip. They had originally planned to go to Aix en Provence but decided to go to Marseilles instead and take a day trip out to Aix. They have heard that Marseilles can be a bit dangerous depending on where you go and the time of day/night. But what few posts I've found here give me the impression that it is like any big city... Don't be foolish and use some wisdom. I just don't know if this is really the type of city that will give them a good base for this area. Any other suggestions are very welcome.

Is there a better place to go in order to visit Provence? They will be traveling from Bologna and only have 3 days in Provence.

They are now in the process of looking for a hotel in Marseilles. Any recommendations? They are hoping to keep it under 130 euros a night and be in a safe area.

Any ideas as to what to do in Marseilles? Visit the old port, the old quarter of Panier, Palaise de Longchamp, the Cathedral of the Major, the ruins of Jardin, and Notre Dame de la Garde? What is best? These are 21 year old young women so they don't plan on going to lots of museums.

Thank you!

DH and I stayed in Aix and took bus to Marseille for day-saw Notre Dame de la Garde, ate at harbor and strolled the main street back to bus stop. We probably didn't do it justice.

If your daughter and friend have a car, I'd say they'd have more fun staying in Aix. Scads of students. We stayed in hotel Aquabella (www.aquabella.fr) and loved it. It has a pool and spa. It was also near a great main square. Super to come "home" to after a long day on the road. We traveled only by bus or train and often said we thought Aix would have been better with a car.

If they are carless, Marseilles (or nearby Cassis) would be more convenient for train travel. I think Avignon is also pretty convenient if that's in their traveling scope. As for danger, I think you are correct about taking big city precautions in Marseilles. We took a guided tour of Cassis and loved it but I don't know how far the train station is to the center. I can't help with Marseille hotels.

Just remembered that they wanted 25 euros to go from the train station in Marseille to the old harbor. We thought that was a rip so walked about 25 minutes to get to harbor on our own.

I don't believe Marseille is as bad or as dangerous has many might have us believe even though there might be some rather unsavory locations, particularly at night. However as you mention <i>daughter</i>, I believe she really might find Aix-en-Provence a more compelling visit than Marseille, at least as a base. Aix has a vibrant and youthful community as there is a good sized university right there in town.

The office de tourisme offers numerous excursions from Aix. Here is a list:

http://www.aixenprovencetourism.com/aix-excursions.htm

As TDudette has noted above, Avignon is arguable the easiest city in Provence from which to explore the region. It has the largest number of TGV connections, bus line connections and is very closely situated in the heart of Provence.

Marseille has good train and bus connections because it is so big, but it is hardly a typical Provencale city. It has a very different history due to its port, businesses, and occupations and population. So if they dont' care about that, it could work out. It is a dynamic and upcoming city in various ways.

I agree with Christina here. I am sort of afraid they might not get what they expect with Marseille. Aix is a much more fun town in terms of getting around it by foot etc.

I also agree that if Aix feels too small or inconvenient then Avignon would make a better base than Marseilles-well situated and a lot easier to get around in than Marseille in many ways.

You are right that Marseille is no more dangerous than any other large city. I think it's great and you've hit most of the tourist-type attractions. They should look for a hotel down on the Old Port to be within walking distance of most everything they'd want to visit.

All that being said, for 21 year old kids looking to have a good time in Provence - no question Aix is the place. The fact that it is a university town makes all the difference. And they can walk around safely at night going from restaurant to bar to club - it really is magical in the evening. Marseille at night, is just not the same thing.

-Kevin