Hello all, we are going to Provence (small village near Avignon) for two weeks in Sept. I know Marseille is a bit closer to drive, but recall flying into Nice and it was quite a simple experience when it came to the car rental, arrival/departure etc. Would love to know your airport experience in Marseille and or Nice. Being from a small town in Ontario Canada the less traffic problems the better.

I think Marseille would be much closer in terms of driving... The added distance to Nice isn't all that much, but you're talking windy roads through the hills. Picturesque, but in your jetlagged state right after arrival, probably not a drive you'd want to make.

The drive from Nice to Avignon is all super highway -- a piece of cake, but will take about 2 and a half hours.
I've not flown into Marseille so can't compare, but Nice airport really is easy, including the car rentals, etc. and the easy route to the highway.

I have done both airports.

If you are going to be staying near Avignon, obviously, Marseille would be the much closer airport. The drive from Nice is auto route, but I would think that you would not care for the drive after the long flight.

The Marseille airport is small. The car rental is very convenient. I think more convenient than the Nice airport.

Enjoy your trip planning.

I've flown into Marseille and rented a car there, and it was very easy. I would definitely do that instead as it is closer to Avignon and there is no reason not to.

Thank you so much to all who have taken the time to write. I appreciate it.

I've used both airports & agree with gracejoan3 & Christina.

Stu Dudley

Thanks Stu,
we have decided to fly into Marseille ... we will rent a car from Auto Europe. How far is the airport from the city? Anyone know of a nice reasonably priced accommodation near the airport for the night before we fly back?
Thanks again for the thoughtful information I always get on this board.

The airprt is out of town a bit. When we flew out in the morning, we stayed east of Aix at Relais Ste Victoir in Beaurecueil. It's an excellent restaurant with rooms. Car drop-off wan a non-event - very easy.

Stu Dudley

Thanks again Stu, I think I'll check out somewhere closer, preferrably at the airport just for our last night. Another thing, the village we will be staying in, Cabrieres d'Avignon is very small. Would you stop, say in Aix for lunch and supplies (um food and wine of course) or if not Aix somewhere convenient for shopping but a beautiful spot for lunch as well? I don't want much

According to the airport website, it is located about 25 Km (15 miles) from the city center.

Cabrieres d'Avignon is where we stay too - been there for 4 weeks total in a Gite.

The town actually has a very nice Mom & Pop store. Across the street is a charcuterie where we've purchased lamb, chicken, etc. They'll even roast a chicken for you if you give them a day's notice. Both stores have lots of interesting deli stuff you can purchase. We've cooked many dinners at the gite with purchases we've made at these two shops. Bakery around the corner.

There is a huge Hypermarche just outside of Apt - you can't miss it. Also, an excellent deli/wine shop/restaurant in Coustellet - where there's a good Sunday morning market.

Not sure I understand your question about the lunch spot. I wouldn't stop in Aix just for lunch provisions - it's hard to get in/out. There are plenty of nice spots in the Luberon, Lourmarin, etc.

Stu Dudley

We've stayed at the Best Western at the Marseille airport. It was fine and had shuttle service to the terminal early am.

Thanks Judy I'll check it out!

Stu I can't believe you stay in the same place! Our friends, Rick Styles and Lana Quinn own a home there. Since it is such a small world maybe you know them. Thanks for the info about the village, we really haven't caught up with Rick and Lana yet as to what is available now. We were there a few years ago and I just recall a couple of very small shops, but I do recall the bakery very well. Yum.
I thought we might stop for lunch before we got to Rick & Lana's, but somewhere conveniently located on the way, charming, good food and not extravagant ... good food is the key.
Thanks again Stu.

I should also mention our friends will not be in Cabrieres. They are now living in Vancouver B.C.

Beckie

I'll be travelling with a school group to Avignon in March 2008. I hope you'll make some pics of your trip available. We also live in a small town in Ontario, about 45 minutes south of Owen Sound. Are we close?

The road from Marseille to Nice doesn't have to be winding roads--that's the coastal route, which is very slow. The easiest thing is to take the autoroute, which should take about 3 hours.

Hi teacher! Sorry we are not closer. I'm in Chatham which is located about mid-way between London and Windsor. My DH takes very nice photographs and allot of them! I will definately send you some ... I can send you some now of our trip to Provence a few years ago if you would like me to PM you.

Thanks Underhill I was actually wondering how long a drive it was from Nice to Marseille because I would love to spend a couple days in or around Villefranche before heading home via Marseille!

I stayed in a Villa in Villefranche-sur-Mer for 2 weeks a couple of years ago. The Alpilles around St. Remy are favorites of mine..a lovely hotel, La Riboto de Taven, in Les Baux is also a favorite.I went there for a weekend from Villefranche using the auto route. It was a 2 1/2 very easy drive.