Greetings. We will base in Avignon for 4 nights next week. I had originally wanted to include the Cote D'azur in my trip but that did not work out. I checked train schedules and it looks doable. I wanted to know if anyone has done this or is totally unreasonable? I know there are closer day trips but I so wanted to see the Mediterranean. Also, how close is train station to actual seafront? I know I may be naive here, so please be kind. Thank you!
Posted by
Washington DC
27111 posts
I hope someone else has a good suggestion for you. This seems to be a "you can do it but" situation.
My quick check of the train schedule is discouraging. It's not just that the trip takes over two hours each way, but that the first departure isn't until 11:55 AM, getting you to Cassis at 2:27 PM after a change of trains at Marseille-St. Charles.
Then there's the location of the train station. You were smart to wonder about its location vis-a-vis the coastline. That station is 3 km. (almost 2 miles) from the water. That's on foot; it's a bit farther by bus or taxi. There is some bus service, but I don't know how frequent it is; some Googling may turn up that information to you. I'd also imagine a taxi might be possible, but I didn't look for those when I was in Cassis in 2017. I remember walking down to the water (and it is distinctly downhill in that direction); I don't remember whether I walked back up to the station or managed to catch a bus.
The return trains depart at 5:02 PM, 6:03 PM and 7:33 PM. A prudent person would probably not plan to take the last train.
It looks as if the round-trip fare to Cassis will be about 56 euros. You can decide how you feel about spending that much for 4-1/2 hours on trains and between 2 and 3-1/2 hours in Cassis.
You could opt for Marseille instead and see the Old Port area, then walk along the waterfront to the oddity that is Vallon des Auffes. There are many more trains to Marseille, leaving all through the day. Most take 70 to 80 minutes each way. The fare might be quite a bit cheaper than the fare to Cassis; it varies with the departure date and time.
Posted by
Wisconsin, USA
136 posts
You might be able to see the Mediterranean with a jeep tour to Camargue from Avignon or Arles. Or there are bus routes. Sorry that I don't have any more details - we decided to spend more time at Roman ruins instead.
Posted by
Paris
6893 posts
Marseille would be far easier than Cassis, getting you better access to the Mediterranean. The train takes between 1:20-1:55, direct regional trains tend to be slower than the regional train+TGV option but there is a convenient fast regional train at 6.48 AM on weekdays. It stings, but you'd be in Marseille at 8.
For excellent sea views, you could start with a short hike in the Calanques. Take the metro to Rond Point du Prado, bus B1 to Luminy, walk south along a broad path until you see the sea, then take a right along a concrete path with a few stairs at the end, towards the Belvedere des Calanques / Belvédère de Sugiton. It is a very easy walk, no more than 90 minutes round trip with minimal elevation again. With the bus and all, it is a bit time consuming, but if you want to experience the coast I find this is a good option.
I have to admit, though, that for much less effort, the views are arguably better from the sea, with regular boat tours starting from the Vieux Port.
And the city itself is worth exploring, especially the Vieux Port area, the Panier old town on the north side (with Mucem museum next to it, even if you do not go in the grounds are stunning), Notre Dame de la Garde on the south side.