I'm going to be flying in and out of the Marseille airport for the first time on Wednesday and was wondering what those of you who have been through there thought. The reviews on Facebook are just ghastly, but I'm wondering if those are mostly of the low cost terminal. I'll be flying in from Amsterdam on Air France.
I know about the shuttle that takes you downtown to the Gare Saint-Charles.
Any thought? Suggestions?
Hi Alexander, I flew out of Marseilles airport in June and it was fine. No problems checking in or finding the gate. We stayed at the Hotel Beauvau (fabulous hotel) and it was about a 30 minute taxi ride to get there. Overall, I thought Marseille was very nice. Not at all the gritty harbor town I'd read about. Hope you have a great time!
Thanks, Donna! That's EXACTLY where I will be staying as well! I appreciate your help!
The MP2 budget-airline terminal is the worst airport I have ever used in Europe (they should have called it MR2), but the one that the full-price airlines fly into looks a lot better.
Useful airport website: http://www.marseille-airport.com/
Rail connections to places other than Marseille can be made at the airport. There is a regional train stop a few minutes away by bus shuttle; TGV fast train service requires a slightly longer shuttle to the Aix-en-Provence TGV station. Info about trains is on the airport website or check SNCF.
I had no problem flying into Marseille airport this fall. I assume it was at the budget terminal (EasyJet from Rome). I collected my checked bag pretty quickly. Out the window of the baggage claim, I could see the shuttle bus to Aix waiting for me. Of course, departing is when you're more likely to run into lines for check-in, security, and boarding.
Thank you all!!! Can't wait to get there on Wednesday!
I used to be really happy when we were able to fly in and out of the Marseille airport, as opposed to a mega-airport like CDG. It was such a breeze to get to the rental car location and get out of the airport and on our way.
My friends who travel in Europe a lot were appalled with the city and airport and have sworn off both forever more.
My arrival happened without hitch. The airport itself is very nice, however the woman at passport control was about as friendly as a chapped rear. Everyone else in Marseille has been wonderful. I'm loving every moment!
Alexander - thanks for the follow up!
Hey phred, I don't know what your friends expected in Marseille but it's one of my favorite French cities. In fact, Anthony Bourdain just listed it it as his favorite! Walking along Vieux Port at different times of day is always an adventure from the fish mongers with the morning catch to lovers strolling at night. The city is a melting pot of all the countries on the Mediterranean. A magnificent cathedral overlooking the city, a classic mix of cultures, excellent restaurants, local artisans, good museums, Chateau d'If and the calanques. Yes the city is gritty, but to me it adds to the charm. Though I only flew out of the airport once, it was easy to get to and simple to find my flight. To me any airport is no more than an inconvenience to be borne by travelers, not a tourist attraction in itself.
Sort of reminds me of the Bronx where I was born. Marseille, though the second largest city in France, gets little respect and is joked about, reviled by Parisians and condemned by the ignorant. Yup, it's the Bronx of France. I can hardly wait to go back.
Right on! This is my first time here and I've fallen completely in love with it. What a city! The people here are amazing. The food is fabulous and the sites are just gorgeous. My hotel is the Hotel Beauvau and the breakfast room overlooks the port. I'm totally enchanted.
The bad news. I only have 4 days left!
I guess for some reason it didn't match what they were expecting. Most articles I've seen about the city are raves, although of course in the travel magazine business you don't get very far criticizing destinations.
My experience leaving from the airport was fantastic. What an easy airport to get to and get through. Just make sure you're not too early. Then you have to wait to even go through security (you can be 2 hours early).
My trip to Marseille and alentours was one of my best trips to France ever. 8 days total in Marseille and Provence and I cannot wait to go back. What a high!
I flew out of Marseille a couple of years ago on a large carrier, perhaps Air Canada, I cannot remember. It was fine BUT one of the group I was with had overweight luggage, so she had to re-organize everything to fit to the weight restrictions.
Happy Travels.
