Marseille, Avignon, and Nice

Thanks for the tip about renting a car!

We'll be in Marseille May 29-June 2, Avignon June 2-4 and Nice June 4-9

Marseilles is the last place I would choose to spend four days in Provence. Stay someplace close enough, such as Aix, to make a day trip into the city to see what you want there. Spend 2-3 nights in Aix then move on. Don't miss the Luberon which is quintessential Provence. I suggest you get good guidebooks including Michelin Green Guide to Provence.

Having stayed six months in Cassis and driving into Marseille over the stunning coast road above the Calanques a few times a week, I have to say I really do like Marseille. Don't miss the crypt of the St. Victor Basilic and the Greek temple, the ancient ship in the archaeological museum, etc. That said, I'd stay in Aix too, day trip to Marseille, Cassis, and more. It's a smaller city, easier to get in and out, and a college town too, but with an interesting center.
When in Avignon, don't miss the Roman theater in Orange, a must. You will find sooo much to do no matter where you are.

As for the Luberon villages, they can be charming, people love visiting them, but I find them a little boring (but I've spent a lot of time in France) and prefer seeing more historic sites. Those that are touristic have been restored and are beautiful to see, particularly from a distance.

Well we've already booked our hotel in Marseille so there's no getting out of that ha. We have looked into the Marseille City Pass and that looks to be a pretty good deal and will allow us to do everything we are wanting to do! One thing we really want to do is to visit and explore the Calanques, but we don't know the best way to do that, is there a tour or a particular area recommended?

I recall ads for tours of the Calanques leaving from Cassis. We didn't take one because we didn't have time. You can get to Cassis by train from Marseilles. From Marseilles you could take a day trip to the Camargue and Aigues Mortes but you'll need a car. Same for the Luberon (Gordes, Bonnieux, etc.).

Boat tours from Marseille to the Calenques are convenient, but check schedules to be sure they allow you enough time. I would prefer to spend a whole day focused on boating/hiking/swimming around the Calenques. The train station in Cassis is a bit high on the hill, but if trains allow you more time there, then the local bus connection is worth it. Rick's Provence & French Riviera book has detailed, practical info for of all the towns you're mentioned.

Just want to mention - we did the Pope's palace in Avignon (watch out for the petition girls!!)....and...I wish I had heard RS advice before going - it looks nice from the outside, inside - there isn't much happening. Mostly empty rooms...just, not much interesting. I heard that advice a few months after we got back from our trip, unfortunately. For the high cost of going in...honestly, I would recommend skipping it...but that's totally up to you! Avignon is lovely! We did enjoy the Pont D'Avignon. We took a tour also to Pont du Gard, Uzes, and Nimes, which is easily doable from Avignon with a car.

Nice - we enjoyed walking up Castle Hill (actually, walking down - there is a free elevator up - or there was in 2012. Amazing views!), the Russian Orthodox church (check the hours - we walked only to get there just when it closed at I think around 11am or so and had to come back), the Cours Saleya market (which we got too when it was closing up - should have gone there before trying the church!). And just the walk along the waterfront is amazing. And of course all the lovely villages around Nice - Villefranche, Monaco (village - lol), Eze...